Chapter 6
1018 Words
-Ava-
The building was enormous, and the moment I stepped inside, I knew I had entered a world I didn’t belong in. Everyone working there looked like they’d stepped straight out of a magazine. The women especially were stunning. They wore tight dresses and heels, their makeup flawless. Compared to them, I looked like a very unsexy librarian, feeling extremely out of place.
Still, I approached the golden reception desk, which bore a beautiful logo of a swirling E forged into its surface. Two receptionists sat behind it. Neither looked up as I approached. I eventually had to clear my throat before one of them finally acknowledged me. She had long blond hair and the same dark eyes all vampires possessed. She gave me a single glance before turning back to her computer.
“Name?”
“What?” I asked.
“Name?” she repeated, looking at me again.
“Oh… uh, Calliope Grey,” I said.
She typed it in, the sharp click of her long nails echoing against the keyboard.
“Your name isn’t in the system,” she remarked.
“No, I don’t have an appointment,” I admitted.
“Then what are you doing here?” she inquired. “You need an appointment.”
“I know that, but you see—”
“I need to ask you to leave,” she cut in.
My heart started pounding. If the receptionist was this intimidating, what must the boss be like?
“No, just, uh… wait!” I blurted.
“Miss, you need an appointment,” she repeated.
“Yes, I’m aware.”
“And the boss won’t be available until November,” she added. “It’s July.”
“Yes, but I-I applied for the position as her assistant, and… and I’m here to talk to her about the job,” I explained.
The woman raised an eyebrow.
“You know… sh-show her how much I want it,” I added, attempting a small smile.
It quickly faded as she scanned me from head to toe, her expression clearly doubtful. As if she couldn’t believe I’d ever thought I had a chance here.
“Well,” she finally said, “I can call up and see if she has time. But don’t expect anything.”
“No, a call would be fine,” I said quickly.
She gestured toward a seating area farther away, with cream-colored couches arranged beside a small fountain. “Take a seat.”
“Okay.”
I walked over, hesitating before sitting down, afraid I might somehow ruin the pristine furniture. Everything here was so expensive. The high ceilings, the large paintings, the posters showcasing Everly Colt’s achievements… it was all unreal. She was clearly something else entirely. I found it hard to believe she would ever give me a chance, but I had come this far. I couldn’t turn around without trying.
But hours passed. I pulled back my sleeve to check my watch, one Zachary had given me so I’d always be on time. It was nearly late afternoon.
I sighed, realizing I might never meet the famous Everly Colt after all. Accepting defeat, I stood—
“Miss Grey!”
I was still getting used to that name, so it took a moment to register.
“Miss Grey!” the receptionist called again.
I turned toward the desk. The woman was standing now. Curious, I walked closer, wondering why she’d called me back.
“She will see you now,” she informed me.
“Who?” I asked, confused.
The vampire shook her head, clearly thinking I was ridiculous. It suddenly dawned on me what she was saying.
“Oh, she,” I said. “As in the boss?”
The woman nodded. “Yes.”
“Really?” I exclaimed.
The vampire shot me a look that told me to calm down. I instantly did, forcing myself to contain my excitement.
“Top floor, take the elevator,” she instructed, gesturing where I was headed.
I nodded and was let past the access gate. I stepped into the elevator, pressing the button for the top floor. Nerves fluttered in my stomach, mingling with excitement. After a moment, the doors chimed open, and I entered a stunning room that looked almost like a luxurious living area, aside from a few desks scattered around. There weren’t many people present. Perhaps the boss preferred privacy and quiet near her office.
Were they all assistants, or just one? I wondered. A few people glanced at me as I crossed the bright, open space. Everything was immaculate. Perfect. Nothing seemed out of place… except me.
“You must be Miss Grey,” a woman said as I reached the far end of the room. She stood beside a large desk.
I nodded. “Yes, that’s me.”
The werewolf smiled and extended her hand. I took it gently, returning the gesture.
“I’m Jen,” she said. “I’m the one whose job you’re trying to take.”
I quickly withdrew my hand. “I-I didn’t know. I-I’m only here because—”
“Whoa, slow down,” she laughed. “I’m just teasing. I’m leaving of my own choice.”
“Oh!”
“Yeah, so don’t be nervous. It’s actually pretty impressive that you came here,” she added.
“It is?”
She nodded. “Especially since you don’t qualify at all.”
I lowered my gaze, knowing she was right.
“But ambition is good,” she continued. I looked back up and met the encouraging smile she gave me. “That’s how you get noticed.”
I felt better, realizing she hadn’t meant it unkindly.
“I’ll let her know you’re here,” Jen said.
She pressed a small call button. A voice answered on the other end, and Jen informed the boss that I had arrived. My nerves flared again, my heart racing, my palms growing sweaty.
“Miss Grey?”
I blinked and turned back to Jen, snapping myself out of my thoughts.
“Miss Colt will see you now.”
- Writer
