...David dashed the barest amount of Old Spice over his cheeks, reveling in the sting. He went with tried-and-true for aftershave since he’d never found any other brand he liked as well. And since he was also going for confidence, David didn’t want to spend his time worrying that he reeked.

“Yep…strong. Confident. And not bad to look at either.”

Yeah…don’t get cocky, his conscience chided.

Again, he nodded to confirm he’d heard loud and clear, then hurried to dress. The suit called to him. It seemed like he barely reached for it and the hanger leaped into his hand. He placed it on the bed and pulled out underwear—another extravagance, slate blue silk boxers to match the suit. He was building his image from the skin up, projecting success. Act it. Be it. And he loved the feel of silk against his body.

Before he realized any time had passed, David stood before his dresser mirror. Everything he’d ever wanted to be reflected back. The suit clung to him like it was custom-made. No one would guess it wasn’t his. He felt energized, ready to take on the world. All he ever wanted was his for the taking.

David smiled. “Damn. I am strong and confident.”

He raked the comb through his hair one last time, snagged his portfolio of faux PR campaigns, and headed for the parking garage across the street. The world looked like a brighter place. He realized he was humming as he hurried along. The sun was shining, the air cool, the sky…well, there wasn’t much to do about the smog. He could really smell it today, but there were other scents mingled in there he hadn’t noticed before: fresh coffee from the Starbucks a block away, bread baking at the Subway next to it, the floral tones of perfume from a woman walking down the other side of the street, someone cooking bacon. He heard things, too: laughter, tears, muted conversations, an argument, the screech of tires, sirens, gunshots.

David snapped his mind into place. His imagination was working overtime. He chalked that up to nerves. As he dug his car keys from his pocket, he realized he wasn’t in the parking garage. He was standing at Global’s entrance, the glass doors gleaming.

“What the…” A glance at his watch showed only five minutes had passed, yet here he was.

God, he’d spaced out on the drive over. His watch must be busted and he had no idea where he’d parked his car. Panic set in. If he’d missed this interview…

He pulled in a breath and walked through the doors. His gaze went to the huge clock behind the receptionist’s desk. Okay, maybe his watch wasn’t broken. It didn’t make sense…

“Good afternoon,” she said with a smile. “How may I help you today?”

“David McKay. I’m here for an interview.” I’m here to start the rest of my life.

“Twelfth floor, Mr. McKay. They’re expecting you.” She handed him a visitor badge and waved toward the bank of elevators. Nice, shiny elevators that were taking him to his future. David felt it, knew it.

One hour later he was standing outside the Global building as a new employee. They’d even asked to keep his portfolio to review for some of their pending campaigns. He walked away from the entrance, smile growing larger with every step. And when he was certain he was out of sight of the receptionist, he pumped his fist in the air…