Ezra Allen - the boss of the leading law firm in the entire country, hires a straight-out-of-college girl, who's just trying to get a job and gain some experience.
Working with her leads to falling for her, but she's his secretary. One work trip l...
⚠️Important Notice⚠️ Getting published as a trial run at the moment as I have writers block, checking if I get back the motivation!
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As I exit my third floor apartment, I can't help but wonder if one day it'll be the last. The apartment is in one of the most run down apartment buildings in the city. It was all I could afford, fresh out of college, after losing my mom and paying medical bills, funeral costs and paying off the mortgage.
My dad was never in the picture. When they were 16, mom became pregnant with me after the condom broke, she never painted over it, trying to make it sound better.
She also never talked bad about my dad, despite his absence. They were young, and she understood if he didn't want to be in the picture. She left her full name and phone number, as well as family members' in case he changed his mind.
22 years later, and he still hasn't contacted me. I've come to live with the terms now. The last months have been rough, trying to get by. I'm on the lookout for a job, but it's difficult, as most companies want someone with experience, and not a 22 year old straight out of college, who can't even mention an internship.
Heading towards yet another building on the lookout for a new hire, I take my time appreciating that I've gotten this far. But the money's running out, and this is my last opportunity. Once I reach the building, I notice the size. I'd looked it up earlier, but it didn't cross my mind how large it would be. And that it's all owned by one company.
It's practically a sky tower, and covered in floor-to-ceiling windows. I enter the building, and see a reception desk. The space is neat, with waiting seats and three elevators. It kind of reminds me of a hotel.
"Hi, I'm here for an interview for the secretary position," I say. The woman types something on the computer, before looking at me again.
"What's your name? We have multiple applicants." she explains with a kind smile.
"Mabel. Mabel Daniels." I answer, smiling back.
"Alright, thank you. I'll have Mr. Zimmerman come down and get you. If you want, you can have a seat over there, and grab one of the complimentary baked goods," she says, pointing towards the couches.
I head over, grabbing one of the chocolate chip cookies. I woke up late, and didn't have time for breakfast before I headed out. I was thinking of heading to my favorite cheap cafe around the corner once I'm finished, but free food is even better.
While waiting, I notice the amount of people entering and leaving the building. They're all dressed to impress. Oh god. I forgot about that. Do I even have enough clothes to dress to impress all days? I can't afford washing clothes every single day, barely every second.
The elevator dings yet again. "Miss Daniels?" A rough voice asks.
"Yes, right here!" I say, grabbing my purse and the cookie in hand and heading over. "Pleasure meeting you, Mr. Zimmerman" I say, holding out my hand.
"Please, call me Valentino," he says. I nod with a smile. "Let's head up, shall we?" he asks, as he taps the button, calling for the elevator. We step inside, and enters '26' on the touchpad.
"How many floors are there?" I ask, out of plain curiosity.
"47. The top floor is where the leading bosses and their team is at. The rest are divided into their own floors, with supervisors."
"That's impressive." I say and he nods. The elevator practically speeds past the lower floors, before coming to a halt at the 26th. He heads out, but doesn't keep walking before I'm out, holding his hand in front of the closing doors.
"We're having the interview in a room just around the corner," he explains. "The place is like a labyrinth, so you're lucky this was available," he says with a laugh. He opens the door to a room covered in glass. Did the contractors find an amazing deal on windows when they built this place?
"Alright, everything is recorded, so the boss and supervisor can review as well. Now, please state your name for the record," he says. It feels oddly like a police investigation.
"Mabel Daniels," I say and he nods.
"Miss Daniels, what are you looking for in a position with our firm?" he asks.
"I'm not only looking for the experience, as someone straight out of college requires, but I also want to work for a firm where I can work my way up, and a place I can work in for a while," I explain.
The interview carries on, and Valentino continues asking questions, too which I can answer. Once he feels satisfied, he taps the 'stop recording' button.
"That was a great interview, Miss Daniels. I feel like you have a great shot at this company. We need more young people working for us. I feel confident you may get the job, so I'll head straight up to the boss with your interview, and he can review it. I'll be back, please wait up," he says, before heading out the door, closing it softly.
This went absolutely great. I haven't encountered an interview where they're reviewing it straight away. They normally just say that they'll stay in touch. After waiting for about 15 minutes, Valentino comes back inside.
"I've reviewed the recording with the boss, and he said we would not offer you the job," he says. It feels like a pang to my heart. "He's decided you're more fit for the secretary position on his floor." Wait, what?
"I'm sorry, did you say secretary on his floor?" I ask, to be sure. "Yes, well, his secretary. Of course, if you want to, but that's the only position we can offer you at our firm. You'll work for him, managing his schedule and making sure no one unexpected gets in. The reception also has the latter as a job, but sometimes people get through," he explains.
"I'll take it," I say, standing up. "Great! Today is all about getting to know your new job, so you don't have to focus on good work ethics today," he says. "I'll show you to the floor," he continues.
He shakes my hand and we head towards the elevator. He dials '47' and it suddenly hits me how important this career - this job - is for me. "May I ask, how did the last secretary quit?"
"Oh, well, let's say Mr. Allen didn't like her, nor enjoy her company," His explanation gives me shivers. It isn't something to be afraid about, but what if he doesn't like me and I get fired on the spot, that won't look good on my resume. Oh God, what did I get myself into?
