The Headturner

The Interview

Chapter Twenty One - The Interview

"Mom, I am gonna need some formal clothes."

"What for, honey?"

"Tanya's dad got me an interview at his company."

"What about your studies?"

"Yeah mom, I will continue my study. I need the job for not only money, but also for career growth."

"Okay.Just keep your priorities more on the studies, alright? You are a smart girl and you have to utilize it."

"Of course I will mom. For now, I could really use some money, please...." Anne batted her eyelashes comically which made both of them giggle.

"Sure. And Anne, I really am proud of you."

Anne kissed her mom and went to the mall where the others were waiting for her at the cafe.

"Let's go guys, shopping time." Anne said and Tanya immediately stood up to go.

"But we are not done eating yet." Adam said and Neil nodded with his mouth full.

"Pigs! You guys can catch up with us later. We will get going." Tanya pulled Anne away.

"Good riddance! Now spill."

"What?" Anne knew what Tanya meant. She was just trying to buy herself some time.

"You very well know what. Come on, I need details."

"Oh that? Well, it was nothing. I mean he told me how he fell in love with me, even if he tried not to."

"Awwww that's so sweet."

"And romantic too. It was all in his eyes, the way he explained how he fell for me." Anne sighed dreamily.

"Looks like cupid hit both of you hard."

"Wait, what?"

"Well, obviously Einstein, you have the hots for him as well. Anyone can tell by the yearning looks you give each other."

"I do not yearn for him."

"You sure do. Well, how was the kiss?"

"I never said we kissed."

"You don't have to. I'm sure you practically jumped on him as soon as he said he loves you."

"Tanya!!!" Anne was getting red with embarrassment. She then lowered her voice to nearly a whisper. "I didn't even say yes."

"Way to go, girl. Make him work his ass off for it." Tanya gave her a high five and the boys showed up.

"What were you girls talking about?" Adam asked.

"Well, nothing." Anne replied.

"Didn't look like nothing. Looked like something interesting." Neil wiggled his eyebrows.

"Oh, did I say nothing? I meant to say 'none of your business'." Anne punched Neil in his arms.

"Ow, you really gotta stop that, Mohammed Ali."

"Well, if I did, I wouldn't be Mohammed Ali anymore, now would I?" Anne retorted back.

"Give it up, Neil. You can't win an argument with her." Adam stepped up beside Anne and put his arms around her shoulder. Anne stiffened up.

Neil smirked, "Looks like you are the only one who can shut her up."

Tanya, who was trying to hold her laughter, finally gave in and joined Neil walking behind Anne and Adam.

"You told her, huh?" Adam asked her in a low voice, leaning near her ears. His breath against her neck sent jolts of electricity through her entire body.

"Sorta." Anne breathed out.

Adam was grinning ear to ear , evidently amused with all the teasing coming from behind them.

"I haven't told her about the kiss though."

"Oops... You should have told me not to tell Neil either."

Anne's eyes were about to pop out of her eyeballs as she shot a glare at Adam.

"Chill. I was kidding. Not the one to kiss-and-tell baby."

"They probably know already." Anne muttered.

By the time their shopping ended, the boys were tired. Neil had said, "I am hungry" for about fifty times and Adam was exhausted complimenting Anne for all the clothes she tried on. Tanya looked like she was trying her best to make the boys miserable, finding more and more clothes for Anne to try.

"Remind me never to tag along for shopping with these girls again." Adam whispered to Neil.

"Yeah, should have stayed home."

On the day of the interview, even after Anne tried her best to keep her friends from tagging along, they did. They were at a cafe near the company.

"I don't know how long it will take. You guys shouldn't have come."

"Are you kidding? We are here to support you. You cannot stop us from doing that." Tanya side hugged her.

"Yeah. I mean we have trust in you, but you could always use the motivation." Adam's smile was making his eyes sparkle. Anne felt like she could drown in them.

"Well, I am sure you will get the job. So, it's your treat anyways. I'm really hungry so I suggest you be back soon." Neil teased.

"I hope you are right." Anne was feeling jittery.

"Don't worry. Just show them what you are. I'm sure they'll love you." Adam gave her a peck on her cheek and Neil practically howled at them.

Anne ran off before Tanya could add something inappropriate.

After waiting for some time, she was called in for the interview. There was a panel of interviewers. Anne found it odd that there were three interviewers for an assistant position. They introduced themselves as Joe, Harry and David a.k.a. The Smith brothers. They owned the company Smith & Co.

As far as she had researched, it was a consulting business which came in handy, as it was the first question. However, as the interview proceeded, she found their tone a bit condescending. Maybe it was the lack of experience in Anne.

"So, why are you here instead of continuing your study?" Harry asked.

"Well, I do intend to continue my studies. I am here to learn practically how a business is run. I plan to have my own business some day."

"Good. But I'm afraid that with you studying and working for us at the same time, would cost us." David spoke.

"You wouldn't have to worry about that. I am great at multitasking and I am really good at studies. I can catch up without putting in much effort. So, I'll be able to focus entirely on the job.". Anne replied, emphasizing her strengths.

"We will give you a call to let you know the results. Thank you for coming." David said and she shook their hands and added "Nice to meet you" before exiting the room.

If this had been an exam, she would have known how she had done. But she had no idea how the interview had gone. They were getting hot and cold so often that she was left confused. Maybe that was the whole idea. She decided to leave it to fate and not worry about it since there was nothing she could do anyway.

When she entered the cafe, her friends' eyes beamed with expectation and excitement.

"Guys. They will call me with the results." Anne said as she plopped down in the empty seat beside Tanya and sipped on her soda. 

"Useless calories. Someone make me comfort food." Anne whined.