We sit across from each other on some comfortable white leather couches. Between us is a clear glass coffee table with jade pothos on it. I'm offered a glass of water, but I don't want to put anyone out, so I decline. Keller is taking some time to read over my paperwork. While he does this, William takes the time to look me over. He smiles at me like he's the cat who ate the canary. I have a feeling this is not going to end well.
"No need to be nervous, we're really nice people," Keller says with a kind smile.
"Of course we are. I would give the shirt off my back to a stranger," William says, looking amused.
I look down with a blush on my face. They start to take turns, asking me questions.
"So tell us about yourself," Keller says, signalling the start of the interview.
"Well, I'm a 23 year old Texas girl who moved to California for a fresh start. I love music, working with animals, and helping others."
"What work or life experiences do you have that would help you in being my assistant?"
"I have done various types of work from working in an office as an assistant to volunteering at a vet office. In both situations I had to be on my toes and prepared for anything."
"You seem really passionate about animals. Why aren't you applying for a job in that field instead of entertainment?"
"I was originally studying animal science in college. However, I had to drop out in my first semester. I hope to eventually go back to study veterinary medicine, but for now I would like to find a steady job and save some money before I consider going back to school."
"Why did you drop out of college?"
"Personal reasons," losing confidence as I say it.
"How do you work under pressure?" William asks, seeming to take over the interview.
"I handle pressure pretty well. I believe situations that have a lot of pressure should be approached with a calm and patient attitude."
"If you were to become my assistant, you would encounter a lot of famous people. How will you act when you meet someone you're a fan of?"
"I believe that at the end of the day we're all human beings. I will treat them as I would any other colleague."
"How many pennies would you have to stack to reach the height of the Empire State building?" William abruptly asks.
"I'm sorry?" I say puzzled by the question.
He crosses his arms and repeats the question, clearly enjoying the moment.
"To be honest I don't know however, I can find out."
"What are you going to do if I need that information at the spur of the moment, and you don't know the answer?"
"I'll look it up."
"How?"
"I'll google it".
"You'll google it?"
"Yes. The internet holds a wealth of information, and thanks to technology it's at the tips of our fingers."
"I see," he says to himself. Then he looks me in the eye and starts to ask me questions in a rapid-fire manner.
"Describe yourself in one word."
"Compassionate."
"What would you do if you won 5 million dollars tomorrow?"
"I would use it to go back to school, donate a large amount, and invest the rest so it can grow."
"According to your resume you have been out of work for over a year. Why is that?"
"I had some personal things I needed to take time to work on in my life."
"When is a door not a door?"
"When it's ajar."
"If you met a genie and he were to grant you three wishes, what would they be and why?"
"I wouldn't make any wishes. When it comes to the djinn every wish comes with a price, and that is not a risk I'm willing to take. If I see a genie, I would walk the other way."
"Let's say you have an important event, and someone spills something all over you and you don't have time to change. What would you do?"
Keller chokes as he takes a sip of water. I try to remain calm, but I can feel myself blushing.
"I would go to the store and buy another outfit," I say rationally.
"Yes, but there's no stores there and you don't have a spare change of clothes with you. What would you do then?"
"I would ask the person who spilled their drink on me to help me out."
"Why? It was an accident that they bumped into you."
"Because it's their fault they weren't paying attention to their surroundings. It's their fault they spilled their drink all over me and ruined my outfit. They caused the problem. The least they can do is help me find a solution," I say trying to cool the flames I feel rising in me. It's not worth it.
"How do you know that he wasn't paying attention to his surroundings?"
"How do you know he wasn't?"
"I think I'd know what my surroundings are at all times," he says, sounding frustrated.
"But Mr. Wang, I thought this was a hypothetical situation." I say with a smile bigger than the Cheshire cats.
"I-I y-you it is!!!!" he stammers as he jumps out of his seat.
"Ok! I think that's all we have for you today," Keller says in a hurried voice.
"But Keller, we forgot to ask Ms. Cyrene the most important question. Why do you want to work here?"
I take a deep breath and consider the question for a moment.
"Callista Talent Agency is known to be one of the most reputable and fairest agencies in the world. They treat their employees as people and not money-making machines. They take care of their own. When I was younger and wanted to be a singer, this was the agency I dreamed would choose me one day. If you hire me to be your assistant, I will be the hardest worker you will have ever hired. I've never assisted anyone in the entertainment industry. But if you do hire me, I will learn as much as I can so I can become the best assistant you've ever had."
"Thank you for your time today, we'll call you back after we've made a decision."
"Thank you for having me, Mr. Ellis,'' I say as I shake his hand.
I turn to William and stretch out my hand.
"Thank you for your time today Mr. Wang. I look forward to hearing from you."
"No, thank you," he says as he shakes my hand.
I turn around and look one last time as the door closes and see William looking out the window with a pensive look on his face. I can feel myself shaking as I realize I've probably just blown the job interview. "Congratulations Astra. You may have won the battle, but you lost the war. I hope it was worth it." As I walk towards the lobby wrapped in my own thoughts, I suddenly hear a commotion. I look over and cannot believe my eyes.