With each passing minute, Amelia's nerves grew more jittery. Xander's confidence in her was reassuring, but she couldn't shake the sense of uncertainty that had settled in her chest.
She glanced at the clock: 8:15 am. Fifteen minutes until Dave was due to arrive. Fifteen minutes until everything changed.
The minutes ticked by, each one slower than the last. Amelia's hands were clammy, her breath shallow. She put down her coffee, her stomach too churned to drink any more.
She stood up, pacing the room, smoothing down her clothes, running her hands through her hair. She checked her reflection in the mirror again, her eyes searching for any flaw.
But there was nothing to find. She looked polished, professional, ready. Ready for what, she wasn't entirely sure, but she knew she had to do this. She had to take the leap.
As Amelia heard the knock on the door, her heart lurched in her chest. This was it. This was the moment she'd been waiting for.
She took a deep breath, forcing herself to relax, and walked to the door. She pulled it open, her eyes meeting those of the man standing before her.
"Hello, Amelia," Dave said with a friendly smile. "I'm Dave Williamson. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Hi Dave," Amelia replied, her voice coming out steadier than she had expected. "I'm Amelia. Thanks for coming."
Amelia stepped back, inviting Dave inside. He stepped into the apartment, his eyes quickly taking in his surroundings.
"Nice place you have here," Dave commented, nodding approvingly. "I like the artwork. It has a real sense of...freedom about it."
Amelia felt herself relax a little at the easy conversation. "Thank you," she replied. "I'm glad you like it. It's just a little place, but it's home."
Dave smiled again, his demeanor friendly and unassuming.
"Well then," Dave said, his voice light and easy, "if you're ready, I think we should get going. Traffic can be unpredictable at this time of day, and I'd hate for us to be late."
Amelia nodded, her nerves returning with a vengeance. "Right. Let's go," she said, reaching for her purse.
As they made their way out of the apartment, Dave chatted amiably about the weather, the traffic, anything to ease the tension. Amelia appreciated the effort, but she couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation that was building within her.
They stepped out into the morning sunlight, Amelia pulling the door shut behind her. Dave had parked his car on the street, a sleek silver sedan that spoke of success and professionalism.
"After you," Dave said, holding open the passenger door for Amelia. She slipped into the car, the leather seats soft and smooth against her skin. Dave closed the door and walked around to the driver's side, sliding in behind the wheel.
As Dave navigated the city streets, Amelia found herself admiring the building that came into view. The headquarters of the company was an impressive glass-and-steel tower, soaring high into the sky. It glinted in the sunlight, the windows like a thousand eyes watching the city below.
They drove up to the front entrance, which was wide and imposing, with a curved marble staircase leading up to the main doors. Security guards stood sentry on either side, their posture alert and professional.
"Here we are," Dave said, pulling the car into a reserved parking spot.
Amelia followed Dave up the marble staircase, her heels clicking against the stone. The doors to the building were massive, made of polished wood and glass, and they opened automatically as they approached, a whoosh of air-conditioning greeting them as they entered.
Inside, the lobby was spacious and elegant, the walls lined with works of art and the floor gleaming with a highly-polished marble. A receptionist sat behind a large curved desk, her smile bright and welcoming.
"Good morning, Mr. Williamson," she said. "Amelia, I presume?"
Dave nodded to the receptionist, a friendly smile on his face. "Good morning, Sarah. And yes, this is Amelia."
The receptionist, Sarah, stood up and extended her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Amelia," she said, her grip firm and warm. "I'll let your interviewer know you're here."
Amelia smiled back, her own hand shaking slightly as she returned the handshake. "Thank you," she replied, her voice steady.
As they waited, Amelia took in the luxurious surroundings.
Dave stood at Amelia's side, his eyes sweeping over the lobby before settling on Amelia herself. "You know," he said, his voice low and conversational, "you look very professional, but also quite beautiful. I think you'll make a great impression on the interviewer."
Amelia blushed, her hand moving instinctively to smooth down her hair. "Oh, well, thank you, Dave," she replied, her voice catching slightly. "I...I hope so."
"I'm sure you will," Dave said, a reassuring smile on his face.
Just as Dave finished speaking, a woman emerged from a side door, striding toward them with a confident air. She was dressed in a sharp black suit, her heels clicking on the marble floor as she approached.
"Amelia?" the woman asked, her eyes scanning Amelia up and down before settling on her face. "I'm Wendy West, the HR director. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Amelia extended her hand, her heart pounding. "Pleased to meet you, Ms. West," she said, her voice trembling only slightly.
Wendy shook Amelia's hand, her own grip firm and professional. "Please, call me Wendy," she said, a small smile playing on her lips. "And this must be Dave. Thank you for bringing Amelia in today."
Dave nodded, his smile growing wider. "It was my pleasure, Wendy. I'm glad I could help."
Wendy turned her attention back to Amelia, her expression taking on a more serious tone. "Alright, Amelia, if you're ready, I'll show you to the conference room where we'll be holding your interview.
Amelia's heart thumped in her chest as she followed Wendy into the elegant conference room, the high ceilings and stunning view making her feel both awestruck and intimidated.
Wendy gestured for Amelia to take a seat, her cool professionalism a sharp contrast to Amelia's nerves. "Let's get down to business," she said, her words echoing in Amelia's head.
Amelia's hands trembled as she smoothed her skirt, her mind scrambling to find the right words. Her future, her dreams, they were all riding on this moment, and she couldn't afford to make a mistake.