up the street I’d managed to snag the moment it came on the market.
I was so intent on studying the music hall and the large stage in front of the currently empty room, I didn’t even realize anyone was standing beside me until she spoke.
“She’s beautiful, isn’t she?” I jumped at the sudden voice and turned, the new woman laughing at my reaction. She was dressed in a t-shirt and jeans, so casual compared to me, I immediately tugged at my blazer. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you,” she said, smiling. “You must be Vega. It’s nice to finally meet you in person. I’m Danielle.”
I grinned. “I’m so excited to be here. The Paragon is. . .”
“I know. I’m still struck by the beauty of her and I’ve been here for almost ten years now. She never fails to impress.” Her eyes trailed down my clothing and flicked back to my eyes. “Before I get you started on your training, I have to ask, what are you wearing?”
I looked down at my outfit. I’d dressed in a blazer and button-down shirt combined with nice slacks. I’d expected the assistant manager to need to be more formal but looking at Danielle now, the actual Manager for the entire music hall, I knew I’d chosen wrong. I wanted to make a good first impression, but apparently, I should have gone with casual. “I figured I should dress professionally. I really care about this job, so I wanted to make a good first impression.”
Danielle smiled, her head tilting to the side. She was a beautiful woman, somewhere in her late forties, her eyes showing the beginnings of age, her hair expertly straightened and black. A single grey streak ran from her temple, reminding me of one of my favorite superheroes, and though it should have belied her age, instead, it only made her seem cooler.
“It’s a nice sentiment, Vega, but this isn’t an office gig. You’re gonna sweat and a blazer will probably slow you down. At least you wore flats rather than heels. Do you have any band t-shirts?”
“I used to, but. . .” Derek had thrown them all out when we were dating, saying they were trashy and the uniform of a whore. I haven’t been to a concert in so long, before Derek and I started dating, and I’ve never had the chance to replace them.
“Don’t worry.” Danielle turned and gestured for me to follow her. “We have a stock of shirts from the bands that play here. They usually leave some behind for the staff. They’re fans of the free promotion. You can pick as many as you’d like. Tomorrow, come dressed in jeans, a band shirt, and slip-resistant black shoes. Tonight, just take off the blazer. I’ll have someone show you to a locker you can store your stuff in.”
I quickly shrugged free of my blazer and folded it over my arm. I should have known better. The email had said I’d be here until three in the morning each night, closing up the hall with someone else, a rookie job and a welcome one. I didn’t mind working hard. I was chasing a dream, after all.
“I’ll make sure to wear proper clothing tomorrow,” I promised. “Thank you for taking a chance on me.”
Danielle took me into the back, where fans never got to see, and pointed to the lockers. “Your passion came through easily in your resume. Even without the experience, I knew you’d be a perfect fit. You’re knowledgeable about music, learn fast, and I just like you.” Danielle winked. “It was an easy choice.”
“Still, there had to be hundreds of applicants for this position, so thank you.”
During our interview, Danielle had asked about the gap in my work history, the time I’d been dating Derek, and after trying to talk around what happened, I’d finally admitted what I’d been through and why I was trying to get a job at a music hall. As much as I hated it, Derek would always be a part of my past, and that work history gap spoke of it. It would always be the reason I started later than I should have. It was better to be honest about it rather than lie. I’d left out some of the worst details, only explaining the situation, and Danielle had understood, explaining she understood the situation exactly. I didn’t know if it was that connection that landed me the job, but I was thankful for it regardless.