Chapter 2 - Hired

This is it!

"Excuse me, I'm here for the job interview for Mr. Parker's secretary," I said to the staff at the lobby.

"This way, Ma'am," she signaled me to follow her.

My heart is literally beating so fast when we're inside the elevator. I'm so nervous and tensed but I really hope I'll get this job.

When we got out of the elevator, she pointed the place where the interviewees sit. If I'm not mistaken, I think I'm 15th in this line. Am I that late?

I sat down while remembering the questions Alice said the interviewer might ask. While memorizing the answer in the head, a staff went outside and said something but I didn't hear it.

"Uhm, what did she say?" I asked the girl in front of me.

"She said that Mr. Deckard will be the one to interview us," she answered.

Who's Deckard? Is he a staff too?

"Uhm, who's Deckard?" I asked just to make sure.

"Really? You don't know him?" She asked.

I slightly shook my head.

"Mr. Deckard Parker is the owner of this hotel," she said.

I can't believe I just ask that.

Gosh, why didn't Alice tell me the name of my future boss! Well…just in case that I get the job of course.

I observed the others and it looks like they're getting out of the office so soon.

Maybe he doesn't ask too much?

I've waited for thirty minutes I think before getting in the front.

After few minutes, it was my turn.

I entered the office and I was amazed by how big it is.

Then, I saw him checking something on his laptop before he realized that I was there already.

"Good morning, sir," I said trying not to stutter in front of him.

He stared at me for few seconds.

"Good morning. Please, sit down," he gestured.

He was turning the pages of my resume. I hope he doesn't mind that I don't have a lot of experiences at work.

I just smile every time he looks at me. Alice said that's the number one rule.

I never really experienced being interviewed because Mike just gave me the work immediately.

"So, Olivia Riley Gomez," he started talking which made me a little nervous again.

He looked at me from head to toe. I was actually trying not to tremble.

"You look so interested in this job and yet, you don't even know how to dress properly," he said which made me look at my outfit.

He's right, I recognized it lately that the others outside looked so formal in their attires.

"I'm very sorry, sir. This is the only skirt I have," I explained.

"That's not my problem anymore," he answered.

I don't think he's a very considerate man.

"So, Olivia," he said and leaned on his chair. "Why do you want the job?" He played with the pen in his hands.

That was a pretty good and easy question.

"Because I want to pursue my career and I also want to learn new things in this company," I simply answered.

He arched a brow. "That was the weirdest answer I got."

He's wrong. My answer was incredible!

"It says here that you worked in a local publishing company in Queens," he read my resume. "Well, you won't find anything similar when you get this job."

"I'm a fast learner, Sir. I can promise to improve my skills and I'll do my best for you to know that I deserve this job," I explained.

I just realized that I answered informally.

"Okay, you can go now," he simply said.

I failed.

I stood up but when I started walking, something just came out of my mouth.

"I won't get the job." I turned to face him. "Am I right, sir?"

He looked confused when I said that. He probably didn't expect me to say it out loud.

"What makes you think you're right?" He was bored.

I shook my head. "Nothing, sir," I said and started walking towards the door.

"Wait," he called.

I turned around and I saw him reading something in my resume.

"You worked for that publishing company for more than six years," he looked at me with a serious face. "Why did you decide to resign?"

"I didn't, sir," I honestly said. "The owner fired me without a good reason."

He was just staring at me so I guess I can go now.

I walked towards the door when I heard him speak in the intercom.

"Tell the others to go home. I already hired someone to be my secretary," he said and he glanced at me.

I was confused at first and I was about to ask him.

"You're hired," he simply said while looking at his laptop again.

"Pardon?" I asked just to make sure.

"I said, you're hired," he looked at me with frustration. "If you don't want it anymore, just say so."

I gasped when I heard him say it again. Am I dreaming?!

"Thank you, sir," I exclaimed. "Thank you so much!"

"As you said, you'll prove that you deserve it. Work starts at 8:00 AM tomorrow. Don't be late," he said.

"I won't let you down, sir," I smiled before leaving his office.

I can't believe I got the job! I'm so grateful.

I bought a box of pizza to celebrate with Alice and Summer.

When I got home, I saw Alice and Summer watching a movie while eating potato chips.

"How did it go?" Alice stood up, waiting for my answer.

"I was hired right away," I smiled.

"Really?" She gasped and we hugged each other so happily.

…

"Are you sure you're okay now?" I asked Summer while she's leaning on the headboard.

"I'm fine, Liv," she simply said. "You don't have to worry because I don't feel bad anymore."

"Okay," I said. "Just make sure to take care of yourself. I might get home later than I used to."

"I will," she answered. "Goodluck on your first day of work," she added which made me smile.

"Good night," I said and wrapped the blanket around her.

I slept early so that I can have all the energy tomorrow.

…

I woke up at 6:00 AM to prepare breakfast. Summer will be up at 7:00 AM for school. I'm still worried about her health. That's why I always put medicines in her bag's pocket just in case.

I cooked bacon and egg and I ate right away. Then, I took a bath and I dried my hair using the blower. I brushed my teeth before going out of the bathroom and I walked towards my closet. I wore nude-colored satin collared shirt and a black pencil skirt which I bought yesterday before I got home from the interview. I wore a white stiletto heels to make myself look elegant when I walk.

It's already 7:15 AM when I got out of my room. Summer was still eating while texting someone.

"What are you smiling at?" I asked her while fixing things in my bag.

"Nothing," she answered then she turned off her phone.

No boyfriend until she graduates. That's the rule.

I fixed my hair into a ponytail then I told Summer to go home straight after school.

Alice told me to join her in her car because our work both starts at 8:00 AM.

When I got out of our apartment, Alice was already waiting inside the car. I went to the shotgun seat.

"I'm sorry. Did I kept you waiting?" I asked as she drives.

"Of course not. I was just here a minute ago," she said. "You look nervous," she glanced at me.

"I am," I inhaled and exhaled.

"Well, that's normal. I'm sure he'll like you," she explained.

"Like me?" I asked curiously.

Why would he like a girl like me?

"I mean he'll like you as his secretary of course," she answered just to make things clear.

"I hope so," I said. "Wait, didn't you say that you're also working as a secretary of the president?"

"Yes. I work for Mr. Zach Whitmore," she said while her eyes are on the road.

"Is he a good boss?" I was curious of what kind of attitude the bosses there might have.

"He's a jerk sometimes," she said. "And guess what, him and Mr. Parker are both flirty."

The person that I'll be working for is a flirt?!

"Did that Zach you're saying is flirting with you?"

"No, he won't do that. Flirting with their secretaries is not their thing," she chuckled.

I was in a relief when she said that.

The Parker hotel is forty minutes away because it's in Brooklyn and I live in Queens. I'm not so familiar with Brooklyn because I never really go there often.

After forty minutes, we already arrived at the hotel.

Mr. Parker's office is at the 45th floor so we had to take the elevator. Then when we got out, someone walked towards us.

"Olivia Gomez?" The girl asked. She was dressed like us. Maybe she also works here.

"Just Liv, Ma'am," I said.

"I'm Emily Smith," she offered her hand.

"Good morning to you," I said then we shook hands.

"I'm here to assist you on your first day of work," she signaled me to follow her. "I'll show you your cabin."

"Good luck," Alice said with a smile before walking towards the president's office, I think.