"Yes, of course!" Maria replied, slightly taken aback by the unexpected offer. "Wait, Robert got the position of the orchestra conductor at the main theater? What wonderful news!"

"Yes, he informed me about it today!" Her friend's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"You know, I've never been to a classical music concert." Hearing this, her friend took a step back and looked at Maria with widened eyes.

"How could that happen to an art enthusiast like you?" she asked.

"Well..." Maria began to justify herself, "Tickets aren't that easy to get, and if there's a chance, they cost an arm and a leg."

"In that case, I'll be the fairy godmother who takes you to the concert," Anna playfully replied. "Who knows, maybe you'll meet some handsome art lover there..."

At these words, Maria's smile disappeared, replaced by a contemplative expression.

"Listen, who was the man in the black leather coat who came to your bar yesterday evening?"

"Hm? Who are you talking about?" The girl's face expressed confusion. "When I returned, neither you nor anyone else was there. By the way, why did you leave so quickly?"

"Oh, forget it. I just decided not to bother you, and I was tired, so I decided to get home quickly," Maria replied, somewhat embarrassed.

"Oh, I'm tired too," her friend replied and looked out the window. "The sun is already up, and I haven't slept yet. So, I'll go take a rest." With these words, she headed to the shower.

Brewing a cup of coffee, the artist headed to the easel to finish the order.

***

The sun was already high in the sky when Maria, immersed in her work, was interrupted by a phone call. She looked at her phone. It was an unidentified number.

"Hello."

"Hello, Miss Maria. This is Sir Thomas. You came for an interview yesterday," said the man with a calm and confident voice. "I reviewed your resume again and would like to invite you to work with us in a temporary position starting this Monday. Are you agreeable?"

Not expecting a call from him so soon, she, with confusion in her voice, replied, "Yes, of course."

"Excellent. Then, on Monday morning, a car will pick you up, and I will provide you with instructions. All documents for preliminary review have been sent to your email."

"Thank you. I will make sure to review the documents."

"Have a nice day, Miss Maria. Until we meet again," he replied.

"Goodbye."

"Hurrah! It seems the financial issue is resolved for some time." Her eyes sparkled, and the corners of her mouth stretched into a broad smile.

"What happened?" a surprised voice behind Maria spoke.

"I think I found a part-time job! I start on Monday."

"Congratulations!" her friend sincerely replied. "This calls for a celebration! Tonight, we're gathering with the guys from the bar at a cafe. Come with us!"

"Well, I don't know," Maria replied. "You know I'm not a fan of gatherings in large companies."

"Oh, come on, it will be fun. There's only a day and a half left until your new job. When else to let loose if not now?"

"Okay, you convinced me," Maria agreed.