A bet that changed their lives

Part 6 - Congratulations, You're Selected

Derek still couldn't get her face out of his mind - that smile was enchanting, and the way her eyes lit up, he could watch her all day and never be bored. He jolted out of his thoughts as he heard someone address him as "Sir". The receptionist was standing across the desk, with a questioning look on her face. He immediately straightened himself as he nodded for her to speak. "We are done with the applicants, Sir." Clearing his throat, he instructed her to drop an email to the HR head and set a brief meeting with him. "Make sure the tasks are carried out as soon as possible. Also ask him to get the modified training programme, would like to take a look at the changes that have been made. That will be it, you're dismissed."

Arya Davis. He couldn't understand the sudden surge of happiness within him. She was smart, composed, articulate, and came across as sincere and hardworking. She ticked all the boxes he had in mind for his future PA, except that she was a female but he could manage that. She was a bit over-qualified, sure, but he was going to ensure that his company made an offer she couldn't refuse. As much as he would like to know her more, he mentally rebuked himself as the scene from the café replayed in his head. "What in the hell are you doing to me, Arya? What is this feeling?"

A slight knock on the door broke his reverie and he prepared himself for a meeting with George, the head of the HR department. After a good 30 minutes of discussing , George took his leave as he had a new task at hand. Derek walked towards the floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the horizon, feeling content. He was surprised, how could a girl affect him so much? And they had interacted strictly in a professional capacity, for God's sake!

"Hello? Are you even in there?" Mark raised his voice as he patted on Derek's shoulders. Taken aback, Derek turned around to see Mark raising his eyebrows at him. Mark was surprised seeing Derek this distracted, that was a first for sure. "I take it things didn't go well with the candidates? Don't stress yourself too much, you will find a PA, it is not the end of the world," Mark chided before taunting him, "My day wasn't that good either. My brother refuses to see sense, I have a tough time getting through to him. Thank you for asking." Derek shook his head with a faint smile on his face. "Do you have any important task for today? I intend to leave now, need to get a few things done at home before mom comes back from her trip," he lied, but he didn't want to say the truth either. He didn't want Mark to poke fun at him for being ridiculous over a girl. No, not a girl, not some random girl... it was Arya he was thinking about.

***

Arya was in a good mood as she entered her home, balancing her purse, her folder, and a box full of cupcakes as she let herself in. Brooke appeared in the hallway with surprise etched on her face. She immediately broke into a lovely smile when she saw it was her Mimi who was trying her best to not be clumsy. She immediately rushed to help her, greeting her cheerfully and giving her a tight hug once she had helped Arya place everything on the side table. "Oh my God, Mimi! You got my favourite cupcakes!" Brooke squealed as she opened the plain white box that revealed chocolate, red velvet and caramel cupcakes. "Where's Uncle Dan? Isn't he supposed to be up by this time?" Arya enquired. "Oh ya... Mom said he came in a bit late today and he was extremely tired. He has a night shift today as well, so I guess he's gonna sleep for a couple of more hours," Brooke replied before taking the box and placing it on the kitchen counter.

She was about to ask the reason behind her cupcake generosity when Arya's phone rang. The latter frowned, it was a number that displayed on the screen. "Hello?" she answered a bit hesitantly. 

"Am I speaking with Ms. Arya Davis?"

"Yes, this is Arya. May I know who is it?"

"Good evening, Ms. Arya. I am Beatrice from The Jones Co. Is it a good time to talk?"

"Yes, yes. Please tell me what can I help you with?" Arya was suddenly nervous.

"Congratulations, Ms. Arya. It is my pleasure to inform you that you have been selected for the position of Mr. Derek Jones' PA. We have mailed the offer letter on your email ID. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me or Mr. George Farina, who will be your contact person should you accept the offer. We look forward to welcoming you to our organisation."

"Thank you, thank you so much for the offer. I will drop an email soon," she replied, giddy with happiness. The day was too good to be true, an awaited contract and an offer from the largest, best company in the country, she felt overwhelmed. She immediately checked her mail, finding it hard to contain her excitement at the offer they had made. It was way more than she had expected! She quickly mailed her response, accepting the offer and agreeing to the joining date, which was the day after tomorrow. Her mobile beeped again, a new mail that had the contract.

"Whose call was it and why are there cupcakes on the kitchen counter?" came Uncle Dan's groggy voice. Just when Arya was about to respond, the doorbell rang, indicating Aunt Susan arrival. Arya was bursting with joy and she finally got to reveal the contract she received from a publishing firm and The Jones Co., the pay these jobs were offering. A mini celebration ensued before Uncle Dan had to leave for his job.

It was long, fruitful day for Arya, as she said her daily prayer, remembered to send love to her parents and went to sleep, the awkward first impression of her soon-to-be boss soon out of her thoughts.