Behind His Office Door

The Interview

I woke up to the sound of my alarm buzzing through my ears. I hated the sound of my alarm, but I always got up at the first ring for some reason.

Looking at the wall clock as I got up from the bed, the time was 5:40 am, meaning I had about an hour to shower, get dressed, and have breakfast. Wasn't sure if I could achieve that but we'll see.

I moved through the bathroom half-asleep — brush, rinse, shower. The usual rhythm. Already done brushing, I moved on to cleansing my face. Warm water fogged the mirror as I washed my face, the scent of cleanser mixing with steam. By the time I stepped out of the shower, my skin tingled clean, and I slipped into the outfit I had laid out on the bed.

For my outfit of the day, I was trying to go for a simple yet sophisticated look. I had picked out a white shirt with a two-piece beige colored vest and trousers and for my shoes, I opted for a loafers I had gotten from a thrift store back at home. Luckily for me, it still looked new and shiny.

I glanced at the wall clock again and screamed literally cause I hadn't realized how far the time had gone. It was already 6:32am, meaning I had about 10 minutes to finish up and leave the house.

I quickly threw on some jewelry. Just the basics, a gold bracelet, my bow earring, and some rings.

I sprinted all the way downstairs to quickly prepare something to eat but Grace had already beaten me to it.

I walked into a happy, bubbly Grace in the kitchen. I mean she's always happy but she just looked happier.

“Good morning beautiful!” Grace said a little bit too loudly. “Good morning to you too darling,” I said giggling.

“I made you pancakes and added Nutella as your spread since I know how obsessed you are with it,” Grace said as she passed me a plate. “Aww thanks but I can only have one of these.”

I chugged one pancake into my mouth and swallowed it with the pineapple juice that was on the kitchen counter.

I was already on my way out when Grace shouted, “Wait!” I was so shocked I had to turn back.

“I know how much you love coffee so I made it for you and good luck with your interview Ti, I know you'll do amazing.” I smiled back at her, kissed her on the cheek, and collected the coffee she had prepared for me, and I dashed out of the house — literally.

Grace had sent me the address of Harrison Enterprises on Fifth Avenue, the night before, “Big glass building,” she’d said, “You literally can't miss it.”

She had clearly undermined my talent for missing everything.

I took the subway—since that was the only means of transportation I could afford, I got off two stops too early, and spent twenty minutes trying to figure out which direction Fifth Avenue even was, New York was really massive. By the time I climbed the right set of stairs, my legs were about to give up on me.

People moved like it was a rhythm—everyone rushing to get to their place of work, horns blaring, voices clipped. I was the only one standing still. Then out of nowhere, a man rushed past me and splashed half his iced coffee across my vest.

“Oh, I'm—” he started, but he was already gone.

Could this day get any worse, I thought to myself. I was so pissed. I stared down at the stain on my clothes. “Great. Just perfect.” I muttered to myself.

Luckily for me, I spotted a cafe just a block away so I went quickly into their restroom, turned on the faucet, and dabbed at the spot with water. The stain wasn't gone but at least it looked less tragic.

“You’ve survived worse than a coffee stain, Tiana.

Keep walking.” I said to myself while looking at my reflection in the mirror.

When I had finally reached Harrison Enterprises, my jaw almost dropped. Fifteen stories of mirrored glass, sunlight catching on the windows until the whole building shimmered. So many people in designer suits who looked far too calm to be real walked in and out of the revolving door, and I won't lie that made me a bit intimidated but I still carried my shoulder high.

Inside the lobby was even more beautiful. A chandelier floated above, scattering gold light across everything. I hesitated before the front desk.

“Good morning,” the receptionist greeted, voice smooth and practiced. “Do you have an appointment?”

“Yes, Tiana Vance for the secretary position.”

She typed quickly then handed me a tag that had Visitor boldly written on it. “Thirteenth floor. Mr Harrison’s assistant will be with you shortly.”

I nodded and walked towards the elevator. The elevator walls were mirrors, and every reflection of me seemed to ask what I was doing here—in a place like this. I straightened my shoulders anyway.

