His Lovable Klutz (Completed)

Segment Nine.

♥ You! ♥

      "Excuse me, sir. You're standing in my way," Coby said, slightly breathless from her sprint, as she came to a halt in front of the glass double doors.

      The middle-aged man blocking the entrance turned around. He was tall and broad-shouldered, dressed in a rumpled gray suit that looked like it had seen better days. His thinning hair was combed over in an attempt to hide the balding spot on the top of his head, and a pair of wire-rimmed glasses perched on the bridge of his nose. He had the look of someone who was in a constant rush, yet never quite sure where he was supposed to be.

      "Oh! I'm sorry," the man said, quickly stepping aside with an apologetic smile.

      Coby gave him a polite nod and hurried past, her nerves jangling as she crossed the threshold into the building. The moment she stepped inside, she was struck by the elegance of the interior.

      The lobby was a massive hall, its high ceilings adorned with glittering chandeliers that cast a soft, warm glow over everything. The marble flooring gleamed underfoot, polished to perfection, and the walls were decorated with modern art pieces that added a splash of color to the sophisticated space.

      Along the walls were large potted plants, the lush greenery contrasting beautifully with the sleek, contemporary design. The air smelled faintly of fresh flowers, a delicate scent that wafted from the enormous vases filled with vibrant bouquets strategically placed around the room.

      Directly ahead, a long, curved desk sat at the far end of the hall, where the receptionist was stationed. The desk itself was a glossy black, cluttered with a few office essentials and a computer monitor. The receptionist, a woman who looked like she had stepped out of a 1980s fashion magazine, was perched behind the desk, lazily typing something into her computer.

      Her hair was piled high in an elaborate beehive style, the dark strands held together by what must have been a whole can of hairspray. Her face was caked with makeup—too much foundation, bright blue eyeshadow, and lipstick so red it could have doubled as a stop sign. She was chewing on a piece of gum, blowing bubbles that popped loudly, each one punctuated by the smacking sound of her chewing.

      Coby made her way across the hall, her eyes darting around as she took in the luxurious surroundings. She finally reached the front desk, pausing a moment to catch her breath before speaking.

      "Hi, I'm Coby, and I'm here for the job interview," she said with a friendly smile.

      The receptionist didn't return the smile. Instead, she gave Coby a once-over, her heavily made-up eyes lingering on the large coffee stain that marred Coby's white shirt. The gum popped again as the woman's lips curled slightly, not in a smile, but in a faintly disdainful expression that made Coby's cheeks flush with embarrassment.

      The receptionist, still smacking her gum, pointed lazily toward the elevators. "Take the elevator to the twelfth floor. Press the button for twelve, and the doors should open when you get there."

      "Thank you," Coby replied, her voice a bit clipped as she tried to hide her irritation at the receptionist's attitude. She quickly turned and hurried away, feeling the woman's eyes boring into her back the entire time.

      She found the elevator at the far end of the hall, a sleek metal box that seemed to blend into the polished walls. The doors slid open with a soft ding, and Coby stepped inside, pressing the button for the twelfth floor. The elevator hummed as it ascended, the gentle vibrations making her heart pound even harder in anticipation.