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1259 Words
The alarm rang at six.
Evan was already awake.
He’d barely slept.
Every time he’d closed his eyes, his mind had wandered back to the same thought.
Tomorrow’s interview.
Well…
Today.
He lay in bed for another minute, taking a slow breath before finally pushing the covers aside.
There was no point trying to sleep again.
Today mattered.
After a quick shower, he stood in front of his wardrobe, considering his options.
He reached for his navy suit.
Simple.
Classic.
Professional.
Paired with a crisp white shirt, a dark blue tie, and polished black Oxford shoes, it struck the balance he was looking for. Respectable without trying too hard.
He studied his reflection one last time, smoothing an imaginary crease from his jacket.
“You’ve got this,” he muttered quietly.
His phone buzzed.
A smile appeared before he even looked at the screen.
Yvonne.
Yvonne: Today’s the day!
Yvonne: Go in there and remind them why they’d be lucky to hire you.
He chuckled.
Evan: No pressure, huh?
Yvonne: Exactly. Also… don’t trip.
Evan rolled his eyes, laughing.
Evan: Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Yvonne: You’ve got this. Call me after the interview.
His smile softened.
Evan: I will.
He slipped his phone into his pocket, grabbed his briefcase, picked up his car keys, and headed for the door.
…
Forty-five minutes later, Evan pulled his silver sedan into the visitors’ parking lot of Wright Hospitality Group.
He switched off the engine but remained seated for a moment, his hands resting lightly on the steering wheel.
“Here goes nothing,” he murmured.
Taking one last steadying breath, he grabbed his briefcase and stepped out of the car.
The building seemed to disappear into the morning sky.
Its sleek glass exterior reflected the sunlight, while the company’s silver logo stretched proudly across the front entrance. Employees streamed through the revolving doors with practiced confidence, their tailored suits and brisk pace giving the impression that everyone inside had somewhere important to be.
For a moment, Evan simply stood there.
The photographs online hadn’t done it justice.
“This is incredible,” he murmured.
Adjusting the strap of his briefcase, he walked toward the entrance.
The revolving doors glided silently as he stepped inside.
Cool air welcomed him.
The lobby was nothing short of breathtaking.
White marble floors gleamed beneath towering ceilings, while elegant chandeliers cast a warm glow across the expansive space. Fresh white floral arrangements sat atop polished reception desks, and the quiet hum of conversations blended seamlessly with the soft piano music drifting through hidden speakers.
Luxury.
Not the kind that demanded attention.
The kind that expected it.
A receptionist looked up and offered a warm smile.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning,” Evan replied. “I’m Evan Hayes. I have a ten o’clock interview with Human Resources.”
“Of course, Mr. Hayes.”
She checked her computer before looking back at him.
“You’re a little early.”
“I like to leave room for traffic.”
She smiled approvingly.
“That’s always a good idea.”
She stepped out from behind the desk.
“If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to the HR department.”
Evan nodded, following her across the polished lobby toward a bank of elevators.
As the elevator doors slid open, he took one last glance around the headquarters.
He couldn’t help thinking the same thing he had when he first stepped out of the car.
I’d really like to work here.
The elevator doors opened onto the executive floor.
Unlike the bustling lobby below, this floor was noticeably quieter.
Soft conversations drifted through the corridor as employees moved with quiet efficiency between offices.
The receptionist stopped outside a glass door bearing the words:
Human Resources
She turned to Evan with a polite smile.
“They’re expecting you.”
“Thank you.”
“My pleasure. Good luck, Mr. Hayes.”
Evan smiled before knocking lightly.
“Come in.”
He stepped inside.
The office was spacious yet welcoming, with shelves lined neatly with employee awards and framed company achievements. Behind the desk sat a woman in her early forties, dressed in a navy pantsuit.
She stood immediately, extending a hand.
“Mr. Hayes?”
“Evan is fine.”
She smiled.
“Then I’m Claire Bennett.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine. Please, have a seat.”
As Evan settled into the chair opposite her desk, Claire picked up a folder.
“I’ve had the opportunity to review your résumé in detail.”
“I hope that’s a good thing.”
Claire laughed softly.
“It is.”
She glanced down at the file.
“Three years as Executive Assistant to Daniel Lawson.”
“That’s right.”
“He spoke very highly of you.”
Evan smiled modestly.
“I was fortunate to work for someone who trusted me.”
Claire closed the folder.
“That recommendation letter certainly helped.”
“I’m glad.”
For a moment, the conversation shifted away from interviews altogether.
Claire asked about his previous responsibilities, his experience coordinating executive schedules, and how he handled high-pressure situations.
Evan answered each question with quiet confidence.
Not rehearsed.
Just honest.
Claire found herself nodding more than once.
When the conversation came to a natural pause, she stood.
“Mr. Wright is finishing another meeting. We have a few minutes.”
She smiled.
“There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”
Evan followed her into the hallway.
A few offices down, Claire stopped beside an open doorway.
Inside, a woman in her mid-thirties was organizing several neatly stacked files into labelled boxes.
She looked up as they entered.
“Margaret.”
The woman smiled warmly.
Claire gestured toward Evan.
“This is Evan Hayes.”
Margaret wiped her hands lightly against her skirt before shaking his hand.
“So you’re today’s interview.”
“I am.”
She smiled again.
“I like punctual people.”
“I’ve always believed it’s better to arrive early than apologize for arriving late.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
Claire glanced toward her watch.
“We’ve still got a few minutes.”
Margaret studied Evan for a moment.
“You’ve done your research on Mr. Wright?”
“I’ve read enough to know he’s demanding.”
A quiet laugh escaped her.
“Demanding is one way to describe him.”
Evan raised an eyebrow.
“Should I be worried?”
Margaret considered the question before answering.
“No.”
She smiled reassuringly.
“But I will give you one piece of advice.”
“I’m listening.”
“If Mr. Wright asks you a question…”
She paused.
“…answer only the question.”
Evan frowned slightly.
“No more?”
“No less.”
Claire chuckled.
“That’s probably the best interview advice anyone could give.”
Margaret folded her arms.
“And one more thing.”
Evan waited.
“Don’t mistake his silence for disapproval.”
“What do you mean?”
“He doesn’t waste words.”
She offered him an encouraging smile.
“If he’s quiet, don’t panic.”
Before Evan could reply, Claire’s phone vibrated.
She glanced at the screen before slipping it back into her pocket.
“Mr. Wright is ready.”
Margaret looked at Evan one last time.
A sympathetic smile crossed her face.
“Good luck.”
Evan smiled politely.
“I have a feeling I’m going to need it.”
Margaret laughed.
“You really are.”
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