Chapter Text
The morning air sent a chill down Jasmine’s back. She clutched her coffee cup closer to chest as she made her way out of the parking lot into the upscale apartment building. Jasmine stopped to look up to the penthouse on the twenty-something floor.
Jasmine reached for her wallet and pulled out the key card to get into the apartment. As she crossed the lobby to the elevators, she reminisced on her short time getting to this point.
Just last week, she was looking for a job after being let go at her old restaurant job. Jasmine would surmise it as being at the right place at the wrong time to even get this job. Jasmine was in her college dorm applying to as many jobs as she could on her laptop. It was anything and everything. Her parents were paying for the rent and tuition, but Jasmine would not ask for a cent more. As midday was coming, she couldn’t ignore her rumbling stomach any longer. She grabbed her tote bag with her phone.
She rode the bus to the city center. Jasmine could walk to a local cafe a couple blocks away from the station. If the hunger cramps got any worse, she might just make a break for it. She sighed as she stepped out of the bus. Jasmine looked both ways before crossing the bus parking lot to the exit next to the BART station.
Jasmine glanced around before a guy was barreling past her. She heard a shout from the direction she was heading towards. There was a tall woman wearing a sweatshirt and jeans.
What the fuck?
“He took my purse!” Jasmine heard her yell.
Jasmine pivoted before running after the guy. He wasn’t that far before she tackled him. They toppled over each other. She grabbed at the purse. She finally wrenched it from him before she heard the whistle of a security guard. The girl had made it to where they were.
As she and Jasmine explained the situation to the security guard who took the purse snatcher into custody, Jasmine glanced over at the girl. Now that she was closer, she could see blue hair peeking from her hood. She was also wearing a pair of sunglasses, so she couldn’t see her full face.
Jasmine took a full breath now that the whole situation was handled. It was just her and the girl.
“Thank you for going after him. I can take my purse back?” The girl’s voice lilted as she stretched out her hand.
“Oh, right. Yeah, well we got to look after each other,” Jasmine said while handing back the purse.
“Um, let me treat you to lunch. It’s the least that I can do!” The girl looked at her expectantly.
“Haha! No, it seriously wasn’t an issue…” Jasmine’s stomach decided to interrupt.
That’s how they found themselves at the cafe that Jasmine was originally planning to go to anyways. On the walk there, they introduced themselves. The girl’s name was Baylee. They sat at a corner table away from the bustling line. Jasmine tried to enjoy her breakfast sandwich, but her nerves kept her from savoring the meal.
“I’ve never been here before,” Baylee said in between bites.
“Mhmm. Yeah they’re really good!”
The silence came back.
“How do you run so fast? Are you a part of track and field?” The girl tried to pick up the conversation again.
“I used to back in high school, but I’m mostly running after the train now.” Jasmine joked.
Baylee smiled and giggled, “That sounds about right! What do you do now?”
“Well, I’m a college student and major in fashion design. I’m not working right now. I’m actually… actually in-between jobs right now.” Jasmine doesn’t do shame but admitting it made her feel flushed.
"REALLY?" Baylee shouted a bit. Some of the other customers turned to look before going back to eat.
"Yeah, I'm just starting in my second semester." Jasmine quietly said. "How about you?'
“I work from home. I’m on my laptop more than not.” Baylee gave her not-answer.
Weird, but whatever. It’s not like I’m going to see her after this. Jasmine continued to eat and nodded in acknowledgement.
“If you’re still looking for work, I have a proposition.” Baylee rushed to say. She leaned forward and let her sunglasses fall from their perch. Her amber eyes scorched into Jasmine’s green eyes.
“Sure.” Jasmine voiced before she could think clearly like when she ran after the purse snatcher.
“I’m looking for someone with your talents. I recently have some events coming up that needs me looking my best.”
"What?! You would wnat to hire me as your designer? You haven't even seen my designs before!"
“Bingo!” Baylee snapped and pointed her finger. “I have a gut feeling you're just what my team and I need. The hours are negotiable. I’ll work with your school schedule.” Baylee’s smile widened, “Oh and you’ll have coworkers who will show you the ropes. No experience needed!”
How badly does she need a designer? Jasmine’s jaw felt slack. She blinked a couple times in confusion. Jasmine wanted to argue about trusting some girl she just met and vice versa. Unfortunately, Jasmine remembered that her bank account was very much nearing double digits in one week and it was only the second week of the month. Damn Bay Area prices. “I’ll think about it. I’ll let you know soon, okay? I'll send you some of my sketches I guess. Can I get your phone number or…”
Baylee nodded.
“I’m always on my phone, so just text me!” Baylee said. Her phone rang right then and there. “Oh, speaking of…I guess I gotta get going now. Let me know ASAP!” Baylee threw down two twenties at the table.
Jasmine stared. That’s like six coffees! That’s how much I spend on groceries for two weeks! She seems hard to work for, but… “Alright. Take care.”
They went their separate ways. Jasmine headed back to her apartment in a daze. What a day. Jasmine wanted to go to sleep, but one look at her laptop brought back the dread she’s been feeling these past few days. Jasmine swaddled herself in her blankets as she opened up her laptop and clicked-on into her email. There were few recent ones with most of them being rejections. Jasmine sighed and pushed her laptop to the side.
Jasmine chewed on her lips as she started aimlessly scrolling through her phone on TikTok. After a while, it was night and she went back to sending out more applications. It’s just going to be more rejections! AAAHHH!!!!!
Jasmine’s eyes began to feel squinty. She turned off her laptop for the night. She forgot to eat dinner again. Jasmine did her night routine before turning off the lights and curling under the blanket. She scrolled through her phone again and thought about that chance meeting. Jasmine kept opening and closing her Contacts. She stared at the new contact name each time she reopened the application, “💙Baylee 🐐 🩵”.
Fashion designer? Did she mean commissions? I just barely started! It can’t be that much. She just works at home. Today was just a fluke. Whatever. This will tide me over until I can find another part-time job.
Jasmine made her decision as her eyes closed for the night.