The doors slid open— I hadn't even realized I was close to the thirteenth floor. I stepped out of the elevator and this floor was so sleek and pale— polished marble tiles, glass partitions, and the faint smell of citrus and ink.

A woman approached me, tall and poised in a gray dress that probably cost more than my entire wardrobe. “Miss Vance?”

“Yes”

“I’m Erin Blake. Mr Harrison’s assistant. He’ll see you shortly.”

Her tone was polite but clipped, I could feel her gaze on me, scanning me from head to toe—and a very noticeable pause at the faint coffee stain.

“Please wait here.” She gestured to a small seating area by the window.

From up here, Fifth Avenue looked so peaceful, like the chaos happening down there couldn't even reach you.

I was interrupted by my thoughts when Erin came back some minutes later and said “Mr Harrison will see you now.”

Nervousness—that’s all I could feel.

I stepped into his office and the first thing I noticed was the view. It was so beautiful, made you feel like anything was possible. Then my eyes found him

Gabriel Harrison stood near the window, phone in hand voice low and measured. His posture was in absolute control.

“Miss Vance, are you going to keep standing there and gawking or are you going to take a seat?” he said, his tone ice-flat, as if the words bored him.

I was shocked and annoyed at the same time, Grace was right—he’s actually cold.

“Sorry about that sir,” I said boldly with no hint of fear because he didn't intimidate me at all, no matter how hard he tried to.

I walked towards the chair and sat, careful not to fidget.

He studied the paper in front of him—my résumé, probably all two unimpressive pages of it. “You don't have corporate experience,” he pointed out.

“No, sir,” I admitted. “But I learn fast.”

He looked up. His eyes were dark-brown. “Punctuality matters here.”

“I understand.”

A small nod. Then silence, except for the quiet hum of the city below.

“Why did you apply?” he asked finally.

The truth slipped out of my mouth before I could polish it. “I needed a new start.”

For a heartbeat, something in his expression softened—barely, but enough that I saw it. Then it was gone.

“Very well.” he said, closing the folder. “Erin will handle the rest of your orientation. Consider this a trial period. One month.”

My breath caught. “So—I got the job?”

He leaned back slightly, hands clasped. “It isn't a permanent position, let’s see how you handle the real thing first.”

“Thank you Mr Harrison,” I said quickly.

“Welcome to Harrison Enterprises, Miss Vance.”

When I stepped out, my knee almost gave out from the tension I'd been holding. Erin was waiting, tablet in hand.

“He hired you?” she asked, like it wasn't something that happened often.

I nodded.

A brief smile touched her lips. “Congratulations. Let's get the logistics sorted out, shall we?”

She led me into a small conference room where folders were neatly stacked.

“Now a few things about how we operate,” she began.

“All executive assistants are offered company benefits.

“That includes full medical coverage, wardrobe stipends, and optional housing.”

“Wardrobe stipends?”

She nodded. “You’ll receive a monthly allowance for professional attire. Harrison Enterprises maintains a certain image, and Mr Harrison is particular about presentation. You'll also have access to a stylist if you need guidance.”

I tried not to gape. “That's—generous.”

“It's protocol.” she flipped to another page. “As for housing—you have the option to stay in one of our corporate apartments that's nearby. It's within walking distance. Some staff prefer the convenience.”

I hesitated. “And if I don't?”

“Then you'll receive a housing bonus in your paycheck instead. The choice is yours.”

“I'll think about it,” I said.

“Of course. Your ID Badge will be delivered to you by tomorrow and your orientation schedule, and an employee guide will be sent to your email. You'll start on Monday.”

I nodded, still trying to process everything that was happening.

Erin studied me for a moment. “You’ll do fine,” she said, softer this time. “Just keep your head clear and your work precise. Mr Harrison values efficiency above all else.”

“Got it,” I replied with a faint smile.

“I'll see you on Monday, Miss Vance.”

“I’ll see you too.”

She smiled faintly. “And Miss Vance?”

“Yes?”

“Welcome to the lion’s den.”