Bankrupt

Chapter 2. The first day

I was nervous. Despite my best efforts to look presentable, I knew I wouldn't get near to how Nicole looks. Everything about her seems to be perfect. As if she hadn't aged. No rimpels, still deep brown hair and normal body weight. If Jim is right about Collin, he'll probably make a comment about my underweight.

I walked down the street towards the skyscraper. It's the centerpiece of the city. It doesn't matter from which angle you enter ..., the tower is visible. It reminded me a little of Avengers tower. But of course, Tony would be nicer than Collin, if Jim is right. Ok TV, Collin seems like the perfect, welfare businessman. Someone who fights for sustainability. I guess I am going to find out today if that is true or not.

Nicole was waiting for me at the corner of the street. She looked at her watch so I sped up and crossed the road. I am never late, but I guess she's impatient. 'There you are...' she held out her hand and waited for me to give her the contract. I am stuck with Colin for at least 3 months. 'You're choice in clothing is still a little questionable but it looks ten times better,' she said, half approvingly. 'Thank you ma'am.'

Colin has a meeting in about two hours. He'll be here any minute. Let's go upstairs.' She turned around and walked in a fast pace towards the large revolving door. I felt like entering a futuristic building. The walls were made out of glass, which made the building look like it was even taller and the walls had a white layer of paint. The window frames a brown and marble floor. In the 12middle a fountain.

We passed the desk and headed towards the elevator. Nicole pursed her lips together and folded her hands, slightly tilting her head. I don't believe she's as cold as she looks but she freaked me out. The feeling she gave me was unsettling to say the least. Her high heels echoed off against the walls as she marched (quite fast) towards the end where she pushed open a modern door. 'Take a seat.' I sat down and crossed my legs. I tried to avoid fiddling with my hands.

Mrs. Barlowe picked up a carafe filled with water and poured it in a fancy glass. She placed it in front of me on the wooden, spotless, desk on the exact moment the door opened, a tall, quite muscular man stepped in. Just like on TV, Collin's hair had a beautiful brown color, brown eyes, no facial hair and dressed up in a three-thousand dollar suit. He towered over me as I got up to greet him. His brown eyes scanned me with disgrace. 'Are you lost?' he asked. 'This is Ava Davis, your new assistant for the next three months and if she's doing good, she can stay.'

'I thought you would pick someone of mine... level.'
'Your level?'
'Yes, I can't be seen with her. I bet she is on welfare.'
'Well, at least I don't have to worry you'll sleep with her.'

Mr. Barlowe exited the office. It was just me and Mr. Barlowe. 'Are you know on welfare?' he asked. I gave a small nod. 'My father works in a factory. We end up on the streets if I don't have a job,' I said. He huffed, 'this is great. Now I am stuck with someone who can't even afford a bus ticket.' He passed me and sat down behind his desk. 'I can't be seen with you and I know you signed a contract for three months, so you stay in the shadows. It's really bad for my image if my clients and friends see you and please, change your shoes. These are hideous. I really don't understand why my mother would hire someone who's on welfare.'

I looked down at the marble floor. 'Is there anything I can do...?' He snorted and shook his head while logging on his computer. 'For now you can just get me some coffee. Espresso, Italian beans. I don't expect anything else. If you can't get my coffee right, I will send you home right away.' He waved his hand. 'Expresso. yeah, alright.' I turned towards the door. 'Do you know how to handle a twenty-thousand dollar coffee maker?' I turned around. 'I bet you drink you filter coffee. Something that gives me nightmares.' I exhaled softly and forced a smile on my face. 'Now, get me coffee and make sure it's warm by the time you get here. Don't get distracted by looking at fancy things, okay?' He gave me a fake smile before waving me off again.

I walked out and shut the door. I had seen this 'twenty-thousand' dollar machine when I exited the elevator. I bet they have this machine on each floor. Mr. Barlowe doesn't seem to care about wasting money on good coffee. I grabbed a cup and placed it underneath the machine. From here I could glance into Mr. Barlowe's office. He was making a phone call and didn't seem to be very pleased. As I returned, Mr. Barlowe looked at the cup I was holding. 'What is that?' He folded his hands. 'A cup of espresso?'I mumbled, placing it on his desk. 'This is the first time I asked and you managed to mess it up. What are you? An idiot?' he snapped. 'No, I filled the mug–...' He slammed his fist on the table. 'You don't fill this... ugly mug with espresso. Perhaps you do that with gross filter coffee, but not with espresso!' I step back. 'Unbelievable...' he took a sip and spit it out. 'Taste it!' I flinched and grabbed the mug, taking a sip. It tasted amazing. The best coffee I have ever had in my life. 'Under-extracted coffee tastes sour,' he snapped. 'I am sorry, I will make you a new one,' I mumbled. 'Good.' He grabbed a napkin and wiped the coffee off his desk.

I turned back towards the door, back to the coffee machine. 'Shall I help you with that?' I jumped and turned around. A man smiled at me. 'I am sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I am Nick Halden.' He shook my hand. 'Ava Davis.' He smiled and reached for the shelf. 'This is a double glass, isolated espresso cup. Always use this one because Collin hates everything else.' He placed it underneath the machine. 'Which department do you work for?' I asked to start a conversation. 'Sales. Started working here two years ago when I finished my study at Harvard,' he replied. 'Harvard... Everyone here studied at Harvard?' 

'Most of them... I know you're from a poor family. It doesn't matter to me. I can't really relate, but I know it must be hard for you,' he said. 'I grew up like that, so I am used to it.' He smiled and handed me the Espresso. 'This will do the trick.' 
'Thank you, Nick.' He smiled and walked off. I stayed behind and headed back to the office. 'Took you long enough,' Mr. Barlowe scowled. I forced a smile on my face and handed him his coffee. 'That's more like it. Guess you aren't completely an idiot. Now leave. I will call you when I need you but I would like to enjoy my coffee and morning without looking at you and getting reminded by the fact that you are poor.' I backed off and left without saying anything else.