Chapter 4: Twice the Offer
I couldn't help but feel embarrassed as I smiled awkwardly at them, wishing I could disappear in that moment. It was quite embarassing to think that the handsome man who looked like a prince or a warrior looked at me. My charm might be working. I knew I had been told many times by friends and colleagues that I should pursue a career in modeling, but I always felt too clumsy and stiff for that role.
Maybe I should have taken their advice.
The thought of being called a stick model or facing more humiliation didn't appeal to me. While I usually didn't pay much attention to the admiring eyes of men, the idea of catching rhe eyes of a man as handsome as a prince made me blush with embarrassment.
"Are you alright?" the man in his 40s asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.
Please talk to me and remove my delusions brains.
"Hmm? Yeah, I'm alright," I replied with an awkward smile, taking a sip of my iced milk.
"Okay, be careful with your food," he said kindly, and I nodded, trying to assure him with my wonky smile, though I worried it might have scared him instead.
As the cheerful man returned to his conversation, I finished my food and prepared to leave. But just as I was about to stand up, he suddenly stood in front of me, what now? I looked at him, confused.
"Do you need something?" I asked, wondering why he was looking at the folder on the table. It was my resume, and I quickly grabbed it to hide it from view.
"You're looking for a job," he observed, curiosity shining in his eyes.
"Yeah, actually, I have an interview to attend," I replied.
He continued to stare at me, seemingly analyzing me like a math problem. Feeling the need to get going, I stood up from my chair, ready to leave.
But before I could make my exit, he grabbed my hand and handed me a piece of paper. "We're looking for awesome humans to work as executive secretaries. I think you should apply," he said with a wide grin, shaking my hand enthusiastically.
I attempted a smile, though it felt forced, and I tried to free my hand from his grip. He was certainly the most peculiar person I had ever encountered, with his choice of words sounding odd. Who still referred to people as "humans" these days? Just him, it seemed.
"That's great! I'll definitely look into it. Thank you!" I exclaimed, quickly taking the paper and tucking it into my bag.
"See you!" he called out as I walked away from their table.
Once I was a sufficient distance away, I retrieved the paper from my bag and examined it. The name of the company was "Ayers Industry."
I blinked and read the name again. It was a familiar company, where my friend Megan worked. I couldn't believe that I had been offered the same job twice! Was it fate? Should I consider accepting the offer and working there? I wasn't confident about being a secretary, given my past failures in that role.
Leaving my uncle to my aunt and working at Ayers Industry would be the most logical decision now. The company had a good reputation dating back to the 1800s, and everyone in the business world knew about it. It was my best friend's dream company since our college days.
If I didn't have a connection to Megan, I wouldn't stand a chance of working there or even securing an interview. But Megan had connections with the higher-ups at Ayers Industry, increasing my chances of being accepted with her help.
As they said, you just need some connections to climb up. This is what the world has become.
Was I wasting my time applying for jobs in the city when I had a better shot at Ayers Industry? It felt as if fate stubbornly want me in that direction.
Lost in my thoughts, I mounted my bike without hesitation and rode it back home, a grin spreading across my face. When I burst through the door, it made a loud thud as it collided with the wall, immediately capturing the attention of my aunt and cousins who were engrossed in watching television.
"Did you get a job? Why are you home so early?" Auntie raised her brows inquisitively.
"Don't you believe in me? Of course, I've already got one!" I boasted, walking confidently toward my room, my head held high.
My aunt doesn't believe me, her eyebrows furrowed and her eyes squinting. It wasn't surprising; she rarely believed me whenever I said something. But I paid no mind to her. This time, I am determined to prove her wrong.
Once inside my room, I locked the door behind me and retrieved my phone from my bag. Without wasting a moment, I video called with Megan, plopping down onto my bed.
"Hey, Megan!" I waved my hand enthusiastically, a wide smile stretching across my face.
Megan appeared on the screen, dressed in formal attire with a forest visible in the background. It seemed like she was outdoors.
"It's working hours. What's up?" she asked.
"Is your offer still on the table?" I asked eagerly.
"Have you made up your mind? Of course, it is!" Megan replied with a toothy grin.
"I've decided to go for an interview," I said.
"You don't need an interview! I've been recommending you to my bosses for a while now. Your name is probably already engraved in their minds," she assured me, a wild grin spreading across her face.
"But I want to go through the proper procedure. I want to be prepared," I insisted, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves fluttering in my chest at the thought of the upcoming interview.
I still feel nervous even though I'm already an expert with interviews.
"If you insist. Get ready tomorrow morning at eight o'clock. The interview will take place at the office, and I already submitted your application yesterday," Megan informed me.
I chuckled. She knew I wouldn't be able to resist the temptation of being away from my Aunt. She really is my friend, she knows me too well.
"You already submitted it? What if I didn't want to work there?" I asked, pretending to be shocked.
"I was already certain you'd accept my offer, so I took the liberty. Besides, Ayers Industry is an incredible company. Trust me on this," she said, shrugging nonchalantly and flashing a mischievous smile.
"All right then. Send me the location. I'll see you tomorrow. Thanks, Megan!" I expressed my gratitude before bidding her farewell as she waved her hand and ended the call.
I flopped back onto my bed, letting out a deep sigh. My heart raced with anticipation or nerves, either way, tomorrow will be good and I hope to finally get a job where I will last long. Fate seemed to be pushing me toward the Ayers Industry, and I was ready to seize the opportunity and serve at my best.