Games of Pleasure: The Billionaire's Game

CTRL-ALT-DEL

Adriana 

    Later that day, I made a mental note to try and find a job that would lead me to a better lifestyle. Having no one to rely on is not ideal. So, I applied to every position so that I could get away from this lifestyle. Anticipation was kicking my ass, as I was waiting for a callback. I know that it could take weeks before something comes up. I jumped with excitement as my phone ring, hoping it's finally an opportunity for me to work a real job. 

     "Hello?" I answered. 

"Hi, is this Adriana Hart?" The soft-spoken lady asked.

    “Yes it is. Who's calling?” I asked nervously. 

“This is Erika Green with Inonia Enterprises. I see that you submitted an application for the Accountant position. We are very pleased with your resume and would like to set up an interview today at 3 pm.” I was screaming on the inside but maintained professional and told her I will be there today. God really answered all of my prayers today. "A car will be outside your place to give you a ride and we will see you soon.” She says right before she hangs up. 

    All of the excitement I withheld was finally released. I rushed to get dressed, undecided what would be professional enough for an interview. I decided to go with a white blouse and black pencil skirt that stopped below my knees with that matching blazer. I also found my black Christian Louboutin heels that would go perfect with my outfit. I went to my bathroom to start on my hair and make-up. I took all of my curly hair and put it in a neat bun and applied light make-up. I grabbed my purse and ID begin walking towards the door. When I stepped outside, I stopped in my tracks as I see an all-black Mercedes Benz. A well-dressed man had the back door open for me. I begin to speak but my voice was caught in my throat.

  “Hi, Ms. Hart, my name is John and I’ll be your driver.” He said in a pleasant tone. He looked to be middle-aged maybe mid-forties and wore a ring that indicated that he was married. Not that I’m looking, but he wasn’t bad on the eyes. He was dressed in a black suit with the matching flat cap that most drivers would wear. 

    “Nice to meet you John, you can call me Adriana.” I said as I approached the door. I got in and he closes the door. As we drove off, classical music played lightly in my ears. Anticipation was getting the better of me. The closer we’re getting, the more nervous I became. 

Get it together Adriana, you can do it. I silently say to myself. I took a couple of deep breaths to calm myself but my heart was beating erratically. Re-shifting my focus, I thought about Mr. s*x on legs, I believe he said his name was Alaric. God, even his name sounds erotic. The way he rescued me last night and made sure I got home safe made me feel good. His jacket smelled so good. Oh my God! I forgot to give him jacket back. I thought to myself. 

    John’s voice interrupts my thoughts, “We’re here Ms. Hart.” I smiled at him. 

    “Thank you, John. Have a great day.” I say as I got out. This interview will make me or break me. 

    Becoming an accountant has always been my dream. I love numbers and now I finally have the opportunity to work with numbers on a daily basis. I make my way through the double glass door and into the lobby. Wow... It was so big with deep brown wooden floors that shined throughout the lobby. The paintings were so beautiful with the perfect shades of orange and pink that complimented the cream-colored walls. I approached the receptionist who was in her own world. I began to open my mouth but the phone rings jolting her from her thoughts. 

“Just one second and I’ll be right with you.” She says as she goes to answer the phone. I looked at my watch for the time and it showed 2:30 pm, which means I still had thirty minutes before my interview started. After she finished her phone call, she turned her attention back to me and I told her I was here for an interview.

 “Ahh, yes Adriana Hart. You will be going up to the 10th floor and then turn right. There will be another receptionist there to guide you through the rest.” She says fully alert now. 

    “Thank you.” I said as I started walking toward the elevators. 

    I was happy to finally utilize my degree and gain the experience I’ve always imagined. The first two years of college wasn’t my best. In fact, it was the worst experience I’ve ever had. The memory of it makes me depressed. I had just lost Abby. She was really my other half. There’s a part of me that will never be able to fully accept that she’s gone. I grieved for her for so long and the pain never went away. I compartmentalized my grief and took it one day at a time. That was the only way to make it through college. Once I did that, it became easier. 

    The elevator dings, breaking me from my thoughts and I followed the given directions. I approached another receptionist. She was a pretty petite woman with long sandy brown hair. “Hi, How can I help you?” She asked politely.

