Enemies to Lovers

The Interview

I made it back to my dorm in time before my interview to nurse my hangover and shower. I shut and locked the door behind me, looking around my dorm room. It was dull and empty. “I seriously need to decorate. Thank God I never have any guests over.” I mutter softly as I kick off my shoes and go over to my dresser to find a different outfit to wear. I found a blue long sleeve button-down shirt with black jeans and nice black shoes. “Let's hope these still fit.” I say softly as I normally only wore these to church with my parents. I was thankful I didn't have to go anymore because all I remember was my father constantly commenting on men living ‘that lifestyle’ and condemning them to hell. I took a deep breath and tried to remain positive. I took some Tylenol and drank some water with it before heading into the bathroom, thinking of last night.

“Why would he stay? After our fight earlier and everything. Unless he feels some sort of way for me.” I say as I turn on the shower to warm water and undress, getting into the shower. I begin washing my hair and body as I remember looking up at him at one point and seeing his hand begin to go towards my hair as if he wanted to play with it, but he resisted. “He can't be into me. He only likes girls. I hear him gush about that Roxanne girl almost all the time.” I roll my eyes. I had nothing against women, but I wasn't exactly fond of the idea of this one. She hadn't spoken to Max in a few years, and all of a sudden, she pops back into his life like nothing, while I've been here for the past year? Granted, I'm not exactly an upgrade, but still. I push my jealousy aside for a moment and sigh. “As long as he's happy.” I say softly. I would give anything to make sure he's okay and happy. I had heard him talk about Roxanne with his friends almost anytime I passed him in class or when I was around.

I finish washing my hair and then begin washing my body, humming to myself. What I didn't realize was that it was close to four pm, and Max was already here. I stop humming and hear a banging on my door. “Oh shit. What time is it?!” I say as I almost slip in the shower to answer the door, wrapping a towel around my waist. I open the door in my towel and see Max standing there. “Hey, I'm here a bit ear-” His face turns red as I stand there, looking at him. “-ly. Hope you don't mind.” He says, finishing his sentence as I chuckle. “No worries. I appreciate you taking me to the interview. You can come inside and wait. I'm almost ready. Just need to finish my shower, and I'll be right out.” I say as he nods, speechless for whatever reason. I walk back to the bathroom and shut the door behind me, taking off my towel and hopping back into the shower to finish up. I rinse the soap out of my hair and rinse off my body as well since I hadn't gotten that far.

My heart races in my chest at the thought of us being together, especially now that he was in my dorm. He was just through that doorway. I could tell him right now how I felt, or how I thought I felt, and get it off my chest. But it isn't that simple, is it? Nothing in my life was, after all. I sighed and finished up my shower. I looked at the laceration scars on my chest and arms from when my father threw his glass at me after I had finished showering one day when I returned home for summer break after the X Games incident and then it hit me. That's probably why Max had that reaction. Not because he thought I looked hot shirtless or anything like that. “Great.” I mutter. “Now I'm gonna get questioned for that, along with my depression meds. No doubt Max or Bobby found them and asked about it.” I sigh as I go to the medicine cabinet and take some, trying my best to look good for the interview as I changed into my outfit that I found earlier. I begin blow drying my hair and then combing it out.

I walk out of the bathroom and smile. “How do I look?” I ask Max, who looks up from his phone and at me. “Wow Bradley. You look…” He begins to say something but then stops himself. “Better than usual.” He says as I sigh. “What happened to trying to be my friend?” I say with a scoff. “I am. That's my honest opinion. I wasn't even sure you owned any other clothes.” He teased as I rolled my eyes. “Yes, well, I had to find them. I haven't worn these in a while, so I'm thankful they still fit.” I put my shoes on and lace them up, grabbing my keys and wallet. “I'm ready when you are.” I say softly as he nods and gets up, grabbing his keys. “Hey Bradley?” Max asks as I look at him, walking out the door and locking it behind me. “What were those scars I saw?” He whispers as I sigh. “It's better if you don't know some things, okay?” I give him another fake smile. He nods as if he understands, and we head to his car.

Within a few minutes of Max driving with his rock music on full blast, we made it there. I get out and smile. “Wish me luck.” I say as he scoffs. “You're THE Bradley Uppercrust the III. You don't need luck.” He says before smiling. “You'll do great, Bradley. I know it. Just be yourself.” He says as he goes to the park and I walk inside. I'm greeted by Goofy, Max's father, who was surprised to see me. “Well hiya, Bradley. What brings you here?” He says in a chipper tone of voice. It's like he has no hatred in his body. “I'm here to see Mr. Mouse for a job interview?” His facial expression immediately changes. “Oh. Well, that's just great! We're a bit short staffed here, so the more the merrier!” He says as I see Mickey walk over to the podium and then spot me. “Good afternoon. You must be Bradley, I'll take it? I've heard so much about you. Please, right this way.” He says as he ushers me to his office. I sit down in a chair and become very nervous. My heart was racing, and I felt as if I would have an anxiety attack just sitting across from him. As Mickey asks me all these questions, I couldn't help but wonder if this was the right job for me. After the interview was done, he stood up and walked around his desk and to me. “Congratulations, Bradley. You're a part of the team. When can you start?” He asks as he shakes my hand. “As soon as possible, Mr. Mouse. Thank you so much.” I say as he laughs. “Please. Just call me Mickey. Your first shift is tomorrow with Max, okay? I'll see you first thing tomorrow night. Don't be late, okay?” He says as I walk out the door. “Yes sir, I promise I won't be late.” I head outside and see Max parked.

“So, how did it go?” He asks as I smile. “I got the job. I'll be working the same shift as you tomorrow!” I say with excitement as he smiles back. “That's awesome. We should go celebrate this victory. Come on, I know a good pizza place to go to.” He says as I get into the car. “Shouldn't I go change first?” I ask as he nods. “Probably. We wouldn't want to get any grease on your church clothes.” He teases as I lightly chuckle. “Heh. Yeah. Right.” I look out the window and feel my heart race. Now was the time, Bradley. Take this opportunity! “Hey Max?” I ask, a lump in my throat. “Yeah Bradley?” He asks as I hesitate and look away again, sighing. “Thank you for today. I appreciate it.” I say softly. “Oh. You're welcome.” He says as I sigh. “Coward.” I thought to myself as we drove the five minutes back to the dorm.