Chapter Three

I had not been able to sleep after I had gotten my shower. I was a little too restless. So I had stalled a little after my long shower, then at about six thirty, I started getting ready. I knew it was going to be an early dinner so I tried my best to be done dressing on time.

“You look amazing,” I told Sandra when I went to the living room. She did look amazing, her outfit was effortless and casual in a way that exuded so much elegance.

“So do you. But you’ll look much more amazing if you wiped that sad look off your face,” she said, then walked towards me.

I blushed and looked away. I had tried not to let any of the distress I had felt show on my face. But I had not counted on the fact that this girl knew me in and out, even though it had been two years since we last saw each other physically.

I forced a smile on myself. “Happy?”

Sandra was silent for a minute then she asked, “When are you going to stop letting him control so much of your life? From your emotions, to your time, to your love life. Aren’t you tired of it too, love?”

I knew the him she was referring to was my dad so I just shook my head. We had had this conversation way too many times and it had never turned out right. She thought I was blind to his faults. And that was wrong. I was living with his faults, and I was paying for them. I just couldn’t kill the love that I had for him.

“Let’s not… please, Sandra.”

It was obvious that she wanted to push the issue, but finally, she said, “Whatever you say,” lifting her hands to the air.

I let out a sigh of relief. I really didn’t want the evening to turn sour. I wanted to take advantage of every little moment of relaxation I could get. So with a genuine smile, I thanked Sandra. She waved my thanks away.

“There’s this cute bistro down the street. Since the weather is nice this evening, I thought we could stroll there and get food. What do you think?”

I shrugged, then said, “It sounds great. A walk could really help me take my mind off things right now.”

“You can talk to me also. Never forget that,” she said, then she hugged me. 

I hugged her back and we stayed like that for a short while before getting out of the apartment to the elevator and down to the streets. The walk to the bistro was one of the most refreshing walks I had ever taken. Sandra and I took the time to update each other about our lives, talking about the things that a phone screen could not say and the emotions that a phone call would never be able to convey.

It wasn’t long before we reached the bistro. It was cute and casual, the type of place I could have picked even. We spoke for a while before Sandra, in her usual way, steered the conversation to me.

“You know Reine, I still don’t get why you decided you wanted to stay in that godforsaken town.”

I admonished her gently, “Not everyone hates Youngstown, Sandra.”

Sandra rolled her eyes. “Trust me, I got that the first hundred times you told me. I’m still trying to process it. You’re so smart. And with your credentials, you could literally land any job you wanted.”

“But all I want is to manage the family business, babe. It has been my dream since I was little,” I reminded her, feeling like I had been doing a lot of that over the years.

According to Sandra, with the way my dad treated me, like I was invisible or something, I should have left the town ages ago. I really wished I could sometimes. I so did.

“So, have you landed any job interviews yet?” Sandra asked cheerily, like she wasn’t bashing our town just minutes ago. I don’t think I would ever get used to her changing the conversations so abruptly. Nevertheless, I answered her.

“Nope. All dead ends. I’m still waiting for my big break,” I said, forcing a laugh out.

“Well you wouldn’t have to wait any longer!” Sandra exclaimed. “Guess who landed you an interview with ColElectronics?”

I widened my eyes as I looked at Sandra. “You’re joking!”

Sandra shook her head with a smile. “Nope. You have an interview with them the day after tomorrow for the position of Human Resource Manager.”

“Oh my god, Sandra, I love you so much!” I exclaimed. It had never been my dream, but ColElectronics was huge. Everyone knew them. And working there? It was going to be an amazing opportunity.

“How did you do it though?” I asked curiously. I had applied for over five jobs, and neither of them had even offered me an interview. 

“Let’s just say, it’s nice to know people in high places,” she said with a smirk.

I didn’t even mind that she was being deliberately vague; I was too thankful for the opportunity. “Thank you so much Sandra. I owe you,” I said quietly. She was honestly the best friend one could have.

“The only thing you owe me is preparing for that interview and getting the job!”

I smiled. She was right. I had to get that job. And I would do everything in my power to do so.

