Chapter 6 - Lunch with the Boss

Eric took Kiara to a nearby sushi place for lunch.

"So Kiara, tell me a little bit more about yourself. Laurie said you were an executive assistant back in Oasis Springs. Where did you work?" 

Kiara froze. Laurie had lied to get her the job and she was sure that if she told Eric the truth, he would fire her right there and then. Oasis Springs was so small that the entire town centre sat along one road but she didn't want to seem like she lacked the experience for the job. Kiara racked her brain to think up a plausible story before continuing. "Yeah, I worked for IMS, a technology company - " 

"Oh I've got loads of friends working at IMS. Who did you work for?"

Kiara almost choked on her drink. Without thinking, she blurted out the first generic name that came to her head. "John. John Smith." 

"Oh, I've never heard of him. So how do you know Laurie? He's never mentioned you before."

Kiara wasn't sure if she had to lie about this one too. She went with the truth. "I recently moved in with Jackson and Jasmine and I met Laurie through them."

"Oh nice, I went to school with Jackson. He's a nice kid. Jasmine is sweet too, but you don't want to get on her bad side," Eric advised. 

Kiara suddenly remembered Dario's text from earlier that morning and her chest tightened. "Sorry Eric - I just have to make a quick call. I'll be right back." 

"No worries, I'll just be here tackling the sashimi." 

Kiara rushed outside to call Jasmine. On her way out, she noticed that Brianna was sitting alone a couple of rows away. She must be here to meet Laurie, Kiara thought.

"Hello?" Jasmine answered immediately. 

"Jasmine! I don't have much time, but have to ask you a question about the gallery last night..." 

Kiara didn't even have to ask Jasmine whether she had anything to do with Dario getting fired. "Oh yeah, I was wondering when you were going to thank me. You're welcome," Jasmine sang. 

"No - I don't want Dario to be out of work. Is there anything you can do to get his job back?" Kiara pleaded. 

Kiara could sense Jasmine rolling her eyes on the other line. "Are you serious?"

"I know I was incredibly upset last night after seeing him, but he doesn't deserve to lose his job over me. Please." 

"Fine. I'll see what I can do, but no promises okay?"

"Thanks Jasmine. I've gotta run, I'll see you later." 

Kiara made her way back to the restaurant. She noticed James walking ahead of her and saw him turn into the same sushi restaurant. He made a beeline for Brianna and greeted her with a big hug. So I guess she's not meeting Laurie then.

Kiara enjoyed the rest of her lunch with Eric. He was clearly very privileged like everyone else she had met in San Myshuno so far, but she liked that Eric was hardworking and down-to-earth. Thanks to Eric's clear instructions and patience, Kiara successfully made it through her first day at work without any mistakes. 

She was tidying up her desk at the end of the day when she got a text message from Dario: 

My boss called me just then to offer me my job back. I don't know if you had anything to do with it or not but I felt bad for blaming you before... I'm sorry. Do you want to meet up for a drink tonight? For old times' sake... 

Kiara sat there staring at her phone for a few minutes debating whether or not she should meet up with Dario. A part of her wanted to see him but she knew that nothing good would come out of seeing him. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Eric's voice.

"So are you keen?" 

"I'm sorry, what did you say?" 

"A few of us are going for a drink after work, do you want to come?" 

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