Parker winks at me before leaning back in the chair. “Tell me something else about yourself.”

“Why?”

“Because I want to get to know the new employee. Think of it as a delayed interview.”

I laugh. “Delayed interview?”

“Yes. I was informed when I was taken on that I would have a say in all hiring. I didn’t get much of a say when it came to you.”

“Is that so? Well, what would you say so far, Doctor Jackson?”

“So far, I’d say I like what I see. And hear. But I need to know more, so please, tell me about yourself.” The smile never leaves his face.

I blush. I have no idea why I can’t control it, but I feel the heat spread over my chest and I’m thankful for the t-shirt I’m wearing today so that he can’t see the red splotches forming.

Tell me about yourself. It’s the one question that is so open-ended I never know exactly what they are looking for or wanting to know. In an interview, it’s supposed to be about my work and educational experiences. In personal life, it can be anything.

“Don’t you have animals to see?”

“Nope. Lucky for you, I’m all done for the day.”

Knowing I won’t get out of this, I cross my arms and lean away from him in the chair. If there’s anything I learned in psychology, it’s body language. Maybe my unwelcoming gesture will give him the hint that I’m not in the mood for discussing my personal life.

When I don’t speak, Parker takes it upon himself to start asking questions. “Let’s start with an easy one. How old are you? I know you’re legal to drink.”

“Twenty-one. How about you?” I think it’s only fair to ask him the same. Besides, I’ve wanted to know this question since the first night.

“Not so fast. This is your interview.”

I roll my eyes.

“What brings you to Rochester with your sister and Jason?”

This is an easy question. It’s one I’ve already thought about when I had to come here. “School.” I don’t elaborate any further.

“Huh. What’s your major?”

“Astrophysics.”

“Wow. That’s not one you hear every day. What made you want to get into that?”

“Considering it’s the study of the universe, planets, and stars, I would say astronomy,” I say with a bite. I have a tendency to be sassy every now and then.

“Huh, okay, smart ass. We’ll come back to that. What interests you?”

You. “Lots of things.”

“You’re single, correct?” he presses.

Whoa! Not the question I was expecting next.

“That’s a personal question. Last I checked, personal questions are not allowed during interviews.”

“This isn’t the typical interview. You’re already hired, and I think I’m entitled to that one.” His voice dips down to a barely audible whisper before he continues, “After all, you did sleep with me. I need to know who I’m up against … if anyone.”

Just then, Shannon walks in, “How’s it going in he—”

Saved by the bell! She stops mid-sentence when she sees Parker.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.” She doesn’t hide the humor in her voice, or the wiggling of her eyebrows as she backs out of the office.

Before Parker or I can respond, she’s out the door.

“Well, looks like our time is up. I gotta get finished up here before Jason gets back,” I tell him.

Parker stands. He places both hands on the desk and leans over so he’s mere inches from my face. “This conversation isn’t finished.” He winks at me and turns away.

I sink back into the chair, throwing my head back.

I’m screwed.

That evening, Jason is out for his volleyball league, so Genna and I decide to have ladies’ night. This usually includes wine, movies, and gossip, but tonight it consists of watching Genna eat ice cream, and lots of it.

“You didn’t tell me about your day?” Genna asks from the opposite end of the couch. She has her back against the armrest and her legs resting on top of my thighs.

“It was good. I just scanned charts. I didn’t get that many in, but Jason didn’t seem to mind.” I realize I didn’t feel tired once when I was talking with Parker me. It didn’t even faze me that my legs or arms didn’t feel like rubber. I felt good. Really good.

Genna holds out her spoon full of vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate syrup, gesturing for me to take a bite.

I shake my head no. My mouth is still sore, and I don’t have much of an appetite. Not even for ice cream.

“Well, from what I’ve heard, it’s taking everyone a long time to get those records transferred. Have you decided what you’re doing tomorrow yet?” she asks, taking the bite she offered me.

“I think I might go in just for a half day. Jason said he’d bring me home after the morning. I didn’t see any of the other staff there besides Shannon or Parker, so it will be nice to see everyone before they get too busy.”

“Parker, huh? How was he today?” she asks with glee.

“He seemed … good. I mean … I didn’t really talk to him much.” I fumble for my words.

“Interesting.”

“Why do you say it like that?” I look up at her and see the smirk she’s hiding with the wine glass as she takes a sip. Yes, my sister is strange, having wine with ice cream but, as she says, “It’s called dessert wine. Ice cream is a dessert.”