FILTHY DESIRES

A FRESH START

Over the next couple of weeks, I scoured online job listings, firing off applications wherever I could. My meager savings dwindled as I struggled to keep a roof over my head. I barely ate nowadays, and it was starting to show on my body. My shoulder blades started protruding. I definitely cannot be looking like my problems, if I want to secure a job. I turned on my laptop once again, refreshing the site in hopes of seeing good news. A green notification popped up on my screen. I jumped up and down, bouncing on my bed as I gripped my laptop. Finally, I landed an interview at a firm, maybe my lucky break. The interview was due tomorrow, so I had to look my best.

I pulled on my hoodie and sweatpants, maybe if I used my last savings to buy an outfit that would make heads turn and still make me look presentable, I would secure my job, I have all the qualifications listed, and a few questions wouldn’t hurt. I walked into the mall and headed for the corporate shops. I needed something exquisite.

I scanned the room for an outfit, something eye-catching, that’s until a woman walked up to me. She held her hands behind her back. ‘’ good evening ma’am how may I help you.’’ She had her hair down in braids, and a wide smile on her face, she looked like a Latina. I looked at the name tag. Sofía. I was right. I smiled at her. ‘’ I am looking for an outfit for my interview, I need something head-turning, I can’t seem to pick one here’’ I continued scanning the area.

‘’ Alright follow me. I have just the thing’’ She chirped and gestured to the next aisle as I followed her behind. She then picked out a red skirt suit, hidden in plain sight. The colour made my breath catch in my throat. I reached out to run my fingers along the lightweight wool, it was so much softer than it looked with its subtle ribbed texture.

My gaze traced its decorative gunmetal golden buttons marching down the fitted jacket, the peaked lapels, and the pencil skirt that had a long-slit riding up. I could already picture it with my black pumps. ‘’ This raspberry red is so sophisticated’’ Sofia gushed. ‘’ and the design is immaculate, it would look gorgeous on you.’’ I smiled, accepted the suit from her hands, and made my way into the dressing room. Once behind the curtain, I stripped and stepped into the outfit, sliding the jacket over my bare arms, I looked. Poise... confident. Ready to walk into that interview.

‘’well?’’ Sofia’s voice filtered in, expectant. I came out of the dressing room, my smile bigger than ever, ‘’ it is perfect, I’ll take it.’’

I already felt excited about tomorrow. I took a cab and went home. I was so excited about tomorrow that, even I even smiled and waved at Lisa, my annoying neighbour who has two kids who run over my trash every day, she was looking at me weirdly.

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When I arrived at the gleaming high-rise, I hurried toward the elevator banks, I was running too short of time...and that's when I crashed headlong into a young woman balancing an armful of file boxes. We went down in a tangle of limbs and papers as the boxes spilled their contents everywhere.

Not again. ‘’Oh my god! I am so, so sorry!’’ I scrambled to collect the scattered files, flushing beet red with mortification at making such a terrible first impression. I stood up and brushed my skirt, with my free hand. ‘’No, no, it was my fault too.’’ The chic blonde scrambled to assist me, recapturing the escaped office supplies. ‘’ I’m such a klutz sometimes. Are you alright?’’ she asked, her eyebrows furrowed, looking genuinely concerned.

As our eyes met over the mess, I took in her warm hazel gaze and impeccable baby blue sheath dress. She looked equally flustered, a rebellious lock of hair falling over her brow. I gave her a self-deprecating smile. ‘’ Well, if first impressions count for anything around here, I've just epically failed mine.’’ I let out a soft giggle.

‘’Not at all.’’ She flashed me a friendly grin. ‘’I just embarrassed myself minutes ago in front of the senior partners, so it’s all good to me.’’ She rolled her eyes good-naturedly. ‘’ Let’s just call it even and say we both hit rough patches sometimes.’’

After we had gathered all the papers and boxes, she stuck out her free hand. ‘’Gabrielle Lockwood, advertising associate.’’ I beamed a smile at her, ‘’Violet Gale.’’ I grasped her hand firmly. ‘’I have an interview here today for the graphic design position.’’ I looked at my phone. s**t. ‘’ ...which I am almost five minutes late for.’’ I pressed the elevator button for her to step out.

