Two days later, I stood outside the NovaTech office building, fidgeting with my dress as I prepared for the interview. I'd spent hours researching the company, but I still couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Zion had seemed to know more about the company than he was letting on, but I'd pushed the thought aside, focusing on preparing for the interview instead.
As I stood outside the company building, my phone rang, shrill in the quiet morning air. I fished it out of my bag and saw Beatrice's name on the screen. I hesitated for a moment, she had been calling non stop since I told her about the job.
"Hey, Beatrice!" I said, trying to sound cheerful as I answered the call.
"Sharon! Happy morning!" Beatrice's voice was bright and bubbly... "How's it going? You must be getting ready for your interview, right?"
"Yeah, I'm here already," I replied, glancing up at the office building looming above me. "Just getting ready to head in."
"Good luck, girl! I know you'll crush it," Beatrice said, her voice full of encouragement.
As we talked, I couldn't help but ask, "Hey, how's your boss doing?"
Beatrice's tone changed, becoming more subdued. "Ace is doing fine, Sharon. The company has been good to him, and... well, I heard he celebrated the termination by having dinner with his wife that night."
The words hit me hard, so he asked for my location but went to have dinner with his wife instead... I felt a pang of pain and anger, but I pushed it aside, trying to keep my cool.
"Oh, okay," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "Well, it is what it is, right?"
Beatrice didn't seem to notice my reaction, I was exceptionally early so we chatted for a bit longer before hanging up. I took a deep breath, composed myself, and pushed open the door to the office building.
As I stepped inside, I felt a sense of determination wash over me. I was going to nail this interview, no matter what. I was going to prove to myself that I was more than what Ace had made me believe.
I straightened my shoulders, put on a bright smile, and walked into the interview, ready to take on whatever came next.
The receptionist greeted me with a warm smile and led me to the conference room where the interview would take place.
As I waited for the interviewer to arrive, I took in my surroundings. The office was sleek and modern, with a minimalist decor that screamed "tech startup". I liked it.
The interviewer, a friendly-looking woman with a warm smile, arrived a few minutes later. We chatted about my qualifications and experience, and I felt confident that I was doing well.
The interviewer smiled and handed me a tablet with a presentation on it. "Great. Just take a look at this and let me know what you think."
After going through it , I told her what I thought about it ...
"Well, Sharon, I think we are done here"
I opened my eyes in awe, almost tempted to ask if that was all!
The interviewer smiled and stood up. "Thanks for coming in today, Sharon. We'll be in touch soon."
I left the office building, feeling a bit confused but overall positive about the interview. I didn't think much and I didn't bother to ask any questions about it.
As I walked home, my phone buzzed with an email from NovaTech. My heart skipped a beat as I opened it and saw the words "Job Offer" on the screen.
I couldn't believe it. I'd gotten the job.
I couldn't contain my excitement as I dialed Maxie's number, my heart racing with anticipation. "Max! Guess what? I got the job!" My voice was shrill, but I didn't care.
Maxie's voice was music to my ears, warm and congratulatory. "Oh my god, Sharon! Congratulations! I'm so proud of you! I need to get home and celebrate with you, ASAP!"
I beamed, feeling a rush of happiness. "I'll be home by evening. Can't wait to see you!"
Next, I called Zion, who answered on the first ring. "Zion! I got the job!" I exclaimed, my voice barely containing my excitement.
Zion's voice was warm..."Congratulations, Sharon! That's amazing news! We need to celebrate. How about I take you and Maxie out this weekend? My treat!"
I grinned, feeling a buzz of excitement. "Sounds like a plan! I'll catch up with Maxie and let her know."
As I walked into my apartment, Maxie wasn't home yet, but I couldn't wait to share the news with her. When she finally walked through the door, I jumped up and down, feeling like a kid on Christmas morning. "I got the job, Maxie! NovaTech offered me the job!"
Maxie dropped her bag and joined in the celebration, and we started doing a little jumpy dance, laughing and whooping, our feet stomping on the floor.
After a while, Maxie showered and changed, and we decided to take a stroll around the block. The evening air was cool and crisp, filled with the scent of blooming flowers.
As we walked, I noticed Maxie's eyes scanning the crowd, and suddenly, she tensed up, her eyes fixed on a figure approaching us. I followed her gaze and saw a tall, dark-haired stranger, his eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled.
Maxie's face turned bright red, and she looked like she wanted to disappear into thin air. The stranger approached us, his eyes locked on Maxie. "Hello again," he said, his voice low and smooth. "We never had the chance to exchange contacts. My name is..."
But Maxie quickly cut him off, her voice barely above a whisper. "I think we should get going, Sharon." She grabbed my arm and tried to pull me away, but I stood frozen, confused and amused by the situation.
The stranger looked taken aback, but he smiled politely and nodded. "Nice meeting you again, stranger."
As we walked away, I turned to Maxi, a teasing glint in my eye. "Who's this guy, B? Why didn't you tell me about him?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Maxie shot me a warning glance, her face still flushed with embarrassment. "Sharon, just drop it, okay?"
"No I'm not dropping it" I looked at her seriously
"Well, he was the one who helped me get away from Jake the last time at the coffee shop"
"Okay....." I was confused
"I crashed out in front of him and told him everything, it's embarrassing and his a fine shyt"
I burst out laughing "wow, you finally acting human B..." I laughed again
"What do you mean by that" she looked serious
"Nothing, B" I said still laughing
She rolled her eyes and walked off leaving me behind