LAYLA POV
I wake up in a cold sweat. I am late again. Dammit, I promised myself that this time I will put in some effort. I jump out of my bed and into the shower not even sure how I washed myself or got dressed. Then I am out the door. I have to make a good first impression at my new job but I am afraid that ship has sailed.
I know I have to get myself out of the rut that I am in. My sister-in-law thought it was a good idea if I went for an interview at this fashion company. I never expected to get the job but they called me the next morning and gave me the good news.
I was happy to know that I have a job but I never thought I had to start the day after I heard I got it. I walk-run as fast as I can to my new job. I haven't even put my long locks of black hair into a pony or something stylish. I mean, I am working at a fashion company.
I finally get to the building and I walk through reception, trying to look as professional as possible but then the reception just smiles and says to me.
"Someone is late..."
I was really hoping that I would just slip in without anyone noticing but I guess I was wrong about that one. I get into the elevator and I take a deep breath as it finally stops on the top floor. I have a meeting with my new boss at eight and it is now 8:05. The doors open and I try to walk as confidently as possible to the secretary that is sitting in front of the giant intimidating doors just staring at me.
"Hi, I am here to see Mrs. Johnson"
She looks me up and down as if I have done something wrong with my outfit and then she says.
"She has been waiting for you since eight this morning. I am sure she can not wait for you to walk through those doors"
I swallow deeply and I can not believe I messed it up. It's my first damn day and here I am making a great first impression. I nod and smile at her while I nervously knock on the door and then I hear.
"Enter!"
I feel like a scared little schoolgirl walking into the principal's office for the first time. I open the door and I see the back of her chair as she is staring out through her window. I walk closer to her desk and then she says without looking at me.
"You are late..."
"Yes, I am so sorry ma'am but my alarm-"
Then she finishes my sentence for me.
"...your alarm couldn't tell time, you forgot to set your alarm, someone stole your phone. Am I getting warm?"
She turns around in her seat with her short wavy blonde hair and dark brown eyes just staring at me. If I ever felt intimidated now, would be the time. I know there is no excuse for me being late and maybe honesty is the best excuse.
"You are right. There is no excuse for me being late and quite frankly, I am disappointed in myself. I am sorry"
She almost looks a bit surprised at my honesty but then she quickly starts to page through what looks to be my credentials.
"I am willing to give you another chance because of your extraordinary ideas and talents. This will be your first and last warning. Now, go to Macy and she will help you get settled in"
"Thank you, Mrs. Johnson you will not be disappointed"
"I know, I won't be"
I turn around like a dog with my tail between my legs and then I close the doors behind me. I have no idea who Macy is or on what floor she works on so, I turn to the secretary and ask.
"I am sorry to bother you but where do I get hold of Macy?"
She rolls her eyes and then she says.
"She's on thirty-three"
The people in this building really are a breath of fresh air. I nod my head and then quickly get into the elevator. This is going to be a very long day. I press number thirty-three and then wait for the elevator to open again.
I do not know why my sister-in-law talk me into this because I really do not want to be here. I would much rather lay on my couch and go nowhere slowly. Then the door opens to a floor filled with people running around like ants. Everyone looks busy and as if they have to get something done in a hurry.
How the hell am I going to get Macy in all of this? Then I hear someone saying.
"Where do you want this, Macy?"
I quickly look in the direction of where the voice is coming from. She looks like a friendly and approachable woman with her red hair. I quickly walk up to her and then I introduce myself.
"Hi, I'm Layla Pierce, Mrs. Johnson said that I can-"
She cuts me off with a hand in the air and then quickly says to me.
"Honey, I do not have time for introductions. Why don't you go and get us some coffee and make sure that mine is made with skim milk"
"Yeah, sure"
Suddenly everyone comes to me with an order for coffee and I soon realized that today, I might only be making coffee. This is exactly what I was looking for. A nice waitress job.
I look around me to see if I can find the kitchen and just as I am about to walk towards something that resembles a kitchen, I accidentally bump into someone. By now it is almost a reflex to say that I am sorry just for living. So, I quickly say those famous words.
"I am so sorry"
But luckily this time I am met with a real friendly face.
"Don't worry, I know that in this place accidents happen quickly. You must be the new girl? Hi, my name is Rosie and you are?"
Wow, someone that wants to know my name. She stretches out her hand and I greet her.
"Hi, I am Layla"
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Layla. Let me guess you have to make coffee?"
"How did you know?"
"I was in your shoes once too. It is almost like an initiation. Let me give you one piece of advice. Buy the coffees, don't make it"
"Thank you so much for the advice"
"I know it can seem a bit overwhelming at first but you will see later on, it's the best damn job"
She pats me on my shoulder and then she makes her way back to her desk. I will definitely be talking more to her. I put down my jacket and my purse while quickly pick up a notepad and a pencil. If this is going to make me get to the top then I will do the best that I can.
I walk around the room and start to take orders. I will show Macy that I can do what is requested of me. I will show Macy that I can be just as good at taking coffee orders as I am in being a consultant to make people look good.