Tangled

Damn! Who's this gorgeous lady? Heck! You look real good in this suit! Now I'm jealous someone might steal you from me when you step out.” Jeff asserted as he held Zoey's waist from behind and scanned her appearance from top to toe, watching her tighten the belt on her trousers to give her waist a little more definition. “Hmph.” Zoey muttered. “ You exaggerate.” “Nope, I'm not exaggerating babe.” Jeff stated as he cupped Zoey's face in his hands and looked her in the eyes. “You look real good in this outfit. And I bet you're going to kill this interview.” Zoey held Jeff's wrist as his hands cupped her face. “Well, let's hope I do. This is Black Clothing and Jewelries we're talking about. I gotta get a good pass to be able to bag that position, not to even talk of the position being the assistant to the CEO. I'm nervous as hell.” Zoey took Jeff's hand from her face, turning to face the mirror which directly faced the bed they both shared in the small bedroom space. Jeff rounded her and stood in front of her, blocking her view of the mirror. “Trust me, sweetheart. You're good at this. You're good at what you do. I trust you and I believe you'll do well at this interview. You've worked for a couple of fashion stores. This shouldn't be hard.” He said with a smile and a wink of his eye.” “Well, thanks for your trust and motivational words. But I've got to go if I'm to kill this interview. I can't miss the bus.” She responded and quickly dashed out the door, stealing a glance at her expression in the mirror as she did so. Zoey took long strides down the walkway to the bus station. She looked, yes, but she needed more than looks to land a job at Black Clothing and Jewelries. She was vying for the position of assistant to the CEO at the most sought after company in town, and that would mean competing with very competent people. It would be hard, but it's definitely worth a shot. She thought to herself as she made her way to wait patiently for the bus. ********************************************************* “Zoey King.” The lady at the desk looked Zoey in the face, subtly scrutinizing her features. Her hair was pulled back in a tight bun and she looked smart in a white long sleeve shirt and black trouser. “You can proceed to the next stage of your interview.” The woman, whom Zoey had come to know as Denise, offered. “Thank you.” Zoey muttered with a subtle joy which lingered in her heart as she made her way to the elevator. What?! She made it? She freaking made it. She made it to the final stage of the interview. She wished Jeff would know this, but now, she needed a calm mind for the next stage of the interview. She'd celebrate this with him later. She grinned inwardly at herself as the elevator hurdled her up the last floor of the skyscraper. Still, the nervousness wouldn't free her. Her hand clasped the strap of her bag tightly as she placed a hand on her chest to calm her racing heart. Small beads of sweat had formed on her forehead and she dabbed them off with a tissue. She adjusted her suit jacket, straightened her shoulders and strutted out the elevator, gracefully as ever. The CEO’s office wasn't hard to find. It was the only room on the last floor of the tall building. She was ushered into the office by a receptionist and offered a seat. She muttered a quick thanks as she stared anxiously at the man seated from across her, awaiting his verdict of her. Damon’s attention was centered on his screen. His minty scent lingered in the sophisticated space of an office room. Zoey watched as he continuously tapped on his screen and pulled his black shiny hair, which is ever sleek, backwards. “Zoey Kings?” His voice was deep and flat with an authoritative edge to it. “Zoey Kings.” Zoey answered, her voice slightly shaky as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat. Damon shifted his attention from his screen and looked her in the face. His blue eyes subtly scrutinized her face as she tucked a strand of imaginary stray hair behind her ears. His eyes slightly lit up and the hardened expression he had on his face softened. It lasted a second, but was long enough for anyone who caught it. It disappeared as swiftly as it had occurred. Zoey shifted uncontrollably in her seat and clasped her hands tightly together. “Fashion and design. Santa Monica Community College.” Damon stated, still looking her in the face. “Erm…yes.” Zoey shifted uncomfortably in her seat. I worked three years for a Fashion store after College, and…erm…offered tutoring sessions for students online. I'm fairly inclined to the fashion space.” Zoey hurriedly responded, her voice steady but with an edge of nervousness to it. “Mm.” He shortly murmured. Zoey restlessly tapped her feet to the ground and intertwined her fingers with one another as she awaited what he would say next. She silently prayed to her gods for a miracle. Damon took a glance at her before picking the telephone. “Call off the interview. I've got an assistant.” His voice was upfront and authoritative. What?! Zoey nearly jumped out her seat. She couldn't believe her ears. Her eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. She fidgeted restlessly in her seat as her heart bounced with joy. “Miss Zoey. You got the job.” Damon declared as he tossed a pile of papers across her from his position on the table. “This contains your list of everyday chores; and the appointments and schedules we’ve got for the month. You're not allowed to skip a single duty from your list of everyday chores, especially getting my morning coffee.” “Your position requires diligence and readiness.” I hate complacency. I've sent a soft copy of the appointments to your mail. You may get to work.” Damon's tone was flat and upfront. Zoey affirmed her commitment to Damon. “I understood the nature of the job before applying, Sir. I assure you my commitment. Thanks for the opportunity.” Zoey replied. Her heart did multiple dances at the same time as she mentally prepared for the work ahead. 8:43pm Zoey let out a sigh of exhaustion as she nearly arranged the heap of papers scattered across the table before her. She balanced her phone between her ear and shoulder as she interacted with Jeff over the phone. “I'll be down in a while, babe. A second please.” “No rush love, I'm right here.” Jeff's voice sounded from the other end of the phone. She walked briskly. It was cloudy outside. The chill winds swept across her face as she hurried towards her boyfriend who was waiting for her outside the office building. Jeff extended his arms to scoop her into a warm embrace as she made her way towards him. “Excuse me ma'am. You're needed over.” They both turned to look into the direction the man who was dressed in security attire pointed. A sleek black car was parked right ahead of them, one of its back doors ajar. Zoey and Jeff looked at each other, both wearing a look of confusion. “Are you expecting anyone?” Jeff asked her, his eyes still on the car. Zoey stared at the door of the car which was still open, wondering who that could be. “Nope. I'm not expecting anyone. And I haven't a clue who that could be.” The security man remained rooted to his spot. He gestured Zoey towards the direction of the car, patiently waiting to accompany her. Zoey and Jeff turned to look at each other. “Right behind you.”