Good Girls Have Secrets

Chapter 17

Six weeks later, it's already the middle of March, I've settled into my new normal. My time is split between class, work, and hanging out with Aunt Beth.  I only go to church to meet with Sean these days. I can't face Matt and the rest of his group.

My Design professor loved my last project so much that he referred me to a friend of his for an internship interview. Even though I don't plan to be here for the summer, I'm heading to meet with Michele Collins, the director of Design Elegance. It can't hurt anything. Besides I'm curious what the position would entail. Maybe I can find something similar at home.

I find the building without problem, leaving me fifteen minutes to relax and prepare for the interview. Thumbing through my small portfolio, I practice professional descriptions of each project design.

On my way into the building I check my outfit in the glass doors. Stretchy black pants with an oatmeal wrap sweater conceal my belly. The black ankle boots and gold scarf that I bought last week at Light Strand, add the perfect touch.

Inside a blonde woman sitting at the front desk asks, "May I help you?"

Looking her in the eyes, I smile. She seems sincere, even likable. "I'm here for an interview with Mrs. Collins."

Pointing to a row of white leather chairs, she asks me to wait for a moment, allowing me time to get a feel for the atmosphere of the place. It's sleek modern, with a few feminine touches that soften the chrome fixtures and glass surfaces.

Voices draw my attention to a large office door. A woman in her twenties walks out who I guess to be Michele. She looks even younger in person than in her photos. Waiting for them to finish their conversation, I stay seated.

Michele reminds me of my friend Katie, with her sleek long black hair and warm presence. Noticing the tattoo on her right arm, creative is scrawled in beautiful lettering. I like the fact it's simple yet says a lot about her.

Watching her makes me miss Katie. I'll call her tonight. Hopefully, given the time and distance between us, she's decided to forgive me.

Walking towards me, holding out her hand, I suspect Michele is from money. "You must be Madison." Pointing at the woman next to her, she says, "This is Vanessa. She is one of our graphic designers."

Trying to act confident, while my heart pumps faster, I say, "It's wonderful to meet you. I'm grateful for this opportunity. From your online presence, it looks like you've built a solid company."

Michele gives Vanessa an approving look, then waves me into her office. Her desk is glass like much of the furniture in the building. Sitting across from her, I admire her confidence. I wonder how she created such a successful company.

Tapping her pen on the notebook in front of her, Michele pauses for a moment, then speaks, "Rick tells me that you are one of the most gifted design students he's encountered."

Hearing my professor's name seems weird. Feeling my cheeks flush, I sit up straight. "Design is my passion. From the time I was a little girl, I've been putting together rooms, stores, and creating brands."

Nodding in approval, she pulls out a copy of my last design project. "I like what I see here. Your color choice along with the lights that tie into the store's name has a great visual effect. Branding and identity are a big part of what we do here, along with a variety of other things."

Michele continues, "We're looking for a summer intern. It's a paid position because it will require long hours. We don't expect you to volunteer all your time. But because it's paid, we'll expect high level performance. You won't just be following employees around; you'll be assigned projects. Do you feel like you're ready for that?"