BLUEPRINT FOR DESIRE

Chapter 1 The Interview

“Tell me you're already on the way Ava!”

“I'm brushing my teeth but trust me I'm done with everything, I just forgot to brush. Who forgets to brush before going for an interview Lena?!!”

“You told me you were done 10 minutes ago! I can't keep distracting Ben HR. You know how he feels about me. I just stepped out to get coffee. I'm so going to kill you when you get here.”

“And do not forget your ID.” she chipped in.

I could sense the frustration in Lena’s voice through the phone. It was honestly not my fault, well some parts might be.

I hurriedly finished brushing and was about to leave when I remembered I didn't use the special perfume I bought specifically for today.

Yup! I'm definitely missing this interview — but Lena can stall for a bit, right? A small smile plastered on my face for a little while as I remember Lena telling me how Mr Ben or Ben HR as she prefers to call him flirts with her every single time they meet.

Well I'm sure Mr Ben is having a gooood time.

I put on the second heel and bent over to adjust it when a text popped up.

“5 more minutes Ava and I'm leaving.”

I rushed downstairs to my car with a faulty tire that had been begging for a retirement.

‘I hope I don't meet the cops on the way, otherwise I'm gonna get a ticket.’

I turned on the car, put on my seat belt, reapplied my lip gloss and put the car on drive. I checked for my ID in my documents before moving the car.

‘VALE INDUSTRIES’

The sign was so bold that even those 30 minutes away could see it.

It was a very huge compound with lots of skyscrapers in it.

I got to the gate, put in my fingerprint and showed them my ID for me to be let inside. That was scary— not gonna lie.

I drove about 2 more minutes before I saw the building that had ‘ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN’ stylishly written in black and gold. I spotted Lena's car and parked beside her.

I touched up my makeup and grabbed the documents I needed before leaving the car.

I texted Lena that I was outside before going to AI to revise likely questions I was going to be asked.

I felt a soft hit. “Follow me.”

“I'm sorry Lena, I didn't set my alarm.” I said, trying to match her pace.

“Well who's fault is that?” Lena paused and gave me a big side eye before continuing her walk.

“I'm sorry” I said again.

“Well you're gonna have to make up for it.”

“I promise.” I said with a big smile.

“Well how did your date with Mr Ben go?” I said, the smile still evident on my face.

I saw a little smirk from Lena but it vanished almost immediately but I'm glad I caught it.

“It was awkward in the beginning but I started to enjoy his company a bit.”

“Just a bit?” I fastened my pace to meet her, then nudged her.

“Yeah Ava. Just a bit. Nothing more. Let's end this here.”

“But I see that smile. You don’t just give that smile to anyone.”

“Shh. We're getting to the HR office. I want to look serious.”

“Okay Miss.”

We got to the office and Lena handed me over to Mr Ben without giving him a glance.

I looked back as she was going and she caught my glance. She gave me a smile and mouthed ‘You got this’ to me. That fueled my morale.

“Good morning, Ava Moreno. How're you doing today?” Mr Ben said with a serious face.

“Good morning Mr Ben. I'm doing alright, what about you?” I replied with a smile.

“I'm doing just fine. I noticed you came late for the interview. It's currently 8:48am and this interview was scheduled for 8am. Hope you were aware.”

“Yes I was sir. My car broke down on the way and it took time to find a taxi to drive me here. I promise it won't happen again.” It'd be crazy to tell Lena I was already lying on the day of my interview.

I got a nod from him before we continued.

For some reason, he didn't sound like the Mr Ben Lena tells me about. He was serious and his gaze was so intense that I forget what I want to say sometimes.

“For security purposes, this call is being recorded. With that said, can I have your documents please?”

“Oh yes please sir.” I said while removing some documents from my file and handing them to him.

He grabbed the first file with ‘Harvard GSD’ boldly written on the page.

“Hmm…. you got your masters at Harvard Miss Moreno?”

“Yes sir, I graduated from college last 3 years but I got my degree in masters there. I'm currently studying for my doctorate degree.”

“That's impressive. Your CV fits the role perfectly. You are aware we're on the search for an architect. Our company is currently working on a low-cost eco housing project and we're short of junior architects. The project will go on for a year maximum and 6 months minimum. So you could call it a contract. You'll be paid $2,000 every month for the duration of the contract. If after the contract, you perform your role well and do exceedingly perfect, you will be retained and your salary increased. Is that okay with you?”

“Oh, perfectly fine Mr Ben. When do I start?”

“You start working officially on the 2nd of next month which is a week from now and also when the project fully commences but my assistant, Miss Elena will show you around the company to get you acquainted with the environment and some of your colleagues.”

“Noted.”

“With that said, you're hired and we also offer a hiring bonus of $500 once you start.” This was the first time he gave me a smile which I gladly returned.

“Thank you sir. I'll start next week and I promise to perform my job well.” I say showing my gummy smile.

He opened a vault and handed me a detailed rules and regulations surrounding the company.

We shaked hands and I left immediately clutching the rules and regulations in my palm.

I met a smiling Lena outside.

“I passed the interview Lena! I passed, I passed, I passed.” I screamed.

She tried to close my mouth but I dodged and started my happy dance.

I was still doing my happy dance when I slammed into something hard.

“Ava! Stop!” Lena’s voice cracked through my excitement.

I turned— and froze.

Dark hazel eyes locked onto mine. Sharp. Like he was already judging me. Well he was. The kind of look that made your stomach sink before you even opened your mouth.

“Explain,” he said. His voice was low, firm, and not friendly at all.

Lena stiffened beside me. I felt her fingers wrap around my arm, tight.

“I’m so sorry, sir,” she said quickly. “She’s new.”

‘New?’

His eyes dropped to the file in my hand — Vale Industries: Rules and Regulations — then slowly lifted back to my face. It felt like forever.

“So,” he said calmly. Too calmly. “You’re the architect Ben just hired.”

My heart dropped straight to my stomach.

This wasn’t just some random employee I had crashed into.

This was the CEO of the company as a whole.