     “I am here for my 3:00 interview.” I answered. She made a quick call and then told me to go to the door on the left. 

    The interview room was luxurious in a corporate way. I heard my heels softly click on the white marble floors as I walked through the door. The walls were much different than the lobby downstairs. They were covered in navy blue and ivory wallpapers with exquisite paintings and motivational quotes framed in silver picture frames. There were two sections of the office one side had a leather designed couch with two match accent chairs and on the other side was a beautiful white desk with a MAC computer and phone system. A lady greeted me with a warm smile. “Hi, I’m Erika Green, I believe we spoke on the phone earlier regarding your interview. Welcome to Inonia.” She looked to be in her late thirties, short black hair in a pixie cut style that brought out her blues eyes even more. We shook hands gracefully and she told me to have a seat. 

“Ms. Hart we were very impressed with your resume however, you have no experience in the field of accounting.” She says sternly. “If hired for this position, it will be a big risk. Tell me why you are most qualified for the position.” It wasn’t exactly a question. 

     “Ms. Green, I loved numbers since I was a kid. I graduated top of my class in high school and also in college. I competed in mathletes and received scholarships for my academics. I would be a great candidate for this position because I am determined to make a change in the world. I want to be able to heal the damage caused by our society.” She stared for a moment before responding curiously.

 “What exactly do you mean?” Anxiety began to hover me, but I still managed to answer her question. 

     “Well, according to Angela Abraham's book, Are You Awake Yet? She states, "In society, we all work for various reasons. Some of us work to survive and some work just because they want to. If we were to ask someone who is disabled or retired if they wanted to sit around and do nothing there answer would be no. Unfortunately, upper-class people make it hard for people in their position to enjoy life because the cost of living is steadily rising from housing to food. We don’t have many bankers, accountants, or financial investors that have the society's best interests at heart." Erika sat quietly as I explained my inspiration.

     "I want to be able to break barriers without damaging any of the classmen.” She smiled like a proud mom. “Thank you, Ms. Hart, that was all the question I have for you today. We will call you before the end of the day with our decision.” I say my thanks and leave. I hope I get this position. I really need it. I pushed all negative thoughts away as I walk out the door. CTRL-ALT-DEL was all I kept thinking about. John stood just as he had earlier with the back door opened.

  “Hi John, I hope I didn’t keep you too long.” I said as I got into the car. “No, Ms. Hart you did not. I hope your interview went well.” He says pleasantly. “ I think it went great.” Not really, but I need to be confident.  

    Once I made it home, I gave my thanks and went into the house. The scent of lavender surrounded me. Lavender was Abby’s favorite scent. It always made me feel she was here with me. After getting out of my clothes, I sat by my window watching the Miami traffic past by as I drift into my thoughts. From nowhere came the sound of my cell phone playing a classical tone. I jumped quickly to answer. “Hello?” 

A familiar voice responded. “Hi Adriana, this is Erika with Inonia.” My palms instantly began to sweat. 

    “Hi Erika.” I say nervously. So many thoughts were in my head. I didn’t get the job and she’s calling to tell me that. 

 “The reason I’m calling is to let you know we are pleased to offer you the position. Your skills and knowledge will be an ideal fit for our company. Your start date will be next week on Monday.” Tears welled in my eyes but these were happy tears. I took a couple of deep breaths and told her thank you. “You are very welcome. Your starting salary will be $53,300 and will increase depending on how hard you work. This is an entry-level but you will have plenty of room to grow with us. Do you have any questions?” I am so happy right now. I can’t believe it. Another milestone accomplished. Now I have no reason to go back to Gino’s. 

    “No. Thank  you so much, Erika. This means a lot to me. I will not let you down.” She laughs and continues to give me all of the information needed for orientation. 

“You will be the CPA for Mr. Ric Wilde, which may require you to travel.” That name made me instantly think about Mr. s*x on legs. There is no possible way that they are the same person. 

“Are you still there Ms. Hart?” She asked.

     “I am sorry. I’m still here. Traveling would be fine. Again, thank you for giving me a chance.” We said our good-byes and I tossed the phone. My spirit was different now. I feel like everything will be okay. Nothing can mess this up.