The Sponsor

Wairimu

She was in a figure hugging black dress, cream heels, a cream clutch-bag, white pearls and silver earrings. She had especially dressed well today because she was sent a memo that the COO wanted a seat-down with her.

She was a nervous wreck the entire time. She knew that Kitana's assistant had moved on to pursue her own interests and she felt she was next inline to fill up the position. This is it, this is what she had been waiting for.

She went through possible interview questions with Ambrose who they were now having lunch with regularly.

"When he asks, why do you think you are the best person for this position what are you going to tell him?"

"My accomplishments and my projections for the position."

"And how will you negotiate the salary?"

"By the current market rate, and then arrive to a middle ground by what I plan to deliver."

"Good girl."

Wairimu smiled. Pink cheeked. Nervously. 

"Wish me luck."

"You don't need it."

She walked into the COO's office and sat down. Kitana was dressed sharply as usual. In a blue suit, black shoes and a golden Rolex watch. The scent of strawberry stained her nose. Was he wearing Mont Blanc, Individuel?

He was hunched at his desk reefing through papers next to his MacBook while taking notes on his iPad pro with an Apple pencil. Immediately Wairimu entered. He closed the MacBook put his iPad aside and ushered her to the sitting area.

It never stopped to astonish Wairimu the weird courtesy this man had. He was the only person she had come across who made courtesy feel cold.

"How has the job been so far," he began without preamble.

"Fine, I guess."

"How are the colleagues treating you?"

"They have been great."

"There has been a development," he paused.

"What development?" Wairimu pulled her chair and leaned in.

"Our receptionist has been moved to the Rwandan market. We want you to hold her position."

"Are you kidding me," Her voise went up then came down. "What about newspapers and inventory management?"

"You will handle that as well."

"Will there be a salary bump."

"No, not really. You have been here for barely six months."

Wairimu nodded but really she wanted to break into tears.

"Thanks for your time miss Wairimu, if there is nothing else that will be all," Kitana said while getting up and going back to his iPad. Wairimu had the urge to pick it and slap him with it but he got up smoothed her dress and walked out of the office with her chin up.