My mom's best friend

Chapter 1

"So tell me about yourself."

Adjusting his spectacles, a pair of stern eyes in the shade of brown, were staring back at me from the opposite side of the desk.

"My name is Therese, but people call me Grace. I am 25 years old and I've been working as a line cook for 3 years."

I spoke without missing a beat, like a gush of confidence flowing inside of me.

"I see that you're not from here."

His quick response startled me a bit, not to mention his big built that adds up to the intimidation. He takes a glance on my resume and back up again to speak to me.

"You were born in Florida."

He continued dictating the things I already knew like it was a to-do list.

"...A culinary graduate of Sheridan Tech College."

His face had not smiled at all since the interview started. In this moment in time, I feel like it was the end of me, this dude is not interested in hiring someone like myself.

He pauses for 2 minutes, and the silence felt like forever.

"...and you're mixed race."

I felt tensed when the race thing was brought up and I had to speak my mind.

"Not to be rude, but does my race matter?"

He seem surprised by my statement,

"Well, of course not. I just noticed your last name is Rukis. Thats Greek, correct?" He asked.

But before I could even respond further...

"Yet, you also have asian features as well." He light heartedly added.

He continued to speak, somewhat a bit kinder now. It was strange to me, I thought that I had to go beast mode on my interviewer for being possibly racist.

Then I spoke while feeling very guilty about over exaggerating.

"I am sorry, I had to struggle with discrimination back home."

He dropped my resume on his desk and had all his attention to me now with a bit of concern in his eyes.

"I completely understand. Westerners are sensitive in the subject. I don't think you should worry about that here in the Philippines, and most of all, neither here in Marriott. We embrace diversity."

This man, who seemed cold in the beginning was starting to warm up towards me.

"However, we only hire the best. You have come a long way from Florida, so I feel a sense of purpose why your'e here. Care to tell me about it?"

"I..."
I tried grasping the words, but to no luck.

"I..."

Why is this so hard to answer? I mean, if I wanted to work for Marriott, theres a ton of branches in the U.S. Why here, and on the other side of the planet, it's far away from home and away from my family and friends...is it because of 'her'? I quickly snapped out of it.

"I have many life long dreams, but one in particular I haven't done yet, until today."

As soon as I started to talk, I now have my interviewer all ears on my story.

"Go on." He said.

Say something. God damn it, Therese. He's showing interest in you, so don't mess it up! My inner voice is pressuring me now.

"I want to be out in the world and do something great. I want to prove I have what it takes to succeed on my own, and at the same time, make a life for myself. I believe Marriott can take me one step further in realising my goals."

A small grin formed on his lips.

"That sounds great. I have to say, I trust everything you've said today, and you'll make a great addition to the team."

I made a huge sigh of relief. Oh my freaking God, I did it. A girl from Port Charlotte, FL can make it big too.

"Wow! This is overwhelming. Thank you for giving me this chance. I promise to not disappoint you."

He takes out a form from his desk drawer in front of him and handed it to me. It was a contract. My eyes were glistening on the document and I could literally pass out from the excitement. A new job in a new country.

After writing my name and signing it, he reaches out for my hand and shook it.

"I am sure you'll do well. Congratulations and I hope to see you in a month from now."

We exchanged smiles and bid our goodbyes. I closed the door to his office behind me and there were 8 or more waiting for their turn. Some of them looked terrified, others rehearsing the things they're going to say. Poor souls.

In all honesty, I could not care less. I have a golden ticket, I'm going to move forward and begin my journey...in the sunny island of the Philippines.