Chapter 5 - Katherine
1102 Words
Judy asked the applicants to have our lunch at the cafeteria first. I and the other two applicants became friends, and based on our conversation; they are older than me, smarter than me, and definitely have work experience longer than mine. They were even surprised I was included in the shortlist to be interviewed when I had no work experience at all except that on-the-job training when I was in college. I didn’t have to tell them I’d work with my Dad in our own company.
When we returned to Leon’s office, Judy started to call us one by one for the interview. I felt anxious when Judy called my name and entered into a room more elegant than that of my father’s office. It was surrounded by glass walls, a rich wood desk with luxurious faux-leather chair, two sofas facing each other and a mini table in between, and two bookcases on the corner of the room. I didn’t know there’s a beautiful office as this that hides in this small town in Saint Benilde.
The office room opens and it closes again. I stood up when I saw Adam enter. He stared at me intently that I have to meet him in the eye as I smiled hesitantly and said good afternoon. I remember my father always tells me to look the other person’s eye when doing business meetings. It shows sincerity.
“Good afternoon, Miss De Guia.” His deep voice echoed the room. He held out his hand for a handshake which I accepted immediately. His hands were warm and his eyes didn’t falter as he watched my every move. I squirmed uncomfortably, trying to look away.
He made me sit down again. He surveyed my application paper again and I had a chance to stare at him closely. But before I make any impression again, he started to speak.
“Did you know that you did not pass the exam?”
I was taken aback. So, did he include me in the interview just to say that? I nodded. At least I am honest.
“Y-yes…” I stuttered.
“Tell me why we should hire you.”
His next question was the typical question being asked at any job interview. However, I didn’t know how to answer that at that moment. My mind went blank while his eyes were urging me to say something.
“Miss De Guia?”
“I… Because… I n-need the job badly…”
“How badly you need this job?”
“I n-need money to pay for my apartment… and…”
“I saw that you live far away from here. Why did you choose to apply in Adam’s Clothing?”
“I want to get away from my father who wants me to marry someone else.”
I saw him frown. His eyes held surprise and curiosity. Anxiousness was started to take over me when I realized I should’ve not told him my personal issues with my father.
“Why don’t you want to marry the man your father wants?”
“I don’t love him.”
He tried to hide his smile, then his face became serious again, intertwining his fingers and continued to speak.
“I will have my secretary call you when I decide to hire you. You can go now.”
I was stunned. Then I realized why the interview was brief. I didn’t pass the exam and now I didn’t pass the interview. I can’t even answer the first question properly. But it was a relief now that the interview was over. I can try my luck again with smaller companies within the town. I will not come back again.
‘Thank you, Mr. Adams,” I smiled sweetly as I held out my hand to shake his hand for the last time. He stood up and shook my hand firmly. Like he was saying ‘we’ll meet again’.
“Have a good day, Miss De Guia.”
“You, too…”
I came out of his office feeling relieved. I called Shiela on my telephone to meet me at the shopping center so we can buy stuff for the apartment. She was excited to know the result of my application and I already told her that I had not been accepted.
“If you can’t find a job, how can we survive living here for long?” Shiela asked worriedly. “We should not buy household goods anymore. There are only few companies running here in town. We need to look elsewhere.”
“Okay, we will stay for a week until we find another place to move,” I agreed.
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LEON POV
I called Judy as soon as the last applicant left my office.
“Have you decided who to hire among the three, Sir Leon?”
I handed her the application form and she looked at me with questioning eyes.
“Are you sure, sir? I mean… Miss De Guia has no long work experience. She was so very young and may not be able to cope up with your expectations.”
“I want fresh ideas,” I answer in my defense. “We will try her capabilities for a month. If she did not reach my expectations, we will hire another one.”
“But I only have three weeks left to train her,” Judy reminded her.
“If so, then you should speed up your recovery and come back to work.”
Judy did nothing but to accept my decision. She will start to train Miss De Guia at work tomorrow. I smiled from ear to ear when I remembered why she needed the job. I am sure I don’t want her to marry someone else either. Not now at least.
Judy was right. Miss De Guia is so young to be my executive assistant. She would not reach my expectations, I knew it at that moment I was interviewing her. But there was something in her I couldn’t take my eyes off. She was more than beautiful. She has the eyes as mesmerizing as sunrise, as they say. It was also heavenly to hold her hand.
I admit I was attracted to her. And if my father finds out about Miss De Guia, how she failed the exam and the interview, we will argue about it again. I need to make sure Miss De Guia’s job is done properly to prevent her being fired by my own father.
But one thing is for sure, Miss De Guia will start to rock my world again.
- Writer
