It was weird to sit in the waiting area of a design company that wasn't her own. Claire felt like a traitor.
She knew that she had a good chance of getting the job. It was something that she was good at. Besides, Pierre managed to falsify her education record. She now had a degree in design from a local university instead. Obviously, she hadn't, but Pierre explained that her records now existed at that university so even if they wanted to check, the university was able to confirm it.
It was rather scary how much could have been completely made up and fake and no one was able to truly verify it.
Claire wore a hot pink suit with a white vest top underneath. She really played her role well. The role of Miss Cooper.
"Good morning." The tall man that was not much older than Gabriel introduced himself as he invited her into his office. "I'm Samuel Harris."
"Good morning, Mr Harris. I'm Elise Cooper." Claire shook his hand before sitting down on the other side of the table.
"I must admit, Miss Cooper, that we never before got a candidate this experienced for such a junior role. Tell me why you want to do an apprenticeship?"
"A lot of my experience is based on freelance work. I wish to learn first-hand about the business side of things. I can create a design but I'd like to learn how the company operates as a whole. I think an apprenticeship will allow me to do just that." Claire lied.
"I see." Samuel smiled.
"If you do not mind, may I ask you a question?"
"Of course."
"Why do I owe the pleasure of being interviewed by a CEO of such an enormous company?"
"You're observant." Samuel laughed. "The design that you've submitted for our recruitment exercises turned quite a few heads. The most senior designer came to me and declared that I must do anything and everything to get you to join my company. So here I am."
"That's truly a compliment, sir." Claire smiled back at him. She knew that she was too good. She tried to dial down on her design quality but her experience was undeniable.
"If you wish for a title of a junior designer, I am not going to stop you. I am willing to negotiate the salary and benefits."
"I much rather take the role of a junior designer as I hope to learn from a much more experienced designer. As per salary, the one advertised would be sufficient." Claire answered honestly. She just wanted to do something she enjoyed. She didn't care for a reward as long as she could pay her bills.
"Very well." Samuel seemed pleased with himself. "When can you start?"
"I am currently working in a small cafe. I require two weeks' notice."
"I'll see you in two weeks, Miss Cooper." Samuel shook her hand. Claire studied him carefully. He was nearly in his mid-thirties. The first grey hair graced the sides of his head. His hair was ash brown, matching his brown eyes.
After the interview, Claire went to the cafe where she worked in. She didn't work that day, but it was the only familiar place. Besides, another hearing was supposed to be aired today.
She went inside and got herself a coffee, sitting down by a small table by a window which had an unobstructed view of the screen.
Claire fidgeted uncomfortably recognising the woman sitting a few seats behind her again. Something about her still didn't sit right with Claire. She looked familiar but yet Claire was sure that she never met her.
The woman was in her late forties, maybe around fifty. She was elegant with her brown locks tied in a bun today. She had brown eyes, similar in shade to Claire's contact lenses.
Claire fought her instinct of wanting to run away.
"Who do you think is going to win?" She asked the woman, realising that she was looking at the tv as well.
"It doesn't really matter. They both lost everything." The woman said with some sadness in her voice. "The father lost his children, his reputation, his company. The son, lost the love of his life, not to mention his father, and his own company and reputation. There's no real winner here."
"Isn't it worth bringing justice for the sake of so many people that he hurt?" Claire asked as she looked back at the tv. The glimpse of Gabriel walking to the court was caught on camera. She felt her chest tighten and her insides twist in the most indescribable pain. He was fine. He was alive. But yet, he wasn't. She could tell from his pale and ashen skin, and his emotionless eyes.
"It's not going to ease their pain. But yeah, it might stop anyone else from getting hurt by Moore Pharmaceuticals. So many lives were lost, by those who passed and those who survived."
"I saw you watching the trial here from the beginning." Claire noted.
"I'm curious." The woman replied shortly but Claire was quick to notice her eyes glass over. "That Gabriel is rather handsome. I wonder if he's as good of a person as it seems from the trials."
"I think so." Claire said with a slight smile.
"He looks it. He has some good written in his face. It's his eyes, I suspect."
"Certainly." Claire nodded, trying to catch a better look at Gabriel on the tv.
"What's your name?" The woman moved and sat beside Claire.
"Elise." Claire said quietly.
"I'm Katherine. Did you move here recently?"
"Yes, I did. Well, maybe not that recently. It's been nearly six weeks."
"What do you do?"
"I'm currently a waitress. Although, I am due to start a new job in about two weeks" Claire smiled weakly. It was so hard to put that facade on nowadays. "What about you?"
"I'm a writer for a magazine. I was a waitress too when I first moved here. It seems like a right of passage kind of a thing." Katherine laughed.
"Quite likely. It is definitely a humbling experience."
"So, what devil got you here?"
"It was time to leave the nest. My parents were getting close to disowning me if I stayed with them much longer." Claire joked. "What about yourself?"
"I've decided to chase my dreams, or whatever." Katherine shrugged. She picked up her cup of coffee and sat by the table with Claire. "I was fed up with my old life. I had a crappy job, a shitty husband, and no joy left. I've decided that at least I can have a crappy job without a shitty husband."
"Sounds like a wise choice." Claire nodded in approval.
"Have you been married?"
"No." Claire shook her head, telling yet another lie, and feeling the heavy weight of the engagement ring on her chest. "I have barely dated."
"I'll tell you something, don't bother."
Katherine chuckled.
"I'll keep that in mind."
"Sorry for being bitter."
"No need to be." Claire smiled at Katherine.
"Tell me about that job you will be starting"
"It's a design role at Harris Studio Designs."
"Oh, the infamous Harris Studio? With the very infamous Samuel Harris?"
"Indeed."
"I do hope it works out." Katherine said genuinely. "Although, he might be one of the husbands I wouldn't look down upon."
"Maybe." Claire blushed. Gabriel was one for the husbands no one would look down upon too.
They both looked back at the tv until the hearing was over.
"Hey, there's another hearing next week." Katherine said as she pointed her chin at the tv. "Will you be here?"
"Most likely." Claire said honestly. She needed to see Gabriel to ensure that he was truly safe.
"I'll see you then." Katherine gave her some knowing smile before she left.