Today was the day, the day of the interview. I had woken up early, and gotten ready. I had high hopes for today; I mean Sandra and I had gone through the list of all the possible questions I could be asked and how to answer them. I knew it was impossible to be completely ready, but I could say with some self assurance that I had high chances.

“Don’t forget to call me when you’re done! And nothing but good news!” Sandra exclaimed when I called out that I was leaving.

I held my hand to my chest, hoping that I would actually receive good news. I tried not to let the fact that my father hadn’t returned any of my calls, only texting me to say he was too busy with work. Knowing the man who had sired me, I knew that was a huge lie. I already knew that he probably had “much better things to do.”

But I wasn’t going to let that damper my mood. I had to be on my A game today. No matter what happened. I got into the Uber Sandra had called and went through all my files, checking to see if I had everything I needed. When I was done, I looked out of the window, trying not to think of what would happen if I didn’t get the job.

Then I banished the thought from my mind. I was supposed to be thinking positive. If I didn’t get the job, I would have to go back home and watch my family business crumble, the one I had been dying to run since my grandad had taken me to work one day. And I would be damned if I let that happen.

After thanking the Uber driver (and reminding myself not to pay him, Sandra has gone hard on my ass for that), I got out of the car. I took in a deep breath as I looked up at the impressive building with a huge logo on it. There was no doubt that I was in the right place. After closing my eyes to stabilize myself for a few seconds, I went in.

“Hi!” I exclaimed, walking to the reception. “I’m here for the interview for the position of Human Resource Manager.”

“Name,” was all the lady sitting at the desk said, not even bothering to look up at me.

“Uhm, Reine Graham,” I replied.

She looked up at me. “Don’t stutter when you go in there. Else they’ll eat you up,” she advised then slipped me a badge and continued like she had not said a word, “Fourth floor, first door to your left.”

“Thank you,” I said, then I headed over the elevator. 

I couldn’t help but look around in wonder. Everything looked amazing, it was well thought out. I started imagining how it would be if I got the job. Wouldn’t it be amazing to get in here every morning? Would I get my own office? Or maybe just a cubicle? Either way, I didn’t mind. Working at a place that wasn’t the family business wasn’t part of the plan, but this was the only other place I’d rather work at.

I reached the fourth floor and walked gingerly to the first office on my left, as the receptionist had directed. There were already a few people in what seemed to be a lounge, so I sat as well, trying not to look at any of them for too long and get intimidated.

Instead, I picked up my phone and texted Sandra. I knew there was a low possibility she was going to respond, but I was cool with that. I actually didn’t need her to respond because she was going to mess up my concentration. But I just needed to rant in a place that wasn’t my head.

I watched as they called out the names of the other people who had been sitting with me, and when someone came out disappointed, I actually felt relieved. It made me feel like I actually had a chance to land the job. My anxiety had gone all the way down; my palms were no longer sweaty. And my tongue was no longer heavy.

So when I heard ‘Reine Graham’, I muttered a small prayer then stood up and walked to the office. I don’t know what I was expecting to see but it definitely wasn’t the smiling woman who was sitting behind the desk. I had never gone for a formal job interview, but from what I had read online, the people conducting the interviews were usually strict hard asses with one distinct facial expression; frowns.

I didn’t let that get to me. I returned her smile tentatively and sat as she directed me to. I gave her my file when she asked me to, watching surreptitiously as she went through it. My heart was beating real quick and my palms had gotten clammy again. But I wasn’t going to let any of that show. I was going to make her feel I was confident.

“So you got your degree early this year, and landed an internship in Graham & Son. Is that right?” she asked, catching me a little off guard.

I cringed a little at the name. Graham & Son. It was a bad pun, but the name had been in the family for generations. Since my great granddad had founded it, passed it down to his son, my grandfather, who in turn passed it to my father. I was next in line, because unlike his predecessors, my father had no sons.

“That’s right,” I said, wondering if I should elaborate or anything. I didn’t want to sound too dry, but I didn’t want it to come off like I was rambling either. So I decided to stay silent. It was better for her to continue with the questions she had for me.

“How would you describe yourself when it comes to dealing with others?” the woman asked.

“I am assertive if need be,”—that was a lie, exhibit A, my dad—“polite and firm.”

