In the Boss’s Arm

CHAPTER 2

I am awakened by my obnoxious ringtone. I mean, who puts chirping bird sounds as their ringtone? Well, it's only me. I still don't understand why I chose such a horrible sound. Hold on, did I say it was my ringtone? Who could be calling me this early? The last time I checked, I didn’t have a boyfriend or friends who checked up on me.

With sleepy eyes, I reached for my phone on the table and placed it to my ear. “Kate Garrett speaking,” I slurred, followed by a yawn.

“Good morning, Miss Garrett. You have an interview with the CEO of Emporium De Fragrance in the next 45 minutes. Please be punctual. Thank you,” a female voice says on the phone.

“Sorry, what inter…” I trailed off when the call dropped. I retrieved my phone from my ear and glanced at it. A confused frown settles on my face. “Interview? What interview?”

I close my eyes and return to my sleep. In the blink of an eye, my eyes snap wide open. “Holy crap!” I exclaim, jumping out of bed. “Emporium De Fragrance, Emporium De Fragrance, Emporium De Fragrance,” I repeat like it has become a mantra.

I swing into my closet, take out the first dress I lay my eyes on and place it on the bed. It had better be an appropriate dress for this interview because I don’t have the time to rummage through my clothing.

I rush into the bathroom, do my business hastily, and rush out. I have a glimpse of the time on my phone, and to my dismay, I have just 25 minutes left. “Oh s**t!” I throw the phone back on the bed and hurry up.

Which interviewer gives an appointment notice 45 minutes before the interview? How do they want me to get there? Am I supposed to fly to the appointment venue?

The fact that I wasn’t expecting to be called upon so soon is a huge shock to me. I only applied yesterday afternoon, the moment I got home from my jog. And this morning, I got a call from them. It’s surprising. This is the first time I've got a quick response to a job application.

I rushed to the mirror and glanced at myself. The red dress hugs my figure perfectly well. It isn’t long, and it isn’t short either; it’s just a bit above my knee. I can’t even remember the last time I wore this dress, but I’m just grateful it fits perfectly. I quickly applied red lipstick on my lips, a little touch of mascara, and powder.

At least I need to look presentable even though the company I’m going to is above my class. I quickly comb my wavy hair, and it cascades down my back. Satisfied with my appearance, I picked up my black purse matching my shoes. I shove my things inside my purse and scamper out of my room.

“Good morning, Dad. Please wish me luck, I’m going for an interview!” I yelled dramatically like a madwoman as I approached the door.

“Good luck, my child. Make yourself proud out there!” he yells back.

“Thanks, Dad, I love you!” I yelled, scurrying off to where I could get a cab. Luck is on my side as I get a cab heading to my destination.

I don’t bother to glance at the time because I’ll just have a heart attack. Whatever it takes, I’ll get there.

I arrive at Emporium De Fragrance and am awed by the beautiful building in front of me. Without wasting much time, I ran inside the building like I was being chased. At the left-hand side of the lobby, I spotted the receptionist and sprinted to her.

“Hi, good morning. Please, I’m here for an interview,” I rushed my words.

“You’re late,” the lady simply stated, flatly, without sparing me a glance.

What the hell is her problem? Even though I might be late, she’s not meant to treat me this way. “Please, I need to see the boss for my interview—”

“And I said you are late!” she snaps, glaring at me. “You are 10 minutes late.”

This lady has a temper, doesn’t she? “Just 10 minutes late, and you’re acting like I’m 30 minutes late?” I retorted.

Her eyes drilled into me at my comeback. “Are you talking to me?”

Calm down, Kate. Anger won’t take you anywhere. “Ma’am, you’re making me late by not allowing me to go in. Please, just tell me where the interview is being held.”

She hesitated for a moment. “Last floor, first room on your left,” she replied coldly.

“Thank you,” I gave her a small smile before racing down the hallway to take the lift.

The ride up is long and nerve-wracking. It feels like I should perform some magic that will take me straight to the CEO’s office without wasting more time. After a long wait, the elevator door swings open, and again I’m racing into the lobby. No doubt, I attract some stares from busybodies who wouldn’t mind their own business. If only they knew that I don’t care.

I almost moved past the first room because of my speed, but I managed to stop abruptly in front of a tinted door. Not just is the door tinted, but also the glass frame around the office. Something shady must be going on in here for the CEO to have his windows tinted. My eyes caught an imprint on the door: CEO Leon Moreno.

“Leon Moreno,” I mumble incoherently. I heard a lot of things about him when I was in high school. I didn't put my heart into it because he doesn’t know me. So, why should I be interested in the life of someone who doesn’t know I exist? That’s by the way; I’m at his office now. Maybe I’ll get to know him better.

I am about to knock when the door slides open, and my gaze lands on the figure behind the desk. My eyes widen, and my mouth falls slightly open as I try to mask my shock. My cheeks flush a soft pink, and I blink a few times to make sure I’m not imagining things. I stood frozen for a moment, my mind racing as I tried to process the sight of the impeccably dressed, impossibly handsome man sitting behind the desk.

This man can’t be my about-to-be boss. I scold myself mentally.