“This is the next applicant, Mia Warren” The Blonde lady mentioned.
As soon as our eyes met, I watched as his expression shifted from casual indifference to a subtle recognition. And for the briefest of moments, a hint of discomfort flickered in his eyes.
“Thank you, Ashley. You can leave now” An older-looking man, sitting directly beside him, spoke out.
Of all places for the universe to have made us cross paths again, it had to be here.
I had been preparing for this interview for weeks. Landing this job was a dream come true, and now this had to happen.
I was looking directly at the man who I had steamy passionate s*x with just a few days ago, my one-night stand. I still had not gotten over the wave of shock and disbelief, I was struggling with shaky hands to keep my composure.
The older man stood up and extended his hand for a handshake “Welcome to BlakeTech, Miss Warren. I’m Tim Blake” he said in the most welcoming manner. “And my son, Alexander Blake,” he said proudly referring to ‘him’
So his name was Alexander, I thought briefly.
The guy from the other night also stood up, extending his hand for a handshake. But his eyes held the coldest glare. Like I was his greatest enemy who he was greatly displeased to meet.
Determined not to give in to defeat by the unexpected twist of fate, I decided to maintain composure as best as I could and return the handshake.
The interview began with the older Mr Blake’s questions about my qualifications, and experience.
“I’m sure it's no news that all 5 applicants present here today, successfully made it into Blake Tech.” He stated while flipping through the files before him “The reason for this physical interview is to determine who fits perfectly into the 5 vacancies we have now.” He explained.
Despite knowing that, I had hoped that I would get the position I had been looking forward to. Project Analyst. And hopefully in the next 2 years become a Project Manager.
“And if I may ask, what position do you have in mind Miss Warren” asked Mr Tim Blake.
“I believe, I would do well in any position that I'm offered, however, I see myself leading the role of a project analyst while utilizing the best of my skills” I answered
“Let me get this straight” Alexander finally spoke with disdain evident in his voice while shooting me a straight look “So you’re telling us, that the only position we should be expecting you to utilize the best of your skills is as a project analyst?” he asked firmly
Did he just use my own words against me?
I could tell his father was also caught off guard by the angle his son came out from.
“Not at all…sir, That wasn’t what I meant” I adjusted in my seat “I was only pointing out that one works best in a position they are fond of. However, professionalism takes place when an individual decides to excel at any given role” I answered with poise.
I wasn’t going to let him ruin this for me, I was determined to prove myself as a capable professional, irrespective of our complicated past.
As the back-and-forth interview-wrecking question and answer took place between Alexander and myself. I could tell his father found it amusing as I noticed him relax in his chair with a smile on his face.
“Tell me Miss Warren” Mr Tim Blake finally spoke “Why did you leave your previous place of work” creating an underlying tension for me.
I blinked, shifting my gaze from Mr. Tim to Alexander and back to Mr. Tim. My mind raced to find the right words.
I had prepared extensively for this interview, rehearsing answers to common questions, but this one had caught me completely off guard. I didn’t expect to be asked this question in any way.
I took a deep breath, trying to regain my composure.
And in a calm yet slightly hesitant tone, I began to tell a little white lie. Because there was no way I was going to openly say that I was almost harassed by my previous boss.
“Leaving wasn’t the easiest decision for me, as I had been with the company for a year and had developed strong relationships with my colleagues and superiors.” I started with “However, I had to leave because I didn’t feel safe in the environment. I didn’t feel like my space was respected enough”
“Looks like we have an entitled staff on our hands Dad, and that says it all” Alexander stood up adjusting his suit, indicating that he was about to leave.
“Not at all…sir” That wasn’t the case, I didn't appreciate how he was using my words against me.
“Enlighten us then, Miss Warren,” He said in a mocking tone “If you weren’t starting to feel entitled, then what was it?” He asked, sitting at the edge of the table.
“What I meant was” realizing that I needed to choose my words carefully “I started feeling uncertain about my safety in the company. The work environment was becoming increasingly unsafe, and I just didn't want to be part of that anymore."
“I see” Mr Tim Blake sighed “Sorry to hear about the inconvenience you had to experience.” With that, I saw him close up my folder and shift his gaze to his son
“I believe we have the perfect candidate for the role of your Executive Assistant, what do you think son?” He announced
I saw how Mr. Tim’s statement awakened a death glare in Alexander. And what was worse, the death glare was addressed to me.
He didn’t argue with his father nor try to convince him, he just sat there telling me with his eyes that he was going to make me pay for his father’s decision.
“Welcome to Blake Tech Miss Warren” Mr Tim Blake extended his hands for a congratulatory handshake “We will be in touch for your offer letter and resumption details”
With a fake smile plastered on my face, I left the interview room and walked out of the building with fear of how I was going to manage working directly for Alexander.