THE CEO'S 24/7 CONTRACT

Everest — yes, like the mountain — was not built for running in heels. Especially not when her matatu had broken down in Tudor, her CV was crumpled with sweat, and her entire future depended on one interview at Promenade Beach Hotel. She burst through the glass doors 7 minutes late, sand stuck to her feet, hair half-falling out of its bun, just in time to hear the receptionist say, "Mr. Hale will not see latecomers." Then the door behind her opened. And he did. Mason Hale didn't walk into a room. He owned it. Tall, broad shoulders in a charcoal suit that probably cost more than her rent for a year, jaw sharp enough to cut, eyes that scanned her from her dusty heels to her messy bun like she was a problem he had to solve. He held her CV between two fingers. Like it was trash. "Everest," he read, voice cold. "Interesting name. Your mother expected too much, I see." Everest's heart dropped. But her mouth — her stupid, brave, broke mouth — spoke first. "At least she expected something, sir. That’s more than I can say for this hotel’s matatu schedule." Silence. The receptionist gasped. Mason's eyes finally lifted from the paper to hers. And for the first time, he actually looked at her. He didn't smile but something flickered in his eyes. Annoyance? Amusement? Everest couldn't tell. “You have two minutes,don't waste them,” He said as he turned and walked into his office. She half-walks half-runs behind him all the while fixing her clothes and hair. The receptionist is left bewildered, because he NEVER sees late comers. Ever. He got seated,turned in the chair and pointed to the chair before him. She sat,her hands clutched tightly around her old handbag so he wouldn't see them shaking. He didn't look at her CV,but stared at her,his eyes cold grey like the ocean before a storm in Nyali. “Why should I hire a girl who can't even catch a matatu and get to an interview on time?”he asks rudely. " Well first of all thank you for giving me this chance," God I sound so desperate,but I need this job. Mama's rent is due. “And, uhm, I'm not usually like this so it's a one-time thing and I have the right qualifications and I am hardworking and a fast learner and I'll do my best for this establishment,” Everest said,her heart pounding hard in her chest. Mason leaned forward. Close enough that she could see the faint scar on his lower lip. Close enough that his cologne - something dark, expensive, and dangerous - made it hard to breathe. " Hardworking,” he repeated slowly,like he was tasting the word. “We shall see.” Mason slid a paper to her. She looked down. It doesn't say " Receptionist". It says " Personal Assistant to the CEO. Contract: 6 months. Rule #1: you do not question my instructions.” She stared at it. “Personal Assistant?? I applied to be a receptionist!” She has a shocked look and is confused. She opens it and her eyes fall to the next line, she gets even more bewildered,her breath caught. “Available 24/7,no excuses." She looked up at him,her mouth dry. " So miss Everest…are you going to sign,or are you going to keep wasting my time?" TO BE CONTINUED…