ELLIE
I would have failed to reach for the interview in time if Max hasn't worked her magic. She helped me dress up in a business suit while I slicked my hair back in a bun. While I put some makeup, she collected all my documents and then drove me to the collosal building of Sveston Industries.
"You can do it." She said to me in a consoling manner.
"I can do it." I repeated but didn't believe it. My head was still hurting but the milk and then the grilled cheese I ate on the way cured some of the hangover. I just hoped the nausea doesn't hit and I don't embarrass myself in front of any more strangers.
Collecting all my documents, I walked inside the building and the receptionist guided me to the interview room. A lot of people had gathered outside the room, waiting for their turn.
Taking a long sigh, I watched my reflection in the reflective wall. I was wearing a cream business suit that made me look professional, while the black heels provided some elegance to my attire. My makeup was minimal and my look was completed with a pair of pearl earrings. Nobody could say that I was hungover.
Satisfied with my appearance, I took a seat beside another girl. Her degree showed that she was a Harvard graduate so I felt a little intimidated. Most of the applicants were probably from Ivy League institutes so coming here might be a mistake.
I sat there, waiting for my turn, watching the applicants leave one by one. Most people came out looking dejected and it scared me even more.
"I have heard the boss is a tyrant." The girl sitting next to me said.
"Really?" I asked.
"Yes. Nathan Byers. Devastatingly handsome but a dick nonetheless." She said.
I would have talked to her more but before I could, I was called inside. Nervously, I straightened my blazer and tucked a free lock of hair behind my ears. Mumbling silent prayers under my breath, I went inside the room and came face to face with a man.
The man looked vaguely familiar but I couldn't figure out where I had seen him.
"Ah yes, Miss. Anderson." The guy looked amused as his eyes switched between my CV and my face. And it irked me to not know why. "Take a seat." He said.
"Thank you." I said and took a seat in front of him.
"Would you like anything? Water? Tea? A waste basket?" He asked with a smirk.
Wait. A waste basket?
And that's when the realization dawned on me. These gorgeous green eyes. How could I forget staring deep into them just last night before I emptied my guts on his lap?
My face flushed red in embarrassment and my throat got dry. "I... Ummm... Ummm..."
"Tell me, do you stalk all your interviewers a night before and vomit on them?" He raised his eyebrows.
"I didn't know who you were last night." I said meekly.
"You didn't know me?" He looked like he felt insulted at that.
"Is it that hard to digest?" I said in an annoyed voice and then slapped my mouth.
"Yes. Because if you didn't, that makes you stupid and clueless." He stated sternly.
"And if I did know?"
"That makes you a stalker."
What a cocky bastard! I'd rather go back to the farm than work with him.
"I am not getting the job, am I, Mr. Byers?" I asked in a low voice.
"That depends." He stated.
"On what?" I asked.
"On your resilience." He said.
"I am pretty resilient and patient." I countered.
"And why should I believe you?" He asked.
"Only one way to find out." I said. This time, it was my turn to smirk.
"There will be no specified timings. You go home when I want, you come to office when I want." He said.
"Good thing I don't have a family here." I stated with a straight face.
"You have to accompany me on business trips." He said.
"I love travelling." I replied.
"You may get called to my home for any personal errand." He said.
"I don't see a problem in that." I stated.
"You are not allowed to have any physical relation with me." He said.
It would be a lie to say it didn't take me off guard but I kept my face straight.
"Won't be an issue for me." I replied with a cold smirk and the corner of his lips lifted a little. "Now that we have discussed the clauses, may I ask, is the salary negotiable?" I came to the point.
"You didn't get the job yet." He reminded me. "But trust me, you wouldn't need to negotiate the salary." Saying this, he dismissed me and called the next applicant for interview.
I was pretty sure I wasn't going to get the job but it was cathartic in a weird way. I can say I left New York with all my dignity intact, instead of begging that asshole to give me a job. The thought of leaving this city made me a little sad but I cheered myself with a burrito from a stall. I was young and there would be a lot of opportunities for me in the future. There was no need to cry over a city.
****
"Twerk. Twerk. Twerk." Both Max and I shouted in sync. The tall twins extended their derriere and did a pathetic attempt at twerking.
Max and I were hosting Jacob and Jace today, our friends from NYU. They were fraternal twins; Jacob was a popular, muscular heartthrob since university days while Jace was simply a human fluff ball. Since these might be my last few days in New York city, it was my plan that all of us should gather for one last time before the official goodbyes.
"You should work with us." Jacob suggested as he plopped down beside me. They both ran a YouTube channel where they pranked people, most of which was scripted.
"Pass. I'm camera shy. I would rather work something lowkey." I said, knowing fully well they could easily afford a carefree lifestyle since their parents were established lawyers. I had to get a good job where I could support my parents so they could have an easier life.
We opened another box of pizza and picked up a piece each.
"What a shitty life! No money, no love, no excitement. Nobody told me adulting would be this hard." I groaned.
"You know what you need?" Max said, chugging the coke. "Sex."
"Not again." I rolled my eyes.
"You are a 24-year old virgin. Of course you have no excitement in your life." Max exclaimed.
"Ellie is a good girl. She is saving herself for her marriage." Jacob said with a wink.
"I am not saving myself for the marriage." I groaned. "I just haven't developed that kind of connection to someone."
"Who said you need connection for an orgasm?" Max said.
"Actually El is right. Some of us are demisexual. We need strong emotional connection to be attracted to someone." Jace sided with me.
"Where was this demi-shit when you were fucking my girlfriend Catelyn." Jacob slapped the back of Jace's head.
"Hey, she was not your girlfriend. And we made love only after you broke her heart by sleeping with her best friend." Jace defended himself. Soon, the twins got into a wrestling match.
"Making love my ass." Jacob groaned.
I was enjoying myself with their brotherly fight when my phone started ringing.Walking to a side, I answered the call and a man's voice spoke from the other side.
"Miss. Anderson, I am speaking from Sveston industries. You have been hired as personal assistant of Mr. Nathan Byers. Please report to the HR at 8 am tomorrow with your joining report." The voice said and my eyes widened in disbelief.
"Miss. Anderson?"
"Yes. Yes, I will be there." I squealed and after cutting the call, started dancing in joy.
"What happened?" The twins stopped their wrestling and asked in unison.
"I got the job at Svestons." I said and all three of them rushed towards me, englufing me in a bear hug. "I won't have to leave New York."
**********
I'll update this story after every 3-4 days.