Anna
Two weeks ago I lost my virginity to a stranger, no regrets. The only thing was that I couldn't stop thinking about him, I could still feel his hands all over me, his little kisses all over my body. I tried to block him out by going on runs and applying more pressure in job hunting.
It looks like applying more pressure paid off because for the first time in weeks, I got an interview. An interview wasn't a guarantee for the job but I was hopeful because I fit in the job description.
I almost sigh as I walk into Carlton Inc. I was an hour late. It wasn't my style to be late. If anything, I was very diligent and usually showed up earlier than the agreed time. It turns out that today of all days, my car chose to break down. I've had the car since I was eighteen, it served its purpose and it was due for a change. I spent the next hour figuring out what was wrong. I was stuck, I couldn't get an Uber or a bus. After a few minutes, the car engine roared to life. I tried my best to hold back my tears, I didn't want to ruin my makeup.
I smoothed out the creases in my skirt and held my head high confidently.
I decided to wear Luke's blazer not only because I looked good in it but because it gave me confidence and warmth. It still smelled like him, on days when I was fantasizing about him too much, I sniffed his jacket. The black dress I wore that night was buried in the depths of my laundry, I didn't want to be reminded of how good the hours I spent with Luke were. Everything about him was perfect.
I hate to admit that I have constantly daydreamed of what our life would look like together, maybe we'll have two children and a dog and live in a house with a white picket fence or whatever Luke liked. I searched for him on social media but it was difficult because there were a million Lukes and I didn't know what his surname was.
"Miss Annalise," the secretary, a woman probably in her late forties, walked in. "Mr Carlton won't be interviewing anymore today, sorry."
She looked at me pitifully and I understood her. When I walked into the building, I was panting and my hair was in a messy ponytail because I was in a hurry.
I felt my heart break into a million pieces. Carlton Inc. was one of the places I dreamed of working at, the company had been a household name since the eighties and every year, they keep on evolving. I was excited to meet the famous Mr Carlton, his achievements were a reminder that I can do whatever I set my mind to do.
With a heavy heart, I picked up my bag and headed out the door. As much as I don't want to beat myself up, I am very disappointed in myself for making such a costly mistake.
I dragged my feet towards my car and glared at it. It was one of the first things I was going to change when I got a good job. I wanted to scream and pull my hair. Was life going to get any better? If it was, how long was it going to take?
"Miss Annalise! Miss Annalise!!"
I turn to the secretary waving her hands at me. I'd probably forgotten something at the reception.
"Mr Carlton would interview you." she said to me as I walked up to her
I raised a brow in disbelief, I wasn't sure I heard her correctly.
"I must say this has never happened before," she commented. "Now he has given you a second chance, you must make it worthwhile"
I nod happily with a wide smile across my face, a miracle has happened. I almost hugged her out of joy.
There was hope at last, hope that I would work in a company as remarkable as Carlton inc, hope that my life would change for good.
"Thank you!" I gasped, both hands together in gratitude. "Thank you so much"
She led me to the room where the interview was conducted. I take in deep breaths in order to calm my nerves. I go through my notes while I wait for Mr Carlton to join me.
I have a list of most likely asked questions, I answer them again like I haven't been practicing for days now. Word on the street was that Mr Carlton was difficult to impress, he had accomplished so much in his lifetime and he held everyone to that standard so I came prepared for him.
"Red?"
My heart skipped a beat. I could have sworn my ears were playing a prank on me because I've been thinking of Luke way too much.
"Red."
This time I was sure it was his voice, his calm but firm voice. I slowly turn towards the sound of his voice. I grip the table for support as our eyes meet. There he was, even more handsome than the night we met. I tried to speak but my words and mouth failed me. I've never been so overwhelmed by my emotions.
Luke was Mr Carlton?
Nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to face today.
I followed his eyes and they were on my body, his blazer. I felt heat rise to my face, memories of our naked bodies kept coming to my head, his lips all over my body, his big hands caressing every part they could get to.
"Luke," I whisper, my voice dry and throaty
"Annalise Manchester," he read my name from the book with him
I can't tell what he's thinking but I wished I had as much composure as he did.
"Let's proceed with the interview."
I almost passed out as he took the seat opposite me, I could only hope for the best.