Chapter 1 : A New Day

*Trinity's POV*

"How are you feeling?" Arielle asked, trying to hide her concern.

Even over the phone, it was noticeable, though. My older sister took her role seriously and was always overprotective of me and our younger sister.

"Depends on what you're worried about," I admitted. There was no point in hiding anything from her. "Are you asking about my mental health or my physical?"

"You know why I'm calling," she paused. "I know it's the six-month anniversary today…"

Six months.

Half a year since I lost the love of my life.

In some ways, it felt like it had been much longer than that and, in other ways, much shorter. The majority of the time, it felt longer. After the worst day of your life, it was easy to feel as if the days dragged on. Especially when I blamed myself…

"Trinity?" Arielle asked against my silence.

"Yeah, I'm here," I sighed. "It's hard, Ari. I thought it would get better by now."

"Oh, I know, but you have to be gracious to yourself." Supportive as always. "Your emotions are already heightened due to the pregnancy."

I placed my hand over my 7-month baby bump and rubbed it softly. I was so excited when my husband, Nate, and I got the confirmation that the IVF had worked and I was pregnant. We were going to start that next chapter in our relationship. To start our own family.

But that excitement had turned to fear not long after when Nate had died in a fatal car accident. Now the idea of welcoming a baby into this world alone terrified me. I had never planned to raise a kid by myself, and I was thoroughly under-prepared.

I had to stay strong, though, if not for me, at least for the baby.

"I know," I finally spoke. "I'm trying. Today was just a sad reminder, that's all."

"And I don't blame you for that one bit." I could practically picture the smile that was on her face.

"So, how's everything on your end?" I asked, trying to get the attention off of me for as long as possible. "How are my niece and nephews?"

"They're great!" Arielle exclaimed. "But don't think you are getting out of this conversation that easily, missy."

"I had to try," I said with a chuckle.

"I'm not trying to annoy you, I'm trying to help you."

And deep down, I knew she was right, but I still didn't like talking about it all.

My phone suddenly beeped at me, and I pulled it away from my face to see what the notification was. It was an email, but I didn't recognize the sender. I clicked on it to read more and let out a little gasp.

"Well…shit," I said out loud before I could stop myself.

"What is it?" I heard Arielle's muffled voice from the distant speaker. I quickly put her on speaker.

"I just got an email from Wither Records," I told her. "They are officially offering me the Personal Assistant position. I start in two days."

"That is so exciting!"

Wither Records was one of the top record labels in the entire country, and would be a great opportunity to help set up some sort of future for me and my baby. I had interviewed weeks ago and assumed I didn’t get the spot. It wouldn't be the first time.

I had been applying to multiple jobs for months and, so far, was unsuccessful. There were laws about discriminating against pregnant women, but that didn't mean it didn't happen. Well, that was my only explanation for why someone with my degree and experience in business.

I knew the business and administrative worlds well, but I had never been a personal assistant before.

"I don't know, maybe I should turn it down," I said nervously.

"Wait, what?" Arielle sounded shocked. "What do you mean? Why would you do that? It sounds like an amazing opportunity!"

"I've never done something like this before, though, Ari." I stood up and began to pace back and forth in front of my bed. "What if I screw up and ruin my chances? A record label is a very public profession, and I would be working directly for the CEO. If I do poorly, it could affect me forever. That, and I know nothing about the music industry. I applied on a whim…I never thought something would come of it."

My nerves were really starting to take control now.

"Trinity, take a deep breath and calm down," Ariell said slowly. "You are one of the most determined and clever people I’ve ever met, and I have never seen anyone work as hard as you. Any business would be happy to have you, and your experience, you could be exactly what they are looking for!"

I paused, contemplating her words, and then sighed. I knew she was right, but I couldn’t help but feel everything that happened over the past six months weigh heavy on my shoulders. I chalked it up to being terrified for my baby’s future, but I knew that wasn’t entirely it.

I was numb, and it felt like I could appreciate anything good happening to me, even when it did.

I let out a shaky breath. "I'm just not sure," I replied, rubbing my temples with my free hand.

Arielle paused now as well, which made me nervous.

"What is it, what's actually wrong?" Arielle finally asked. "Because the Trinity I know would be jumping at this job like a glass of water on a hot day. Not to mention the fact that you have been begging to get any job for the last three months. Why the hesitation now?"

"I just feel like everything has changed since Nate died," I admitted. "Most days, I don't even feel like the same person anymore. I go through the motions, but I feel like I’m getting nowhere. And that won't work in a fast-paced company like this. I won't be able to hide behind my grief."

"Maybe that's a good thing," Arielle reminded in her soft, sisterly voice. "Maybe this is just what you need to start moving forward. To remember who you are and get back to the old you. What happened to you was tragic, but it doesn't define you. You are stronger than this."

I stayed quiet as my eyes teared up. Stupid pregnancy hormones.

"A fresh start." Ariell sounded both understanding and supportive. I still didn't know what to say in response. "You don't have to answer right now, but I think you will regret it if you don't. At least promise me that you will honestly consider it."

"Okay, okay, I can promise that," I finally said, calming down enough to sit back on the edge of my bed.

"Good." I heard background noise in the call. It sounded like my niece and nephew and Arielle’s husband. As much as I loved them, it only worsened my state and reminded me of what I wasn’t going to have with Nate. "Sorry, Trinity, I have to go. But if you need somebody else to talk to or if you are having a hard time today, don't be afraid to call me back, okay? I'm here for you."

"Thanks," I smiled. "I love you."

"Love you too, bye." Her voice was already fading before she ended the call.

I laid back down on my bed and rolled over to my side. I would never have admitted it to Arielle or anyone, but I was still lying in my pyjamas when she called. In all honesty, I really had no intention of getting out of bed at all today.

The six-month anniversary of Nate's death.

The night flashed through my mind. I squeezed my pillow to my chest and sobbed. This had become a daily ritual of mine that I couldn't seem to shake.

My phone buzzed, and I pulled it up to see what I had gotten now. It was a text from Arielle. I opened up the message, wondering what she had forgotten to say. Then I smiled, just a little, for the first time in what felt like forever.

'Whatever you decide, I’m here for you,' the message read.

I stared at it momentarily before backing out and opening my email from Withers Records once more. I reread it, impressed with the offer they presented. It had benefits and insurance and was offering enough to at least provide for me as a soon-to-be single mom. It did sound like the perfect job for me at the moment.

Maybe this was it.

I hesitated on the 'acceptance button,' the images of Nate's face flashed before my vision in sequence. I squeezed my eyes shut and tapped the trackpad on my laptop twice. When I opened them, I was staring at the screen. I accepted. I was about to be a Personal Assistant to the CEO of Withers Records.

A new message appeared in my mailbox after I had accepted, so I hurried and clicked on it. It was a request for a new-employee meeting that afternoon with the board as part of the hiring process to ensure that the hiring was agreed upon.

My stomach instantly flipped, and I didn't know if it was my nerves or the baby. It was probably a little of both. I climbed out of bed and got ready to shower. So much for staying in bed all day. Now I had to get ready to go impress a board of people that I hadn't met yet. I stopped in the bathroom and stared at myself in the mirror.

What had I gotten myself into?