Free True Beginnings by Willow Madison

that the company rarely hires married women as regional anything. An old school throwback about too much travel for a family-woman.  She’s going to use her single status and love of local travel to hit home that this is not a problem for her.
    “So…you’ll have to travel more with this job?”
    “A lot more. The first eight weeks will be on the road.”
    “And Jake’s ok with that?!” I blurt this out.
    She looks surprised. “Well…he doesn’t have much choice…I want to move up and this is my ticket. He understands that. It’s why we haven’t gotten married. Well, it’s one of the reasons anyway…” She takes another drink. I sip my water, watching her.
    I can see what Jake likes about her. She’s very pretty, a big personality, funny, smart, nice. But I wonder at her ambition. Max clearly doesn’t believe women should be this ambitious in business. Could Jake really be that different, coming from the same family?!
    “So what’s next?” She’s finished writing my last tip down.
    I continue giving her tips until my phone buzzes. I gave myself an alarm, so I wouldn’t have to keep looking at my watch or phone to know when I need to leave.
    Standing outside, I see Jeff waiting with the door open for me. Julia hugs me and thanks me again. “I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!”
    “Thanks! I should know by the end of the day tomorrow if I’m moving forward to the next interview. It’s a panel of the VP of Regional Sales and others. So I may need to pick your brain for that one too!”
    “You’ll do great!” We hug again and I hurry to the car.
    I’m actually leaving a little early and feel happy for a second, until I remember what’s waiting for me. Jeff keeps looking in the rearview mirror. I’m sure my beat red face has him worried. “You ok, Lucy? Need some water…I got some up here.”
    “No…thanks, Jeff. Just don’t want to be late tonight…Max is expecting me before 7:30…” I look at my phone again. Plenty of time, but it would probably be better if Jeff could get me there even earlier. Although I’d like to delay my arrival as long as I can…
    Jeff smiles at me. It’s a strange smile though. Takes me out of my own head for a moment. “Max is a good guy.” He continues since I only give him a questioning look back. “After I was forced to retire…even after I was healthy again…I was one pissed off asshole for a while…”
    I don’t say anything. Just keep looking at his eyes as they flick back up to me periodically in the rearview mirror again. He starts talking again at the next light. “It wasn’t until I met Max that I…I saw how a man has to be in control more…of his own anger…himself… and the ones he loves.”
    I am crimson hot now. I know what he’s saying to me. He knows just exactly how things are with Max and me. I look away and don’t look back. When he holds the door for me, I still can’t make eye contact. I just rush past him and head straight to the elevator. Max gave me my own key card a while ago.
    On the way up, I have to take several deep breaths to still myself. Maybe this won’t be so bad. Maybe his anger is died down by now and he’ll only make me recite the rule again, but right this time. Maybe I’m completely kidding myself!
    .....
    I’m ten minutes early, but the front door is open. I stop before walking in, listening for Max. “Come in, Lucy.” His voice sounds normal.  He didn’t yell. I can tell he’s in the living room, but I can’t see him. Can’t see if his face is stern or not.
    I quietly close the door. Setting my purse down on the bench, I quickly slip my shoes under it. Barefoot, I walk down the hall, one foot in front of the other, almost on tip-toe.
    Turning the corner, I see Max is sitting on the sofa. He’s only wearing sweatpants. The TV is on, but muted. The room is bright. I stop to stare at him, but he doesn’t look up at me. “You’re early. That’s good.” His voice is still steady, deep,