Chapter 2
Before the lecturer came in, I got a chance to talk with my best friend, Jessie.
"You saw my text, right?"
"What text?" she asked, confused. "I don't think I saw it. I was so busy with my assignments last night that I slept really late. I'm even surprised I made it to class early today. I haven't been on my phone since yesterday afternoon. What was the text about?"
"I need a job," I replied with a pitiful look.
"Okay—wait! What?" Jessie exclaimed. "You need a job? Stop playing with me, girl. Why would you need a job? Your family has millions!"
"I'm not playing," I said seriously. "Can you help me find one? I need money for a new iPad."
She stared at me as I continued. "You know how old and laggy my iPad is. My dad refuses to change it even though he has more than enough money, so I have to do it myself."
"Alright," she sighed softly, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "I will talk to my boss and see if there is any space available. If there isn't, we won't give up—we can look into finding you a tutoring job instead, or I can ask my sister if there is an opening at her workplace. We will figure something out, okay? One way or another, you are going to get a job."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Thank you, Jessie!"
"Come on, don't stand on ceremony. We are best friends. It's the least I can do."
After class, Jessie informed me that her boss had agreed and that I should come over for a short interview. I screamed happily.
"If I get this job and work for just some month, plus my pocket money—and if I sell this old iPad—I'm pretty sure I will have a new ipad soon!"
"Girlie, don't get too excited yet," Jessie warned. "My boss is full of surprises—and he's very mean. Let's just pray you get the job. Come on, let's go."
"Go where?" I asked.
"To the coffee shop, silly. For the interview."
"Now?" My eyes widened. "Jessie, I can't go right now. I have to go for a blind date."
"A blind date?" she repeated.
"Yeah. Remember I told you Layla was supposed to go on a blind date my parents set up?"
"Yes!"
"She's not going anymore. I'm the one going instead. Whatever Layla doesn't want to do, my parents make me do it."
Jessie laughed. "Oh, come on. Don't be sad. It's just a blind date—what could possibly go wrong? Just have a short conversation, enjoy a free brunch, and who knows? Maybe he will be the love of your life."
I rolled my eyes as she continued dramatically, "I'm praying he's cute and a gentleman. I'm so happy my bestie is finally leaving the single-girls market. Go already! Meet me at the coffee shop when you are done. I can't wait to hear everything."
"But what about the interview?" I asked worriedly.
"Leave that to me," she said confidently. "Now go."
"Okay, okay. Bye!"
As I walked toward the fast-food restaurant—thankfully just a few minutes away from campus—I couldn't stop my imagination from running wild.
What if Jessie is right?
What if he really turns out to be the love of my life? What if after four or five dates he asks me to be his girlfriend?
"Oh, Leah, stop daydreaming," I muttered to myself. "Focus and get this over with. You still have a job interview waiting."
I continued walking, trying not to imagine things, when I suddenly noticed an elderly man being confronted by a mugger. The mugger was trying to grab the old man's wallet, and the man looked ready to give it up.
Without thinking, I rushed toward them and shouted loudly.
Startled, the mugger let go of the wallet and ran away. I picked it up from the ground and handed it to the old man.
"Grandpa, are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine. Thank God you came."
"You have to be very careful in this part of the city," I said seriously. "There are so many muggers around. I even have some tips—don't make yourself vulnerable, walk confidently, and always keep your belongings close."
As I demonstrated each tip dramatically, I realized I probably looked ridiculous. The old man laughed warmly.
"Come on, Grandpa, don't laugh. These tips really work," I said, smiling. "Are you alone, or are you waiting for someone? I can walk you home if you'd like."
"I would love that," he said, "but my house is very far from here."
"Then why are you here?"
He chuckled. "This old man worries too much. I came to monitor my grandson, but my job is done. He finally decided to do the right thing and spared me from a second heart attack."
I blinked. "So… do you need help meeting your grandson?"
"No, silly girl. I'm a spy. He can't see me."
I laughed and immediately agreed with him.
"Should I call you a cab?"
"I don't use cabs."
"Then should I walk you to the train station?"
Instead, he smiled. "I just want you to have a cup of coffee with me as a thank-you for being brave and saving me."
"There is really no need," I said, but he didn't take no for an answer.
"Okay, Grandpa," I finally agreed. "But I'm paying. I can't let you settle the bill."
"That coffee shop over there makes really nice coffee," I added. "You should try it."
We went inside, ordered, and waited for our drinks while chatting.
"So," he asked kindly, "how old are you, little girl?"
"Nineteen. I will be twenty next year."
"Wow, you are very young. What university do you attend?"
"The state university. I'm in my fourth year."
He raised an eyebrow. "You're fast. You must be smart."
"Kind of," I said shyly. "Most people say so, but most of the time I feel really dumb."
At that, Grandpa burst into laughter.