Housebound with the Blackridge Heirs novel Chapter 7

**Change Begins With You — Jayden Collins**
**Chapter 7**

**Maya**

“Maya! Wait up!”

The familiar voice of Eine rang out across the expansive field as I jogged along, her ponytail bouncing rhythmically with each stride. She was a whirlwind of energy, two folders clutched tightly against her chest and a granola bar precariously wedged between her teeth.

“Late on your first day?” she teased, effortlessly falling into step beside me.

I glanced at my watch, the hands barely approaching eight. “It’s not even eight yet,” I replied, a hint of disbelief in my tone.

“I know,” she mumbled around the granola bar, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “But Ms. Vale likes punctuality. Preferably thirty minutes early. Preferably yesterday.”

I couldn’t help but snort at that. “Noted,” I said, shaking my head in amusement.

“You slept well?” she asked, a curious glint dancing in her eyes.

“Define well,” I countered, recalling the three hours of restless tossing and turning that I’d endured. “I’m functional,” I added, trying to sound more optimistic than I felt.

“As are most of us,” she replied with a knowing smile. “You get used to it.”

I snorted again, but this time it was cut short by an involuntary yawn that escaped my lips.

“You had coffee, though, right?” she asked, her tone light and teasing.

“Of course! I wouldn’t be functional if I didn’t,” I shot back, a grin breaking across my face.

She threw her head back and laughed, a sound that was bright and infectious. “Good! That’s ninety percent of the job,” she declared, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

As we made our way through the lobby of Comms & Policy, the air was thick with the scent of paper, ink, and unyielding ambition. I had seen pictures of this place on their website while signing up for the internship and scholarship, but nothing could compare to the reality of being here. The atmosphere buzzed with energy, and I felt a thrill run through me.

At the entrance, Ms. Vale greeted us with a firm handshake and a surprisingly warm smile. I had expected a stern figure, perhaps an elderly woman with a tightly wound bun and a permanent scowl, given Elise’s descriptions. Instead, Ms. Vale was kind-eyed and youthful, exuding an aura of approachability.

“I heard about the housing mishap,” she said, gently pulling me aside from Elise, who waved goodbye as she headed to her desk. “I personally take offense, given that I advocated for your arrival and comfort.”

I was momentarily taken aback, unsure of how to respond. “It’s okay, really. The Blackridge house isn’t all that bad,” I managed to say, attempting to downplay my discomfort.

“Still, if you need anything, report it to your team lead, and it will come directly to me, okay?” she reassured me, her voice filled with genuine concern.

A wave of relief washed over me. “Yes, thank you so much. When will I meet the team leader?” I inquired, eager to know what lay ahead.

Before she could answer, a familiar face stepped into my line of sight, one I had hoped to avoid. With a fake smile plastered on her face and three-inch false eyelashes fluttering, Jamillia Phills approached.

“Maya! So happy to see you on the team!” she chirped, her overly friendly tone grating on my nerves.

“Oh lovely. You’re here,” Ms. Vale said, her voice tinged with a hint of disapproval. “Maya, meet Jamillia Phills, your team lead.”

If my eyes had the power to pop out of my head, they surely would have at that moment.

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