‘’Ooh!’’ Her eyes brightened with recognition. ‘’Follow me. You'll want to head up to the 30th floor then. I was just grabbing these quarterly reports to bring up to the ad team.’’

As Gabrielle escorted me toward a waiting elevator, she leaned in conspiratorially. ‘’Don't be intimidated by Tamsin, she is the hiring manager you’ll meet with. She’s all polished, and sky-high heels on the outside, but a total puppy dog beneath that tough shell. Just be upfront and let your talent speak for itself. Now hurry up, you do not want to keep her waiting’’. She smiled at me as she shooed me away.

I shook her hand. ‘’ it was nice meeting you Gabrielle, hope to work with you sometime soon.’’ She shook it back as she walked away towards a corridor. My nerves settled somewhat as I approached the 30th floor. Just before the doors opened, I sucked in my breath and patted my hair down. I had put it into a slick back ponytail, to bring my sharp features out. I did look really good today.

The door pinged open and I smoothed my blazer and strode toward the reception desk, the warm ember of hope rekindling in my chest. The sleek white, minimalist reception area exuded an air of elegance. I approached the curved marble desk, my kitten heels sinking into the plush charcoal carpeting.

‘’ Welcome to Vortex Ltd, how can I assist you today?’’ The young redhead receptionist greeted me with a perfectly practiced smile. ‘’ Hi, I'm Violet Gale, I have an interview scheduled for the graphic design position?’’

She picked up her tablet, brushing an errant red curl behind her ear. ‘’Ah yes, Ms. Gale, you’ll want the elevator bank around the corner to your left. Head up to the 32nd floor and check in with Jenna at the front desk there.’’

I thanked her and made my way to the waiting elevator, pressing the up arrow. The brushed steel doors opened silently and I stepped inside the spacious mirrored interior. I am so late. As the elevator ascended, I couldn’t help stealing glances at my reflection in the mirrored walls. My tailored red blazer and white V-necked top gave me the look I was searching for, and it did little to nothing to conceal the faint swell of my breasts.

A pang of anxiety twisted in my gut as the door opened. What if I did not get this job? or did I make a fool out of myself? or even worse… stutter. I tend to do that a lot and I just look like a fish. I sighed. This is not the time for this, I have to look the part. I put on my fake smile and stepped out into another elegantly appointed reception area, this one with soaring ceilings and a sprawling modern art installation suspended from the rafters. A strikingly beautiful woman in a cerise dress looked up from her desk.

‘’Welcome to the creative division. How may I help you?’’ she asked. Her tone was calming. ‘’ Violet Gale, here for an interview with Tamsin Price about the graphic design role?’’

The woman’s perfectly arched brows rose slightly as she looked me over, no doubt taking in my slightly rumpled state and frazzled expression. ‘’Of course, Ms. Gale. One moment please.’’

She touched a fingertip to her wireless headset. ‘’Tamsin, your 2 o'clock is here for you. Yes, that’s right...’’ She listened briefly, then gestured toward a sitting area. ‘’You can have a seat right over there. She’ll be with you shortly.’’

As I settled into one of the plush navy armchairs, I took a fortifying breath, willing myself to focus and make the best impression I could under the circumstances. This job could be my fresh start, the key to everything. A few moments later, a statuesque woman in impeccably tailored navy with spiky copper hair strode over, one razor-sharp stiletto in front of the other. She extended a perfectly manicured hand.

‘’Violet? I’m Tamsin Price. Shall we get started?’’

I rose and grasped her hand, forcing a confident smile as I was ushered toward the imposing double doors that undoubtedly led to my make-or-break moment.

Tamsin took me into an office that was just as sleek and meticulously curated as the reception area, with glassed-in walls offering a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline. Towering shelves displayed a striking collection of modern sculptures alongside the tidy workspace.

‘’Please, have a seat.’’ she gestured toward a curved white loveseat, crossing her lithe legs as she settled into a matching armchair across from me.

I perched on the edge of the plush cushion, painfully aware of the slight strain across my midsection as I tucked my hands into my lap. Get it together, Violet. This is too important.

Tamsin regarded me over the rims of her crimson cat-eye frames, her gaze coolly assessing. ‘’ You’re late Ms. Gale’’. I gulped. ‘’ I am so sorry Tamsin.’’ She carried her iPad from a bag on the floor. ‘’I am waiting for someone to come in before we start.’’