The Black Dahlia

8. The Interview

Beauty starts in your head not in your mind.

GABRIELLA

I was really nervous about the interview as I walked out of my cab, it was a little intimidating because I was used to talking interviews and grilling the hell out of my interviewees.

Now I had to face up against Carlos and convince him, that i am good enough for the job. 'Stop overthinking and give your best, you have to do this and you can do this!' I was convincing myself to turn this tough situation into an advantageous one.

I reached the Waiting room by 8.30pm and waited for my turn. At sharp 9am, the receptionist ushered me inside the interview room.

I Greeted Carlos with a smile and shook his hand confidently. He was a man in his early 30’s but looked like someone in his early20’s. Tall and well built like a boxer yet sharply dressed in a Dolce and Gabbana suit and Ferrogamo shoes.

He asked me to take a seat and I did as directed. I took a deep breath to calm myself and prepared to walk through the firing squad.

His first question “why are you here? Tell me about yourself?”

The questions sounded pretty standard openers, but the first one felt like a trick question. I decided to be honest and try not to give generic answer. My strategy was a bit risky and it could go both ways, I felt you need to take risks sometimes, everything cannot be choreographed and pre-planned. If this doesn’t work out I will find some other way to destroy the Martinez family, this might be the easiest way, but no matter the outcome I won’t give up.

“I saved Alejandro Martinez’s life and this is opportunity is Mrs. Martinez’s way of thanking me, although I was initially apprehensive about taking up this offer because I saved him out of kindness and humanity. I had no idea he was Alejandro Martinez when I saved him from the accident site. I reconsidered my initial position, because I realized I could improve my financial conditions if I grabbed this golden opportunity that had fallen into my lap out of nowhere. That’s why I am here. As far as my story is concerned, you must have read my Resume. It has all the details of my education and qualifications. My parents died when I was really young and I was lucky to end up at the Rosa Maria cathedral’s orphanage which helped me survive. If you need any other information I would be happy to share.”

Carlos was listening intently to my monologue, he did not interrupt me or ask any other questions in between, and his black eyes were trying to look deep inside my soul, it was making me a little nervous.

There was this cold silence in the room for a few moment after I was done talking. I guess he was analyzing and thinking about the next phase.

Then he spoke. “Your academic credentials are amazing. You graduated magna c*m laude from Harvard in Finance, yet you are still inexperienced. I will have a discussion with my bosses and you will be shortly notified about your future prospects.” He spoke with a smile.

I smiled back, “I liked your monologue it was inspired to say the least”, he added. “Thanks for your precious time.” I said.

“You may leave now”, he said politely.

I walked out of the room, with a spring in my step. I had managed to impress him, first hurdle cleared now fingers crossed for the final verdict.

I hailed a passing cab and told him my address. I was really happy and gushing throughout the journey. I changed into comfy clothes on reaching home and sat down analyzing the next phase of action.

I felt a little relaxed and decided to prepare for the next phase if things go as per plan.

In the evening, I received a phone call. When I picked it up, it was Rosa’s assistant. She called to inform that I was selected on probation basis for the post of Alejandro’s secretary, all the necessary details were in my email inbox.

I was ecstatic, as soon as the call ended I jumped up in joy and did a little dance. This momentous occasion demanded for a little celebration. The details can be checked later, I need a moment of respite. The last 48 hours had been really nerve wracking.

I decided to make a traditional Colombian dishes, my favorites and the one my dearest mother made for me with love and care. Picada o Fritanga, Empanadas, Bandeja Paisa, Torta Negra.

To top it off I brought some special Mexican wine from the local supplier. After the desserts and wine. I went to bed a happy girl. Tomorrow was the big day, my first day at Martinez Group of hotels.

The next day, I woke up on time and familiarized myself with the details outlined in Rosa’s secretary’s email. After a quick shower, I dressed for the job, opting for simplicity and elegance. A red pencil skirt and white blouse adorned my frame, complemented by red pumps and a high ponytail.

With coffee and a Mexican breakfast from my favorite café in hand, I hailed a cab to the Martinez Group of Hotels, mentally preparing myself for my first day at work.

It proved to be a grueling introduction. As expected, the transition from learning about my duties to executing them was like night and day.

As I timidly stepped into his office, the air seemed to shift, charged with an aura of power and allure. There he sat, Alejandro, the epitome of charisma and danger, cloaked in the sleek elegance of a black Armani suit, his dark eyes fixed intently on the screen before him.

Caught in the spell of his presence, I couldn't deny the magnetism he exuded, even as a nervous flutter danced in my stomach. This would be my first true encounter with him, and the weight of his gaze left me feeling undeniably small.

"Are you planning to stand there all day, lost in admiration?" His voice, deep and rough, shattered my reverie, pulling me back to reality. I cleared my throat, mustering what little composure I had left. "Good morning, sir. I'm your new secretary," I managed to stammer.

With a nonchalant hum in response, he wasted no time setting the tone of our interaction. "Ms. Onchoa, allow me to clarify a few things. Firstly, my day begins with a strong black coffee, promptly delivered. And secondly, as my secretary, you are expected to be ahead of me at all times."

Before him? It was barely 8 o'clock, and already the demands felt insurmountable. But I held my tongue, unwilling to risk his ire so early in our acquaintance.

Handing me a stack of files without so much as a glance, he issued his first task. "Take these files, organize the data, and prepare my schedule for the week."

Despite my inner turmoil, Alejandro's blatant disregard for my presence grated against my pride. Gabriella Sanchez was not accustomed to being ignored, and the sting of it prickled beneath my skin. Yet, with a heavy sigh, I swallowed my wounded ego, refusing to let it overshadow my professionalism.

Navigating through the tasks, I nearly fumbled Alejandro’s schedule, but managed to correct my mistake at the eleventh hour. I couldn’t afford to give him any reason to doubt me or provoke his anger.

Adding to the pressure, Alejandro entrusted me with an important assignment. On my very first day, the workload was already overwhelming.

To commemorate his recent achievement of winning the Best Entrepreneur of the Year award, Alejandro wanted a grand party arranged. And who was tasked with this monumental responsibility? Me. It seemed ludicrous that the newest employee would be entrusted with such a significant task right from the start.

In frustration, I couldn’t help but wonder what the future held for me. Nevertheless, I was grateful to have survived the day despite its tumultuous beginning.