When the Tables Turn

Jalissa sat in Gina's car in the parking lot of Owens Tech, still reeling from the whirlwind of the past 24 hours. The interview, the dinner with Victor, and the grueling five hours of questions had left her both mentally exhausted and exhilarated.

Her phone buzzed on the passenger seat, snapping her out of her thoughts. It was Gina.

"Tell me everything!" Gina's voice came through before Jalissa could even say hello.

"Gina, it was incredible," Jalissa said, leaning back against the headrest. "The interview lasted five hours. Five! Victor asked me tough questions, had me critique a proposal, and even asked for feedback on one of his products."

"And?" Gina pressed. "Did he offer you the job?"

"Not yet," Jalissa admitted, biting her lip. "But I think I made a good impression. At least, I hope I did."

"You're going to get it," Gina said confidently. "I can feel it. And when you do, we're celebrating. Drinks on me."

Jalissa chuckled softly. "I'll hold you to that."

Later that evening, as Jalissa settled onto her twin bed, her phone buzzed again. This time, it was an email. She opened it, her breath catching as she read the sender's name: Victor Owens.

Subject: Offer

Jalissa,

Thank you for your time yesterday. Your insights and professionalism left a strong impression on me. I'd like to extend an offer for the administrative assistant position at Owens Tech. I believe you have the potential to bring immense value to my team.

Please review the attached details and let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to working with you.

Best regards,
Victor Owens

Jalissa stared at the screen, her emotions swinging between disbelief and exhilaration. She read the email again, just to make sure it was real.

"Gina!" she called, leaping off the bed.

Gina appeared from the kitchen, a spoon in her hand. "What's going on?"

"I got the job!" Jalissa said, holding up her phone.

Gina squealed, rushing over to hug her. "I knew it! This is just the beginning for you, J. You're unstoppable!"

Jalissa laughed, tears pricking the corners of her eyes. "It feels good, Gina. Like I'm finally getting back on track."

The next week flew by in a blur of onboarding tasks, emails, and preparation. Jalissa's first day at Owens Tech was both thrilling and nerve-wracking.

By the end of the day, she had already tackled her first major task: reviewing documents for a client meeting and summarizing the key points. The meeting itself was a success. Jalissa had offered several observations that impressed both Victor and the other attendees.

By the time she returned to her desk, she felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.

That evening, Gina insisted on taking Jalissa out to celebrate. They found themselves at a trendy downtown bar with neon signs, pulsing music, and a lively crowd.

"To Jalissa Madden!" Gina said, raising her cocktail. "The smartest, most driven woman I know!"

Jalissa laughed, clinking her glass against Gina's. "And to you, for always having my back."

They were halfway through their drinks when Gina nudged Jalissa's arm. "Don't look now, but guess who just walked in."

Jalissa glanced over her shoulder and froze. Ethan and a group of his friends were at the entrance, laughing and talking loudly. He looked relaxed, his tie slightly loosened and his face flushed.

"Of all the bars in this city," Jalissa muttered under her breath.

Ethan spotted her almost immediately. His smile faltered, and his eyes widened in recognition. He said something to his friends and started making his way toward her.

"Great," Gina said, rolling her eyes. "Do you want me to handle this?"

Jalissa shook her head. "No. I've got it."

As Ethan approached, a man sitting at the bar stepped into his path. He was tall, with a charming smile and an easy confidence that made him stand out.

"Hey," the man said to Jalissa, ignoring Ethan entirely. "I couldn't help but notice you. Can I buy you a drink?"

Jalissa blinked, caught off guard. "Oh, um..."

Gina grinned, whispering, "Say yes."

Jalissa smiled politely. "That's very kind, but I'm already celebrating with my friend."

"Well, if you change your mind, I'll be right here," he said, giving her a wink before returning to his seat.

Ethan, now visibly irritated, stepped closer. "Jalissa, can we talk?"

She raised an eyebrow, her tone calm but firm. "About what, Ethan?"

He hesitated, clearly searching for words. "I just... You look good. It's been a while."

"It has," she said, taking a sip of her drink.

"How have you been?" he asked, his voice softening.

"Better," Jalissa said simply, meeting his gaze.

Ethan frowned, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. "I didn't mean for things to end the way they did."

Jalissa held up a hand, cutting him off. "Ethan, I'm not interested in rehashing the past. You made your choices, and I've made mine."

Before he could respond, Gina stepped in. "You heard her. Move along."

Ethan hesitated, his eyes flicking between Jalissa and Gina. Finally, he nodded and walked back to his friends.

"Well, that was satisfying," Gina said, raising her glass.

Jalissa laughed, feeling lighter than she had in months. "It really was."

That night, as Jalissa lay in bed, she thought about the encounter. Seeing Ethan again had stirred up emotions she thought she'd buried, but instead of feeling hurt or angry, she felt... indifferent.

She smiled to herself, realizing that she had truly moved on.