AFTER ONE NIGHT

CHAPTER 7

• THE INTERVIEW •

Ashley stepped down carefully from the metro bus, adjusting the strap of her handbag while holding her folder tightly to her chest. She glanced up at the three-story glass building with a bold sign that read C & S Enterprise, sparkling in the sunlight. The building was modest, not as extravagant as Velora Group back in Houston. "This has to be it," she thought. "And it all gets better from here."

Once inside, Ashley took in her surroundings. The lobby was spacious and clean, filled only with the sound of computers humming and phones ringing in the distance. As she walked in, she noticed a petite lady at the front desk on the far right. The receptionist chewed gum while typing on a computer.

Ashley felt her heart race, and her sweaty palms nearly stuck to the folder. "Good morning," she said softly, forcing a smile as she approached the desk.

"Good morning, ma'am," the receptionist replied with a polite smile. "Here for the interview?"

"Yes, I am."

"Name, please?"

"Ashley Bricks."

The receptionist scrolled through her computer, likely checking the list of appointments, and then nodded. "Alright, Miss Bricks. Feel free to take a seat. Mr. Patrick will be out shortly."

"Thanks," Ashley said politely as she took a seat on the black leather couch near the wall, relieved to have a moment to compose herself. "It's just an interview; you'll be fine," a voice whispered in her head. She looked around, wondering why she was the only applicant, but didn't dwell on it. Perhaps it was a temporary position, and who wants to work short-term when better opportunities exist? Not her, at least not now, but for others who were better informed.

Through the glass partition, staff moved quickly between cubicles, chatting and laughing as they worked. This sight excited Ashley, reminding her of the good relationship she once had with Katy before it ended suddenly because of Elliot. If only she could find another Katy here; it would be comforting to have someone like her again.

Minutes later, a single black door on the far left opened, and a tall, light-skinned man in a crisp white shirt with rolled-up sleeves stepped out. He looked young, probably in his twenties, maybe 28 at most. His dark hair was neatly styled, and he was clean-shaven. Overall, he appeared calm and put-together without seeming to try hard. He had to be the CEO or someone important.

"Miss Bricks?" His deep voice echoed.

"Yes, Sir," Ashley stood quickly.

"Patrick Sanchez," he smiled and extended his hand for a handshake.

SANCHEZ? She knew just one Sanchez and—

"Come on in," he gestured toward the office he had just exited.

Inside, his office was organized. Books were neatly stacked on a shelf, a silver pen holder sat on the desk, and a hint of cedarwood cologne filled the air.

"Please have a seat," he said, motioning to the chair opposite him. Ashley obeyed, sitting carefully and handing over her folder.

After briefly reviewing the folder, Patrick leaned back in his swivel chair, brushing his fingers along the edges of her résumé while glancing up at her.

"So, Ashley Bricks from Houston—applying for a temporary administrative assistant position?" His eyes met hers, holding her gaze longer than necessary, causing her heart to skip a beat. "Quite a move."

"Yes," she replied. "I needed...a change in environment." A small lie, but she wished it were true.

"Los Angeles can provide that," he murmured after a long pause, scanning her papers again. "It's a city that makes you fight for space but rewards those who don't back down." That made sense to Ashley. She sensed already that there were opportunities here, and her instincts never lied.

"Then maybe I'm in the right place," she said with a faint smile, her earlier anxiety starting to fade. His calmness seemed to help.

"So tell me," he cleared his throat. "You worked as a secretary before this?"

"Yes, for a private firm in Houston."

"And you left because?"

Ashley felt her unease return; although she expected the question, it still sent a wave of awkwardness through her. How could she tell him the truth? How her life had fallen apart, how she was treated poorly, and about being a single mom desperately needing this job? Would that make sense to him? Probably not.

"I-I just...needed something new," she faked a smile. "Just a change in environment."

Did he believe her? Ashley wondered, uncomfortable with how long he stared at her.

"Understandable," he nodded. "Los Angeles is great for people starting over."

She felt the tension in her stomach ease; thankfully, he didn't ask for more details. He scribbled on his notepad, then looked at her again. "This position is temporary, Miss Bricks, but it could be extended later. You'll manage files, answer calls, and help schedule appointments." He paused. "It's fast-paced and sometimes chaotic. Think you can handle that?"

"Yes, sir," she nodded.

"No need for the formalities; it sounds outdated."

Ashley flushed a bit, embarrassed. "Yes, Mr. Sanchez."

"That's better." He leaned forward, resting his elbow on the desk. "What would you say is your strongest quality, Ashley?" His sharp blue eyes pierced hers, and after a moment, she replied, "Resilience. I might not have much experience, but I know how to keep going when things get tough."

His gaze softened as he tilted his head, studying her face while she spoke. Noticing his expression, Ashley paused. She knew she was revealing too much and didn't want pity, but if it helped her get the job, then it wouldn't matter.

"I like that. Resilience is rare; most people break when things fall apart."

"I-I almost did." The words slipped out before she could stop them, and now she had to face his gaze again; he probably noticed the tremor in her voice. Instead of probing, he smiled warmly.

"Well, I hope you don't have to anymore, at least not here." Ashley nodded, silently questioning what it was about his voice and demeanor that made her feel both calm and uneasy. Goodness! Why was he affecting her this much?

"Okay," he said, closing her folder slowly and standing up. He moved to her side of the desk. "You seem like someone who takes things seriously, Ashley." His fingers brushed her hair, gently tucking a few strands behind her ear. "Someone who deserves a chance." Ashley stood quickly, startled by his closeness and gestures.

"Thank you. I-I really need this opportunity," her voice wavered as her eyes met his, triggering old trauma. Memories of Elliott's selfishness rushed back in an instant. No, he couldn't possibly be like him, and there wouldn't be conditions, right? Dear lord! This could be disastrous, and she wouldn't handle it...

"You've got it," he said, walking back to his seat. Her breath caught.

"I...I got the job?"

"You did, Miss Bricks." He smiled. "You start on Monday at 9:00 AM." For a moment, Ashley stared at him in disbelief, her joy soaring. "Thank you, Mr. Sanchez. Really, I—"

"Patrick," he corrected.

"Thank you, Patrick. I'm—"

"Congratulations," he extended his hand for a handshake. "And Ashley,...whatever you're running from, you can stop now. You're safe."

What did he mean? She froze. Did he know something, or was she just overthinking? Before she could process his words, he returned to being professional.

"I'll have HR send you the onboarding details later today. Enjoy the rest of your week," he said, lightly gesturing toward the door for her to leave.

Ashley smiled nervously. "Thank you, I will."

Outside the building, Ashley let out a sigh of relief. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked down, gently pressing her palm over her stomach. "We did it, my love," she whispered. "We're going to be okay."