Page 2 of SnowBound

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ABIGAIL

Present

All my life, I’d been wanting to work in the music industry and after everything that happened, I never thought I’d see this day coming. Or that my dream could become tangible one day. For more than three years, I’d worked my ass off as a virtual assistant while juggling home, college, and all the other responsibilities a twenty-three-year-old woman shouldn’t have had to deal with all by herself. But hey, I was now ready to prove to Mr. Burns I could be the assistant he was looking to hire.

Three months ago, I had finally graduated with a dual degree in business administration and music management. One I’d worked my ass off for. Days and nights. Literally. I was overqualified for this position, but I didn’t care. I would be an assistant any day if it meant I could prove my value. Climb up that career ladder until I reach my ultimate goal. Yeah, anything to bring me closer to my dream job.

In the full-length mirror at the entryway, I glanced at my power outfit one last time—white blouse and red pencil skirt—my first impulsive buy and the most expensive one to date. Along with matching heels. Money had been scarce in the past few years. But I had always made it work somehow. I smoothed the fabric over my thighs with trembling fingers, doing my best to calm the jitters invading me.

Tears pooled in my eyes, and I felt a little pinch in my heart.

“I can do this. I will do this. I deserve this.” I repeated my mantra over and over. Nothing like a little pep talk to put me in the right mindset.

I blinked hard to chase the moisture away. Now wasn’t the time to think about every bump in the road, all the things that needed to be done to reach where I was today. Instead, I focused on Aisha Jones’s country song “In Your Dreams” playing in the background. A reminder that the Holidays were seven weeks away. And a nod to the best night of my life.

Two weeks ago, I celebrated my birthday with Mixchos—reinvented nachos—and the biggest mug of hot chocolate I could find. Ellie, my best friend, had sent me the new pair of heels, that I was wearing today, as a present and told me it would bring me luck. I hoped she was right.

From my spot near the front door, I surveyed my small apartment, the single main room, two closet-sized bedrooms off to the side, and an open kitchen. My eyes caressed all the furniture and the mess around it lovingly. It had been hard, but totally worth it.

A smile peeked on my lips. If I’d come all this way, the interview would be easy-peasy. I crossed my fingers, hoping it wasn’t wishful thinking on my part. I’d been learning all about CB Music for the last month, from the awards Mr. Burns won over the years to each page of their corporate website. A girl couldn’t be prepared enough. The guy was a household name on the international music scene. I wouldn’t let his credentials and achievements intimidate me. I would be the professional he expected me to be. Even though deep down, I was kinda amazed by his career.

Every day, I’d listened to each one of his songs. Just in case they quizzed me on those.

Back when I was nineteen, I used to be a music encyclopedia. I knew every artist, even the emerging ones, and could tell by heart every award they had won in their careers and their best hits. I could tell which songs would be chart-toppers and which ones would be misses. Over the last few years, I had lost my magic touch, too busy with the numerous curve balls life threw at me. Now I was ready to take my power back. To get to the top of my game and dig up that version of me I somehow had lost along the way.

In the entryway mirror, I erased the tears from my eyes with my fingers and swiped a hand over my hair. I was ready. I would get this job. I could feel it. Today was the day my life would change for the better. It was about time. I huffed. Yes, the stars would finally align themselves. It was my time to shine.

At the front door, with a hand around the doorknob, I closed my eyes. This job, this opportunity, would mean the world to me if I got it. I believed in the magical power of the Holidays. A girl could always hope for the best. My grandma told me, while growing up, that all the best things happened around this time of the year. I could tell she spoke the truth because I had already experienced a Christmas miracle four years ago. Now I craved a second one. If it wasn’t too much to ask.

Locking the door behind me, I exited the building with a pep in my steps. All week, I’d been walking around my apartment in heels to get used to their feel and look confident wearing them.

On the sidewalk, I let a full breath out as I glanced at the sky. An immaculate blue canvas and glittering sunshine. Yes, today would be a good day. A great day. One to remember.

A prayer to the Gods above and I climbed into the backseat of the idling cab that would drive me to Nashville’s tallest building where I would meet some of the most important music executives in the country.

Wish me luck.No, not luck. I knew I’d be the best at that job.

Go, get them, tiger.Yeah, much better.

I exhaled. This position was mine. I was ready to hustle for it. Whatever it took, I’d be the new CB Music employee. I, Abigail Peña, would be a rising star on the Nashville musical scene. One day, I would sign the biggest artists under my management and would become a household name in this industry.

* * *

One breath in. I passed though security, filled the logbook, hung the visitor pass around my neck, and made it to the twenty-sixth floor. Yes, I belonged here. I could feel it deep in my bones. Goosebumps spread on my arms, and excited flutters danced around in my stomach. This was my chance. And I wouldn’t miss it.

I checked my outfit and makeup one last time and smoothed a hand over my hair in the mirrored wall of the elevator. Satisfied, I rubbed my clammy hands on my skirt discretely and steeled my shoulders.

A woman in her fifties with a businesslike demeanor gave me a not-so-subtle once-over when I exited the elevator.

I cleared my throat softly before approaching her, hoping my voice wouldn’t squeak.

“Welcome to CB Music. May I help you?” she asked, lifting a dark brow.

I breathed out. “Yes, I’m here for the interview. For the assistant’s position. I’m meeting with Mr. Burns and Mr. Jacobson at ten.”

The woman tapped something on her computer before bringing her attention back to me. “Ms. Peña. You’re early. That’s good. Just take a seat. I’ll call out when they are ready for you.”