The Destitute Heiress

Forbes or Not

“Good Morning, you’re up?” Reina asks as I come out from the bathroom after cleaning up. I nod unhappily, I want to be under the cosy covers but I have to go out and work to pay half the rent.

Reina and I started to live together under some form of subsidised housing Rosie’s place does for women who want it for six months. Reina and I snatched the opportunity up and though the first month was free, we have to pay from the second month.

“I got notification of a hostess job opening at Smiths in Wellesley. It’s a really fancy place I think you’d love. They are also offering about twenty two an hour for hostesses so maybe interview there before going in to work today? I have a test tomorrow that I need to read hard for, so I can't go to work today.” I nodded as I drained my cup of coffee and finished up the slice of bread she’d buttered for me.

I pitched in for her to pay for a really pricey textbook last week so we’re scraping by with groceries. It helps though because where I work, I’m required to keep my weight a certain way and the hunger helps.

“See you later.” I pulled my tote bag over my shoulder as I left the house, bracing myself for the really cold day. The warmth of my dark blue trench coat keeps me from huddling with chill. The first thing Reina had forced me to buy was this coat and two other jackets. We’d spent about one fifty dollars at the Salvation Army thrift store.

I pulled up the address to the restaurant and looked down at my outfit, a white button down shirt over navy blue pants and zipper boots. It looked good enough to sit in for a quick interview at an upscale restaurant.

On the bus there, I googled things about the restaurant, their history and found out the things customers complained the most about. Living with Reina has put me on my toes, proactively answering interview questions even right in my bed so I can get some experience as I’ve never worked anywhere before my current waitress job.

I stepped off the T at the subway leading to Washington street and took the ten minute walk to the restaurant. A look around told me they were not open for the day and several good looking men in suits milled around probably there for the same interview as I am. I fluffed my blond hair and checked my teeth in the mirror behind my phone, I lined my lips again with my lip gloss before waiting in line to be invited in.

Usually, I would make small talk, but Kevin’s behaviour has scared me off the male gender completely and I’m not willing to be taken for an i***t all over again.

“You’re up next.” I looked up from the reviews about the restaurant I was reading to see an older gentleman smiling at me. He waved me inside and I went with him. The inside of the restaurant was luxurious and cosy, very much like its online pictures. I guess they have a different decor for Summer.

I sat in front of him and offered him my printed CV. I’d sent the restaurant email a copy of my CV that Reina had garnished to say I’d been the hostess and housekeeper of my family’s house for five years. Which was just code for a glorified housewife. I noticed he gave me several looks as he looked through my CV.

“Are you related in any way to the Forbes family?” I blinked. What Forbes? I’m sure he can see my name there, it’s Carina Hammond for now. Not Forbes.

“You look exactly like Anne Marie looked at your age. Such an uncanny resemblance.” I chuckled and prompted him to continue the interview. He asked me a few questions and I pinched in my findings about their customer service and how I could improve it. Afterwards, he shook my hand and said he would get back to me.

“You just look so alike to my first love. I could not marry her then because well,” He stopped with a willful look in his eyes. “I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.” That ends whatever misty emotion had been playing in his eyes, making me very confused and not as excited for this job.

I don’t want to be hired because I look like a long lost love, I want to be hired because I have value to add to the establishment.

As I walked out of the office, I noticed that the staff had arrived and they were in a small meeting with someone who looked like a manager. I took a good look at all of them before I pushed the door on my way out, as I stepped into the street, a light drizzle started, making me exhale before looking into my tote for my umbrella.

A force hit me before I could dip my hand into my tote and another held me before I could crash to the cold ground. It took several seconds for my heart to stop beating so hard and fast, I pulled my bag closer to myself, hoping that crash and help was not a means to mug me. I do not need any more pain than the one in my heart right now.

“I’m so sorry, I should have been looking.” I nod quickly, eager to get this done with and start going when I notice both men are staring at me so deeply.

“Is anything the problem, gentlemen?” The one who crashed into me, still staring with a sheen in his eyes, shakes his head. The other man, standing a few inches taller than his friend, waved his hands to make the situation seem less complicated.

“Don’t mind him, His grandmother has been in a coma all week and he thinks you look exactly like the childhood photo of hers we saw yesterday.” My heart starts pounding harder again, as I remember the words of the Director who interviewed me earlier.

“Are you a Forbes family member?” I ask, my heart in my mouth, hoping they’ll shake their heads and I’ll be well on my way. The way their eyes brighten up immediately makes me lose all the hope I have.

Shit.