PLAYHOUSE

NINE

Iris' POV

I sat in the waiting area together with the other applicants. We were like 5 lined up and all of us were feeling nervous.

Megan told us to wait for 15 more minutes and asked us to write our names on a piece of paper.

I tried to compose myself to get rid of the nervousness.

It worked a little bit though.

The 15 minutes were up. Megan stood in front of us and called the first one in line. I was the 5th one in line and I just want to be called already so that I can finally relax.

The first applicant went out almost immediately. I was expecting for a 10-15 minute interview but the first one just lasted, I think, not more than 10 minutes?

The next thing I knew, I was next.

"Ms. Iris Noelle Payton."

I stood up with poise and I hope that helped. Megan smiled at me and mouthed a 'good luck'. She opened the door for me and I was met by white and tan walls. For an old man, he has quite a good taste with colors.

"Good morning."

It was a deep raspy voice but it didn't sound like it came from an old man.

"Good morn—"

I wasn't able to finish because the figure in front of me was the least I expected to see. Or should I say, never wanted to see.

Am I in the right place?

"Good morning, Ms. Payton. Welcome to Thompson Group of Company."

Thompson. Group. Of. Company? So that's what the lettee T stands for.

The boss that I had pictured in my head was nowhere to be seen and was replaced with Cale? Cale Thompson?

Please tell me he's not the boss.

"Cale." Was all I can say.

Cale stood there watching me with his ever green eyes. "I see you're quite surprised."

Why didn't I ask for this establishment's name in the first place?

Stupid Iris. Now here you are standing face to face with you ex.

But I'm here now. I need a job, may he be the boss or not. It's now or never.

"I'm actually quite surprised." I managed to say, trying so hard not to trail off.

He shrugged. He gestured to the seats infront of his desk."Shall we take a seat?"

I obliged. I was so uncomfortable but I didn't let him see it. My hands started to get cold and sweaty and it felt like there was a lump in my throat.

"I have read your resume and it says here that you've worked for Osborn for 3 years?" He turned his green eyes to me. His eyes were so intense.

"Yes I have."

"Then why did you resign?"

And he just had to ask that. I was already expecting the question and I was able to come up with a pretty good answer without actually blurting out how his ex of a hoe girlfriend stole my job.

"My three years at Osborn was amazing but I want more. I want to explore more things and to develop something more out of myself." I hope I didn't sound too scripted.

Cale nodded and I think he's satisfied with my answer. He scanned my resume as his brows furrowed.

"So, it says here that you're single?" Does he really have to ask that?

Of course! It's always part of the interview. Stop making illusions that this man in front of you may still be interested in you! My subconscious was literally echoing in my head.

"Yes, yes, I'm single." I tried to make eye contact but his eyes felt like stinging bees.

Cale tilted his head with obvious curiosity. "You're a single parent? I..if you don't mind me asking though."

I was about to ask why he was asking about it, but then I remembered that he had seen me with Iver once. I knew I told him that Iver's my child but I felt like I had to be honest, my future job is at stake here!

"N...no. Iver's my nephew. I was left liable to take care of him when...my sister died."

"Oh, I—I'm really sorry."

I didn't know what Cale's reaction was because I literally couldn't look at him now. But based on how he spoke, I knew he felt sorry for me.

"No, it's okay." I tried to smile but only felt stupid. There was a moment of silence in the air and Cale was staring at me that made me even more uncomfortable. Why was he staring at me? Do I have something on my face? In my nose?

"Uhm, Mr. Thompson?" I mouthed, just calling him Mr. Thompson felt awkward.

"S—sorry bout that." He cleared his throat and combed his hair with his fingers.

That was really, really awkward.

"Okay, so just a little background about this company...Thompson Group of Company has been running for 3 years now with my father's supervision but with the fast wide spread of the company, he decided to let me run this building. We are very meticulous and careful about the merchandise create....."

Cale continued to talk and I just had to notice his perfectly brushed up hair, he had it cut. He used to have long hair back in college and he looked even better today. He never had the macho buff type kind of physique but the body structure he had was just enough to make every woman turn. His jaw had the best angle I've ever seen and his hands and fingers—

"I hope you've understood it all well... Ms. Payton." I heard him say.

"Wha—y...yes, of course." I have no idea what he just said.

"I guess that's it. I'll be expecting you tomorrow at 9 o' clock in the morning—sharp."

I must've heard it wrong. "What?"

"It means your hired, Iris." He mouthed and it was really a surprise. I had this thought that he might turn me down because of our...past. 

But wait, I had to ask first because my curiosity was getting the better of me.

"What exactly is my job?"

"Nice question.." He smirked and his green eyes glimmered.

"You're going to be my secretary."