I opened the back door and grabbed the box of personal items I’d placed on the back seat. I hadn’t brought much with me. A candle from Bath and Body Works that would make my office smell like a pumpkin had thrown up all over it. One framed photo of my parents from a couple of Christmases ago. A hot pink stapler that Avery had given me a year or so ago, and my Sam and Dean Winchester Funko Pops, because they went everywhere with me.

Feeling more ready, I rode the elevator up to the third floor, my sleek black bag dangling from my forearm since it had slipped down my arm. I nibbled on the inside of my cheek as the elevator slid to a gentle stop and the doors glided open.

Just like at the Academy in Philly, a sea of cubicles greeted me. They were all empty as I walked past them. It was still about an hour before the sales teams and trainers would arrive.

I walked toward the closed offices, my steps slowing as my uncle, Andre Lima, rounded the corner. With slightly graying hair, he was still more fit than most men in their twenties.

“Jilly!” He strode forward, his short but powerful strides eating up the distance. Grasping the box from my arms, he placed it on a nearby desk and then wrapped his arms around me. I squeaked as he spun me around like I was twelve. When he placed me back on my feet, I felt like I’d just gotten off a merry-go-round. “Look at you, all dressed nice and stuff.”

Andre was wearing khakis and a Lima-branded polo.

“You look nice too,” I told him, brushing my hair back from my face.

He laughed as he picked up my box. “This is my I’m almost out of here clothing attire.”

“You really want to get back to Philadelphia, don’t you?”

“I miss it. So does Tanya, and you know what they say. Happy wife, happy life.” Andre winked at me. “Aren’t you here early?”

“I figured I’d get myself settled before everyone started showing up.”

“Smart idea,” he replied. “Well, let me show you the office. It’s new since we didn’t have a manager position before.”

Moving so he was to the left of me, I peeked over at him. “Can I ask you a question and you give me an honest answer?”

Grinning, he nodded. “When have I’ve ever lied to you, Jilly?”

“Does the staff think this position is unnecessary?” I asked.

He started to frown. “I’m not sure I understand what you mean.”

I guessed I couldn’t beat around the bush. “What I mean is, do they think Andrew Lima randomly created this position for his daughter?”