I might have forgotten to mention one little detail. Marie has a sister. She is 6 years older than her. She moved to New York when she was 18 to become a business woman and her family rarely heard from her.
"Marie!" Said her sister enthusiastically. She looked Marie up and down. "What are you wearing?" She said in disgust. Her name was Clarice. Marie and her sister had always been competitive. Clarice always thought she was better than Marie. At fashion, at etiquette, at cello, at EVERYTHING.
"What are YOU doing here?"
"I could ask you the same question."
"I'm applying for a job." Boasted Marie.
"Good luck with that." Said Clarice. "I hear the boss is really tough, yet fashionable." She said showing off her purple cocktail dress.
"Why did you buy a paper clip office?"
"I heard this place has a hidden fortune." She whispered. "And I wanted to be closer to family. When I heard you were abandoning Maman and Papa, I thought they might need their FAVOURITE daughter to be there to keep them company."
"I didn't abandon them." defended Marie. "They gave me permission."
"Of course they did. Now about that job-"
"Listen Clarice." Interrupted Marie. "I don't want to be your charity case. I don't want you to just give me a job because-"
"Give you a job?" Said Clarice, slightly offended. "I am the co-owner of this building, and I can assure you, little brat, that I will do everything in my power, to make sure you never get this job." She was right in Marie's face now. Marie smirked, "challenge accepted."
......................
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Asked Nina. She was at Marie's parents house helping Marie prep for her interview with her sister and the other owner.
"Nina, before, this would've just been a job interview. But as soon as my sister walks in, it becomes, well, a competition." Marie told her.
"But wouldn't it be better, and easier, just to ignore her and get a job somewhere else?"
"I'm sorry Nina, but this has become a family matter. Now, lets go get that job." She knew that the other owner had a bit more authority. She thought maybe if she could win him over, he would convince Clarice that Marie was a perfect fit for a job.
They arrived at stinman's 10 minutes early. The secretary directed them to an office. After a while, Clarice walked into the room, followed by a man in his twenties. That must be the other owner, thought Marie. They sat down next to each other. Marie noticed that they were very giggly and happy. Must be from working together.
"Marie, I would like you to meet my partner Mark Stinman." she said in a very professional matter. "We just got back from our lunch break, and well, he engaged!" She lifted up her hand and flashed around a diamond ring.
Perfect, thought Marie. Absolutely perfect.
