"I am gonna run into town; see if I can find a job," Livvie explained, kneeling beside Lucas' bed. The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on his still-groggy face as he blinked slowly.
"I thought we weren't going to be here long," Lucas mumbled, rubbing his eyes.
Livvie offered a reassuring smile. "Well, maybe a week or two; or it could possibly be longer. You're out of school for Winter Break, so I can focus on getting Grandpa's place packed up and sold. We need something to financially support us while we're here."
As she stood up, Livvie's outfit reflected her practical yet stylish nature. She wore a smart, tailored black blazer over a crisp white blouse, paired with dark jeans that hugged her figure comfortably. Her hair was pulled back in a neat, efficient ponytail, and she added a touch of simple elegance with small hoop earrings.
"Are you going to do real estate again?" Lucas asked, leaning up in bed, his curiosity evident.
"Maybe, we'll have to see," Livvie replied, her voice echoing softly as she walked out of his bedroom. She gently shut the door behind her, giving Lucas his space.
Walking towards the front door, Livvie quickly checked to ensure everything from the car was unloaded. Satisfied, she stepped outside into the brisk morning air, locking the door behind her. Sliding into the driver's seat of her car, she took a deep breath, steeling herself for the day ahead. With a turn of the key, the engine hummed to life, and she pulled out of the driveway.
Port Charles was like an old familiar enemy that was once a best friend; Livvie knew every corner of it; She also knew that most business' wouldn't dare hire the infamous 'Livvie Locke' not if they knew what was good for them; and sure enough that was exactly what happened after she checked at Deception Cosmetics where Laura Spencer practically ran her out of the building.
"How dare you even entertain the idea of me hiring you after all the things you've done!" She yelled as Livvie walked out; and The Haunted Star where Laura's husband, Luke had about the same reaction. Livvie was about ready to give in when she spotted 'The harborview Realty' it was like a sign from god as she pulled into the parking lot, checking herself over before getting out of the car, nearly breaking her heel in the process.
When she opened the door; it was like stepping into the busiest, booming business in town with phones ringing and keyboard key's tapping; people were passing her, all seemed unphased by her arrival; and more focused on the phone glued to their ears. "How can I help you." Livvie glanced towards a woman in a beautiful, white blouse and a black pencil skirt; her hair straight and professional.
"I am looking for whoever's in charge. I need to see about putting in an application." Livvie inched out feeling a weird deja vu about the woman but unable to put her finger on it. "That would be me," she replied, her expression shifting as recognition dawned. "Livvie Locke." and then it, too dawned on her that the woman standing in front of her was Karen Wexler.
Livvie turned, taken aback. "Karen? I... I didn't realize you were running the place." She managed to get out, sighing knowing that Karen, of all people would never hire her after all the things that she'd done to the woman. "Well, I am sorry to have bothered you." Livvie turned to leave. "That's just like you, huh! You still refuse to take any accountability for your actions."
Livvie stopped before turning back. "It's not like me at all; not anymore. I have taken accountability for my actions; but I am not too dull to realize there are certain things that are unforgiveable.." Livvie spat back before turning as Karen once again spoke up. "I thought you needed a job?"
Karen's question stopped Livvie in her tracks. She turned back, facing Karen with a mix of defiance and vulnerability.
"Yes, I need a job," Livvie admitted, her voice steadier now. "But I know my past. I don't expect forgiveness, especially not from someone I've hurt."
Karen observed her carefully, trying to read the sincerity in Livvie's eyes. "Why should I believe you've changed?" Karen asked, her tone still cautious.
"I can't answer that for you, Karen. I don't know how to convince you that I have changed; I mean, I am not perfect, far from it and I still have moments where I feel like it would be easier to resort back to my old ways but I am a mom now; and I don't want him to look at me, like you are looking at me right now; and I don't blame you for not trusting me."
Karen nodded walking closer to her. "Why should I hire you. What would make you a good candidate for a real estate agent?" finally a question that Livvie could answer. "I did it in Jonesborough and I was good at it! I was quick and profficient in getting the sale; and I was a smooth talker." Karen chuckled sarcastically. "Isn't that the truth.." Livvie sighed ignoring the dig. "Do you have a resume or any sort of documents from your job in Jonesborough?"
Livvie nodded fishing out a harddrive from her pocket, handing it to Karen who stared nervously at it. "This thing isn't going to explode or hack into my system when I insert it, will it?"
"No, Karen, it's just a hard drive with my resume and references from my job in Jonesborough," Livvie replied, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips despite the tension. "No tricks, no games. Just my work history and some examples of my success in real estate."
Karen took the hard drive, still somewhat skeptical but curious. "Alright. I'll take a look at this. But Livvie, understand this: if I decide to give you a chance, it's strictly professional. I expect honesty and integrity. Any sign of your old manipulative tactics, and you're out."
Livvie nodded, understanding the gravity of Karen's words. "I get it, and I appreciate even being considered. Thank you."
After Livvie left the office; she stopped by Harborview Groceries and picked up things for the house. She wasn't entirely certain how long they were going to be staying in Port Charles; she hated the idea of pulling Lucas from school and enrolling him in Port Charles Prep but; if their stay was long than expected; she'd have to.
The drive back to the house was all but quiet; she'd sort of made amends with Karen but that didn't mean that she would hire her; Livvie had done a lot of rotten things, and she'd be a fool to believe that she could just roll over them and stick on an apology and people would just forgive her. When she pulled into the driveway; she spotted Chris across the street; knocking on the neighbor's house. "Chris, what have I told you about forcing your presence on people.." She quipped while geting out of the car.
Chris turned around, a surprised expression on his face as he noticed Livvie. "Livvie! I was just... uh, checking on the neighbor," he said, attempting to sound nonchalant. "Actually, I was trying to check on my brother..." Livvie's eyes widened at the realization. "Yea...Jack lives right across from you and your boy." Livvie shook her head, turning and walking towards her house.
"Where have you been all day?" Chris asked walking behind her as she shook her head. "Not that it's any of your business but I might have gotten a job at Harborview Realty." She said opening the hatch of her car, grabbing a handful of brown paper bags, while Chris grabbed a handful as well. "With Karen? Karen Wexler? The woman whose life and relationship you destroyed?" Livvie turned glaring at him as they made their way over to the front door. "Do you think you got it? He asked as she shook her head.
"I don't know. I gave her my resume. She said she'd consider it. But with my history here, I'm not holding my breath." She said making it to the front door, kicking at it. "Lucas, honey. I need you to open the door." Livvie shouted, kicking on it again as the door swung open to reveal Jack standing in her house. "What the hell." Chris and Livvie both said nearly dropping the bags.