The Black Dahlia (Cartel Series #1) ✔️

8. The Interview

Gabriella

I was really nervous about the interview as I walked out of my cab, it was a little intimidating because I was used to talking interviews and grilling the hell out of my interviewees.

Now I had to face up against Carlos and convince him, that i am good enough for the job. "Stop overthinking and give your best, you have to do this and you can do this!" I was convincing myself to turn this tough situation into an advantageous one.

I reached the Waiting room by 8.30pm and waited for my turn. At sharp 9am, the receptionist ushered me inside the interview room.

I Greeted Carlos with a smile and shook his hand confidently. He was a man in his early 30's but looked like someone in his early20's. Tall and well built like a boxer yet sharply dressed in a Dolce and Gabbana suit and Ferrogamo shoes.

He asked me to take a seat and I did as directed. I took a deep breath to calm myself and prepared to walk through the firing squad.
His first question "why are you here? Tell me about yourself?"

The questions sounded pretty standard openers, but the first one felt like a trick question. I decided to be honest and try not to give generic answer. My strategy was a bit risky and it could go both ways, I felt you need to take risks sometimes, everything cannot be choreographed and pre-planned. If this doesn't work out I will find some other way to destroy the Martinez family, this might be the easiest way, but no matter the outcome I won't give up.

"I saved Alejandro Martinez's life and this is opportunity is Mrs. Martinez's way of thanking me, although I was initially apprehensive about taking up this offer because I saved him out of kindness and humanity. I had no idea he was Alejandro Martinez when I saved him from the accident site. I reconsidered my initial position, because I realized I could improve my financial conditions if I grabbed this golden opportunity that had fallen into my lap out of nowhere. That's why I am here. As far as my story is concerned, you must have read my Resume. It has all the details of my education and qualifications. My parents died when I was really young and I was lucky to end up at the Rosa Maria cathedral's orphanage which helped me survive. If you need any other information I would be happy to share."

Carlos was listening intently to my monologue, he did not interrupt me or ask any other questions in between, and his black eyes were trying to look deep inside my soul, it was making me a little nervous.

There was this cold silence in the room for a few moment after I was done talking. I guess he was analyzing and thinking about the next phase.
Then he spoke. "Your academic credentials are amazing. You graduated magna cum laude from Harvard in Finance, yet you are still inexperienced. I will have a discussion with my bosses and you will be shortly notified about your future prospects." He spoke with a smile.

I smiled back, "I liked your monologue it was inspired to say the least", he added. "Thanks for your precious time." I said.

"You may leave now", he said politely.

I walked out of the room, with a spring in my step. I had managed to impress him, first hurdle cleared now fingers crossed for the final verdict.

I hailed a passing cab and told him my address. I was really happy and gushing throughout the journey. I changed into comfy clothes on reaching home and sat down analyzing the next phase of action.

I felt a little relaxed and decided to prepare for the next phase if things go as per plan.

In the evening, I received a phone call. When I picked it up, it was Rosa's assistant. She called to inform that I was selected on probation basis for the post of Alejandro's secretary, all the necessary details were in my email inbox.

I was ecstatic, as soon as the call ended I jumped up in joy and did a little dance. This momentous occasion demanded for a little celebration. The details can be checked later, I need a moment of respite. The last 48 hours had been really nerve wracking.

I decided to make a traditional Colombian dishes, my favorites and the one my dearest mother made for me with love and care. Picada o Fritanga, Empanadas, Bandeja Paisa, Torta Negra.
To top it off I brought some special Mexican wine from the local supplier. After the desserts and wine.

I went to bed a happy girl. Tomorrow was the big day, my first day at Martinez Group of hotels.

The next day I woke up on time and understood the details mentioned in Rosa's secretary's email. I took a quick shower and got dressed for the job. I decided to wear something simple yet elegant. I wore a red pencil skirt and white blouse. I paired my outfit with red pumps and tied my hair in a high ponytail.

I grabbed some coffee and Mexican breakfast from my favorite café, the one I had been frequenting since I started living in Guadalajara. I hailed cab to Martinez group of hotels and mentally prepared myself for my first day at work.

I had grueling first day. I guess first days just like that. Learning about your duties and then actually executing them is as different as the land and the sky.

I was at my wits end and ended up almost messing up Alejandro's schedule. Thank God I corrected my mistake at the last moment, I don't want to give him any opportunity to get angry or doubt me.

He also gave me an important assignment. I am so frustrated its only my first day and the workload is already piling up.

He won the best entrepreneur of the year award and to commemorate this occasion , he wants to arrange a grand party and guess who was tasked with arranging this grand party, me! Ohh for fuck's sake who gives their newest employee the biggest job ever that too on the very first day.

I don't know what else to say, it all got off to a pretty bad start, I don't know what future has in store for me, just glad I survived the day.