The Boss’s Darkest Demand

The Interview

*Beep* *Beep* * Beep*

Ugghhh. Its morning. I shut the alarm off of my phone and groggily sit up in bed.

Today is the day that I go into the office for my orientation for being an intern at one of the largest companies in Seattle. It's well known for its architecture in home design. I will be entering its interior design department. I have got to make a good first impression or so help me goddess.

I get myself through a shower, put on make up, and pull my long blonde hair into a messy but cute bun. I stare at myself in the mirror, and give myself the pep talk for every sticky note stuck to it. There aren't enough “Today is YOUR day” or “seize the moments” to get me through this, but it helps.

As I started to walk out the door I noticed it's raining. Good thing I hadn't locked the door yet. I stick my arm around the corner of the door and grab my umbrella. Luckily the office is a couple blocks away. Even with the rain I refuse to hail a cab.

Walking along the streets is nice in this weather. No one really wants to get out and walk in this chilly rain. I don't think I've experienced rain colder than the rain here. But the air is so fresh.

I know that today is going to be a good day. I'm going to make an amazing first impression. After all, my internship should be with the best of the best. I have to do this. I will snag a good client, do more than they were expecting, and then I'll win the favor of the big boss and have everyone cheer for me. My name will become important and then and only then, will I be worthy..

Before I knew it, I was at the steps of the building. I must have gotten lost in my thoughts. No amount of pep talking could prepare me for the life I was going to be living.

Before I walked into the building, I had to take one good look at it. It was massive. Jones Atelier Inc. 65 stories high. On average, that would mean about 5,000 employees within the building, not including when they hire other companies to help aid in their jobs. From what I researchered, they should be worth 9 billion dollars. The company is fairly new. Made only a generation ago. A company built with nothing in mind but high end blue collar workers slaving their life away and attending company parties. I’m lucky that I even passed my interview for the company.

*Flashback*

“Miss Blackwood, I see that you studied at SIUC in the state of Illinois?”

“Yes, I did. I graduated top of my class”. Man I’m nervous as hell. The man in front of me is gorgeous, muscular, black hair, a well kept beard, and I can’t stop looking into his piercing blue eyes. They looked like flowing water underneath a frozen river. Pure. Intoxicating. And just downright intimidating. He must be what, 38?

“Hmm. I see. You also have multiple letters of recommendation from all of your instructors, including the Dean. And not only did you study design, but you also studied business. Which is impressive.” I started beaming at the praise. “But unfortunately Miss Blackwood” My smile falters as he continues. “I’m not sure if your swarming letters of recommendation, GPA, Awards, and extracurriculars will be enough for this company. You still lack a few credentials that are imperative to this company. Such as experience in the field. Most of our new employees have a minimum of 5 to 10 years of experience under their belt to be able to properly navigate the extensive obligations that this company holds”. Great. I came all this way for nothing.

“However, Miss Blackwood, I’m going to tell you a little secret. You are young, and I’m impressed at your abilities. So, I’m going to give you a chance. I don’t normally tell my potential employees much about this hiring process, but for you I will. After I conduct all my interviews, I separate the wheat from the chaff, with a very…simple test. For those who are able to pass the test, they get a contract with my company. Those who fail, leave the premises with 4 days worth of salary for the work they do while within the company building. You are inexperienced compared to the others, so I’ve decided to give you an advantage towards their familiarity of the ropes with this knowledge. The test will conclude during your first week here for the company. I truly wish you the best. And if by chance you don’t have what it takes to work for this company, I’ll help you out and write a letter of recommendation for a lesser company if I’m impressed with your skill set during the week”.

I’m stunned. What did this beautiful man before me just say? “Umm, thank you so much sir. I really appreciate the information you have just given me. I’m still a little shocked you’re willing to give me a chance sir. I will reflect on every you have said and will surely surprise you” I said. He looked at my face. Studying me carefully. And then as if seeing what he was looking for, he smiled at me. God is his smile beautiful. He had such a chiseled stoic face just a minute ago. And now he looks like a complete and utter beautiful goofball. That was unexpected.

“The pleasure is all mine Miss Blackwood” he goes to shake my hand. “And mine as well Mr?” I said. “Jo..Atlas. You may call me Atlas” he stated, still sporting that cheeky grin showing off a singular dimple. “Calliope, but you can call me Allie” I say, returning his smile.

*End of Flashback*

Well. I guess this is it. Walking across the threshold now. There’s no going back.