Chapter 4

#Chapter 4

Evelyn

All it took was one event and my whole perspective on life changed. It was like an undefined force took my world and spun it, shaking everything and everyone around me. By the time my feet hit the ground and gravity gripped me, I had already lost my footing. And none of the forces keeping me balanced were able to put me back on my axis.

"Look who's here." Ivan drops to his haunches and tickles both sides of Miles's neck. My pet smiles like he's running in a field of butterflies.

"Good morning to you too Ivan," I grumble. He ignores me and talks to Miles, who relishes in the shadow of Ivan's attention.

I greet the handful of people who work with me.

As my company is still in the air and getting whispered about in only a few ears, everyone here works part-time.

Jessica and Opal are in charge of card design. Jessica is in high school, but as it's summer break, she's in the office every morning and stays till the end of the day. As for Opal, she's a university student majoring in art and design. She's a computer geek too. Her skills enable her to turn Jessica's hand-drawn sketches into a digital format so they can be printed onto the cards.

Declan has majored in marketing but isn't landing the job he wants. After applying to tons of known companies, he's still gotten no response from them as of now.

I've always thought that getting a good degree would land you your dream job, but things don't work out sometimes. Especially with the growing rate of new graduates and grueling competition, finding a good job is hard these days. And landing your own business is even more strenuous. With growing talent and access to social media, almost everyone is in the race and desperate to win.

Ivan's finance degree has gotten him a job as several people's financial advisor. Balancing their accounts, assets, and money is what he's good at. He's got the intelligence and skills to multiply money, and every single client of his sings his praises. That's how I knew there would be no one else I'd ask to handle my company's finances.

I'd never say it to his face because my appreciation would grow his already enormous ego, but he excels at his work.

"So what's the plan for today?" Jessica asks with her small eyes and bright smile.

"I'd like you to make some banners, posts, and videos for promotional purposes. Make sure the name of the company is visible. Also, try to do something with blue."

"Got it, boss. I'll show you the designs before handing them to Opal and Declan." I give her a thumbs up and search for Opal who's nowhere to be seen.

"Hey Jess, where's Opal?" I ask.

"She didn't text me back. I assume she's got a class. It's Thursday." With her classes and assignments, she barely gets to manage her studies let alone my work. I try my best to not hand her too much but she plays an important role here, so ultimately I have to.

"Let me know what she responds." With that Jessica goes away.

"Good morning, boss." Yasmine hands me a coffee that has vapor escaping the hot liquid.

I thank her and we both start walking toward my office.

"Good morning, assistant." Yasmine is my personal assistant. She freelances for a living. Creative writing and proofreading are the niches she's chosen and earns well from. As all of her work is online, it gives her time to balance her hours with me and continue doing what she loves.

"So what are the updates?"

"Last night I got a few emails from our previous clients. I had asked them to write us an honest review so we can post it on our website and other platforms. Trust me, Evelyn, the messages were so sweet. It makes me believe that we did an amazing job for someone's big day."

"That's all I ever hope for." I take a seat on my white swivel chair and Yasmine deposits herself in the other seat that's across from my dark gray desk.

"I want to talk to you about something." I gesture for her to continue as interest pinches me.

"We've got cards covered. Don't you think we should turn this into a wedding planner company?" Something pulls my heart down and I'm unable to tug it back up.

"It's a long shot. I mean we're not doing good financially at the moment. So hiring a planner? That'll cost us. Plus, we're still new to this thing. I've only befriended a few retailers and people, and spread my name out."

A subtle smirk etches at the corners of her pink lips and I wave at her to just spit it out.

"All I can hear is a list of fears." Leaning over the table she crosses her fingers through the gaps and fixes me with determination. "I get it. You're afraid of taking risks. But I feel like you can do it. After all, you built this company from nothing. That was a big risk in itself. But you did it and for two years you were flourishing. It's only now you've hit a barricade."

Setting her unruly bundle of brunette curls, Yasmine continues, "fears are meant to be conquered. And you're the woman who has the grace and courage to do it. Besides, it's time we aim to touch the sky."

"You're right."

"I know. I want to see this company becoming something more. Something extravagant."

After my pep talk with Yasmine, the idea gyrates the corners of my mind like a whisper spoken by a stranger. All I'm thinking about are her words and confidence in me.

A part of me knows I can do it. I've already made one of my dreams true all by myself. From here the sky's the limit. I can project in all directions and get involved in the lucrative wedding industry. It would not only help me make a good living but also benefit my small circle of employees.

The minutes bleed into hours as I check emails and research. I put my notebook next to my laptop and take notes and scribble ideas that come to me in the process.

Miles strolls into my room and sits beside me for a while and then goes out—probably to play with Jessica. He likes her a lot.

In the afternoon Ivan goes out on lunch with a client of his. Miles tags along like a shadow, and happily returns with a bit of vanilla ice cream stuck to his nose.

Sometimes I wonder if my dog is even loyal to me or not. He genuinely loves everyone—specifically those who give him long scratches. That's his favorite thing in the world.

Once the sunlight disappears and the sky is black, I shut off my laptop and grab it and my other stuff. The office is empty and quiet by the time I lock the doors and switch off the lights.

Miles follows me to my car and I help him inside.

I'm about to open the door to the driver's seat when I feel someone's eyes on me. I turn and search across the street but no passerby has their gaze fixed on me. Everyone seems to be minding their own business.

An icy chill races down my entire backbone and I straighten up in awareness. In the pit of my stomach, my gut tells me that someone was watching me. Observing my moves and body. The realization erupts a sick feeling inside of me.

My golden retriever barks and catches my attention. His eyes silently study me. I give him a reassuring smile and quickly pull away from the street and merge onto the main road. The more distance I put, the more my anxiety lessens. Though the nagging perception still chews at my insides throughout the ride.