In A City That Never Sleeps...

Chapter 3

The day had finally come. I had waited two weeks for this interview and I was absolutely buzzing. It had taken me days to come up with the perfect outfit. When everything about this job was about clothes it was more than important to look your best. It had taken me days to perfect my entire ensemble. This first impression could literally make or break me.  

As I walked into the lobby of the StarAgency building, I couldn't help the nervous tingles that spread throughout my body. My nervous brain was making my hands shake and I couldn't help but clench my first to make it stop. 

"Hi! My name is Catalina Ortega. I'm here for an interview" 

The receptionist looked up from her desk with a fake smile spread across her face. She eyed me up and down scanning my outfit. Her face was expressionless and I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing.

"Head up to the 10th floor," she says looking away from me and back to the computer in front of her.

"And put your hair up, she hates long hair" she added without another glance in my direction.

I made my way to the elevator, looking in my purse for a hair tie that I know I always kept there. The elevator opens up and I enter. I quickly put my hair in a bun, looking myself in the mirrored walls of the elevator to make sure there was no fly a way's.

She doesn't like long hair. That's oddly specific.

I shift uncomfortably on both feet as I look around at how small this elevator is. Swallowing the bitter taste in my mouth I shake my head and try to focus on the interview I'm about to have. 

As I step out of the death trap of an elevator I let out the deep nervous breath I had held the whole way up. 

The reception desk person at the front of the hall tells me to wait as I stand awkwardly in the lobby of the 10th floor. I waited there nervously, palms sweating and a nervous shake in my hands. I replayed every outfit choice I could have picked but I reminded myself I was already wearing the best one. 

I waited what felt like an hour before the receptionist said she would see me.

She pointed towards a big frosted glass double door and I made my way apprehensively.

20 minutes later and I let out a big sigh of relief as I stepped back into the elevator. That interview was brutal. 

I think I did well but there was no one way to know unless I get the job. 

The Interview was...different. Mrs. Parisi sat at her desk, didn't say a word. Instead, her assistant asked me the questions and after I was done giving my response she would go on to the next, with no elaboration. She barely even looked at me, just wrote down notes. 

The worst was over and now I need a drink.

The elevator stops at the 9th floor on its way down and I groaned. I hated small spaces and sharing then made it way worse.

The door opens to this tall, stick-thin woman, probably my age, and I have no doubt she is a model for the company.

The doors close and I put myself up front, ready to escape this confined space. The elevator stops again at the next floor down and I bit my lip nervously.

Please no more people.

The doors open and there stands Danny.

I instantly roll my eyes as he steps forward.

"Not happy to see me Catalina"

"I feel like your stalking me Daniel" my voice comes out shaky and I can't help but analyze how much less space this small elevator has with three people in now. The elevator doors close and I missed my chance to take the stairs instead.