City of Glass Heels
Chapter 3: The First Move
Ava took the portfolio with a steady hand, her pulse racing. The sketches felt like fire in her fingers, each page a promise of something more—more than the cramped office, the endless errands, the weight of invisible ceilings.
"I'm in," she said finally, her voice firmer than she expected.
Reina's smile was a mix of relief and something sharper—like a pact had been sealed.
"Good," Reina said. "Tomorrow, we meet at my studio. It's not far from here. I'll show you the full vision."
Ava nodded, still a little dizzy. As Reina turned to leave, she paused.
"One more thing," Reina said. "Be careful who you trust. Not everyone wants the truth to come out."
Before Ava could ask what she meant, Reina disappeared into the night, swallowed by the city's shadows.
Walking back to the subway, Ava's phone buzzed nonstop.
Madison: Where tf are you? The office is burning down without you.
Raymond: Your pitch was postponed. Come in tomorrow prepared.
Ava ignored the messages. Tomorrow, the real work began.