The unbreakable bond

Chapter 5 - Business proposal

Chapter 5 - Business proposal

Alena - pov

It’s Monday, only 14 more days till our last year starts. I need to go to the tavern today to collect my last payment. Still a little wary due to earlier events, I walk next to the road. Our town used to be a hotspot for tourists and youngsters, but times change. And if I know one thing about time, it would be that it is merciless.

I arrive at the Tavern and go to Pete, my boss.

"Alena, perfect timing. Yesterday, there was a customer who wanted your number. Something about a work proposal. He left his number and asked to call him within 48 hours, so you have a little over 24 hours left" I am dumbfounded and considering Pete's laugh, it is visible on my face.

"Don't worry, if you decide not to call he will not hunt you down. I think he is a businessman and only gives a few opportunities, hence the deadline" he explains. Still wondering what this is about, I accept the fancy business card. The logo seems so familiar, but I have no time to look over the business card and stuff it in my pocket.

"Pete", I begin "I am here to collect my paycheck" I continue. Pete laughs

"Of course you are. Will you ever visit the tavern aside for work or payment collection?" he sighs playfully and goes to the register and puts the money in an envelope and gives it to me.

"I hope you will work here again next break" he states more than asking. I give him a smile.

"I would love to" I say with a sweet smile. It is nice to know that you are appreciated. Even though my salary is not that high, he pays by the hour and is an honest man. I love working here, as long there are no assholes making me work overtime. I don't know why I suddenly think about him. I casually chat a little longer with Pete before I say my goodbyes and go back home.

After a little over 20 minutes, I arrive home and go straight to my room to make the call. I am kind of interested to know more about this business proposal. I am all of a sudden very nervous. It's just a phone call, but I really need a job if I want to share that luxury apartment with Chloe. Although this whole situation feels shady. It took some more time to convince myself and dial the number. It barely rings two times until somebody answers it already.

"James Brooke speaking" a deep male voice answers the phone.

"Yeah, uhm, hello, this is Alena Jones. Pete Williams told me I had to call this number regarding a job offer?" I answer unsure. Really, what was I thinking?

"Ah miss Jones. I am relieved and glad to hear from you" the voice somehow sounds nicer and friendlier. "We indeed have a job offer for you" James continues "my boss has been to the establishment you work for and found you a very useful employee. Therefore we want to offer you a job. Details about this job offer can be discussed if you come over to Wild Wolf Inc. in North Carolina". I am at a loss of words once James finishes. Wild Wolf Inc. is known for its progressive and advanced technologies. They are on the top of the world when it comes to technology, medical research, but also investment and real estate. I am currently a senior pharmacy student, but it's not like I am the top student or anything. I am of no use to them. But thinking of it, they don't know about my studies. Just what kind of job are they offering? I do have to say, their company is close to my university. It would be perfect if I do get a job there.

"Miss Jones? Are you still there" I hear James calling my name.

"Yes, I am. I'm sorry I was just thinking. When would you like for me to have this interview?" I am a little wary though, this sounds too good to be true.

"Oh no need for an interview. If you could pass by somewhere next week? That would be perfect. We can discuss the details when we meet" James answers. Okay, this seems so shady.

"Uhm, sir I-"

"Ow shoot, I've got to go, but I see you next week. You can find the address on the business card. Bye Miss Jones". With those last words, the connection is lost.

Okay so I have a job? I think. Even more confused I go downstairs as my mom calls me to eat. While having lunch I ask for my mother's opinion.

"Ow sweety, this sounds amazing and all, but doesn't it sound a little bit too good to be true. If you decide to go to this company, I would like you to take Chloe with you". The worry in my mom's voice is clear and I have to say, I do find this shady as well.

"That's a good idea mom, thanks. Also, Chloe might have found a nice apartment for us. It is close to campus and has two bedrooms." I try to shift the topic a little and it works.

"That's great honey. I can't believe it is already your last year of university. I am so proud, but I will miss you so much. It is only a 2 hours drive, so please visit me whenever you can". I can see the sadness in my mom's eyes. She always tries to hide it, but she is an open book. I smile bittersweetly and think. Everything will change when I graduate.

“I promise to visit every month and to stay for the weekend when I do”, I say. After all, time is running out. All of a sudden, I regret my choice to continue my studies instead of doing a gap year. But mom insisted on finishing my studies as soon as possible. Besides, the sooner I can work, the sooner my student loans will be paid. I sigh.

“What’s wrong sweetie?” my mom asks, her smile faltering.

“Nothing mom, just a little nervous I think. I better inform Chloe about the job offer”. I stand up from my chair, put my plate in the sink and go up to call my best friend.

The phone rings a few times until I hear her voice.

“Hey girl! How are you doing?” Chloe says overenthusiastic.

“I am very good” I giggle “I suppose you have good news? You sound so cheery” I say.

“Yes! You truly know me the best” she sighs dramatically and I smile at the silliness. “I called the landlord and we have an appointment on Thursday. You are still okay with the apartment, right?” she asks anxiously. I giggle again.

“Of course I am. It IS a dream apartment. I might even have a job to be able to pay my part!” I say.

“A job? Already? How?” she shoots the many questions all at once.

“Well it is kind of shady, but some man who saw me work at the tavern offered me a job. I still don’t know what I’ll be doing, but it is worth listening to since it is close to the university and our internship place”, I say a little cautiously. “Would you mind joining me for the interview? I don’t want to get abducted” I jokingly say. It is silent for a moment before she answers again.

“It does sound shady, so don’t get your hopes up, but I’ll be rooting for you!” she says. She truly is a supportive friend. We stay on the phone a little longer. Once I get off the phone, I start sorting what I’ll need at the university. I keep myself busy so I don’t think about the mysterious job offer.