Chapter 2 2

Me? Invited? I can't believe the email says that," I say, as I approach to see it up close and make sure it's not a joke from Stella. I hope she's not lying because my heart is racing and beating at a thousand beats per minute. I pick up the computer and check it. After all, if I have been invited to the event on Saturday, it impresses me, but at the same time, it scares me. I don't want to meet my coworkers yet. I don't feel ready for that. I slide the computer to the other side and look at Stella nervously.

"I can't believe it," I say, as Stella shows me the email on my computer.

"You have to go," she says excitedly.

"I can't attend, I don't have any clothes and I don't know anyone there."

As I say that, I receive another email with two invitations - one for me and another for anyone I want to bring. Stella's eyes widen and she smiles like the Cheshire Cat. I hate her smile because I know exactly what it means, and I know she's going to want me to go with her. In fact, she's the one who will go with me.

"I have no idea how to get into that company, and I'm aware that everyone who works there dresses well and has money. We're not exactly the richest girls in town. And I love you, Stella, but I refuse to go."

"I'm not asking you to go just for me. You can go alone if you want, but I want you to attend because it will be an important step for you. It's the first time you've been invited. You have to go, Ginger."

"If Mom were here..."

"No," she snaps. "Your mom isn't here, your dad isn't either, and no one from your family is here. I'm here, and I'm telling you it's the best option you have. If you don't want to believe me, don't, but that's how it is."

"I'll go," I reply. "I have to go buy a dress suitable for the occasion, and I need to be prepared so that the work looks incredible. I'm not going there to watch everyone criticize the work I do."

"No one is going to criticize it. You're the best," she kisses my forehead and smiles warmly. She's right, it's the only thing I'm sure of when it comes to me - I'm good at what I do, and I've spent years perfecting my creativity for this moment. When I told my parents that I was going to study graphic design, I was afraid they would say it wasn't a good career choice. I was even afraid that they wouldn't support me in the decision I was making. But it was the opposite - they were happy, and Mom said it was the best choice of my life. I graduated from college, had already met Stella, and we both moved to Los Angeles. We paid for an apartment for the two of us, and then I bought a house for my parents.

As far back as I can remember, I've wanted to live near them, and when I had the opportunity to buy them a house so they could live near me, I was proud of what I had achieved. My job allows me to live comfortably, and Stella's work helps us have a great life.

I finished making my sandwich and went straight to finish my work tasks. I spent all night working, didn't sleep a wink, and had all the frustration on top of me. I drank many cups of coffee to stay awake and watched videos at the end, hoping to feel like I had at least rested a little. I don't think it worked enough because I was already falling asleep during the first video.

The next day, I woke up at 4 pm. It was Friday, and I had lost the whole day sleeping. For a second, I remembered all the work I had to do until I saw my computer on the kitchen table and noticed several cups around it. I always do that when I work - it's part of my personal brand and my messiness. The apartment remains clean only because Stella takes care of cleaning. I'm the cook in the house, and that's how we split up the heavy responsibilities that no one wants to do at the end of the day.

"It seems strange that she hasn't picked up the cups. It's four o'clock, and I don't feel her presence in any corner of the apartment. She must have gone out or be at Maria's house. Sometimes when I sleep too much, she leaves to distract herself or simply to get some fresh air.

Byron is a beach on the outskirts of the city, it actually looks more like a small town on its own. It has a relaxed atmosphere, there are supermarkets, clothing stores, nightclubs, hotels, affordable apartments that you can buy to stay there without paying, and a series of things that are definitely worth it. I have a list of things I would like to do in Byron. It's like the place I've always wanted to live in. I wish my life were a beach movie, and I could go wherever I want without fear or regrets. I've thought a lot about what my life would be like there, whether I would like to live near the beach or the town, whether I would want to marry a sexy surfer, or stay here in Los Angeles waiting to fall in love with a famous model or actor. Sometimes I think that I have burnt my brain from reading too many books.

My mind is flooded with a perfect life. I think I have almost the perfect life I want, except for a boyfriend and a group of male friends who will take care of me as if I were the most important thing in their eyes. Byron is my destination when I have enough money to buy a car and another apartment and settle there.

"Ginger!" Maria shouts with excitement as she opens the apartment door. I hug her confused because I don't remember giving her the key, and then I see Stella entering behind her.

"I brought you a dress," she announces.

I can't believe it."