She nodded then proceeded to ask a few more questions. I managed to go through all of them without stuttering. In the end, she looked up at me and smiled. I had done that smile enough in my life to know that I wasn’t about to get good news. 

“I’m really sorry Ms. Wilson. Your portfolio is amazing, really. But you do not have the experience we want.” Her words were kind enough, but it still stung. I managed a fake smile though, said goodbye and walked out the office.

I was sure I looked even more disappointed than the people who had come out before me and suddenly, I felt bad. I mean, I had been happy over the fact that they weren’t chosen. And here I was… rejected as well.

I walked to the elevator dejectedly. No matter how much I tried to tell myself that things would turn out amazing, it didn’t work. I was thinking of the bank seizing the land and the business from my family and I, revamping it, changing what we stood for, and honestly? It made me sick.

But what else could I do? The only option I had was whore myself out and I doubted anyone would want an inexperienced girl from the back country as a whore. I sighed, placed my head on the wall of the elevator and pulled out my phone.

I noticed someone get in after me, but I didn’t pay them any mind, just called Sandra and waited for her to pick up. I needed to tell someone, if not I would probably start crying. And crying was the last thing I wanted to do; it was symbolic with giving up. And I hadn’t given up yet!

“Hey baby,” Sandra said as soon as she picked the call. I loved how she always made time for me, no matter when I called or texted.

“Hey,” I replied, dragging out the hey a little. I didn’t know how to tell her I hadn’t gotten the job. After all she had tried her best to help me. And I hadn’t done my best.

“Are we celebrating or are we celebrating?” she asked cheerfully and I sighed. “Wait, hold on, did you just sigh?”

“I didn’t get the job, babe,” I said simply, the tears threatening to fall for real this time. It was almost like I had only just realized that I was back to square one when it came to finding enough money to clear my dad’s debts.

“Wait, what? What happened?” Sandra exclaimed. Her voice was noticeably louder, almost like she had abandoned whatever she was doing to concentrate on the call fully. 

“They said I didn’t have enough experience. Tough luck,” I tried to joke, but even to me, it sounded flat as hell and very hollow.

“Aw babe, I’m terribly sorry. They are gonna wish they took you when they see the amazing things you’ll accomplish!” Sandra exclaimed. Her attempt at putting me in a better mood was wasted, but it was well appreciated.

“Well that’ll be if I find something. If I don’t go back to Youngstown and—”

“Stop being negative!” my best friend interrupted. “You’re going to find something amazing here. And you are going to solve all of your problems and keep your family business in the family. Don’t lose hope.”

“I know I shouldn’t. But damn, I need the money so bad. The bank is on my neck and I don’t know what to do. I promised them regular deposits from next month and I don’t know where I’m going to conjure $20,000 to give these people.”

“I know it seems like everything is sinking. But it is not. Clear your head, come home and we’ll brainstorm together and look for a solution. Okay?”

I was silent for a few seconds. “Thank you Sandra,” I said finally.

“No problem babe. Do I call you an Uber or you’ll manage?” 

“I’m sure I’ll manage. Talk to you later,” I said then hung up. I stared at the wall for a while, wondering why it was taking so long for the elevator to reach the first floor when we were just on the fourth.

I turned curious eyes on the man who had gotten in after me, and to my surprise, he was staring straight at me. I blushed a little but I didn’t look away. Being in a town on the smaller side made it so you became used to long stares from strangers. 

I cocked my head to the side and raised my brow. “We aren’t on the first floor yet?” I asked, keeping my voice firm.

“Soon,” he said, still staring at me.

That was all he could say. No apologies or explanations. Just continued staring creepily. I held my bag tighter to my body and thought of what to say to scare him away.

“I have a gun and I am not afraid to use it,” I said. I had no gun, no knife, not even a blade. But I would say anything to ward off potential creeps at this point.

The man didn’t seem scared though. He chuckled at what I had to say. I lifted my brow. “I’m serious. If you look at me the wrong way or even try to touch me, I’ll shoot. And I’ll plead self defense in court.”

“From what I heard, it sounds like you wouldn’t have enough funds to get yourself a lawyer.”

Ouch. A jab at my debt and the fact that I was near poverty right now? It hurt my feelings. I chose not to respond, turning my head the other way instead.

“But that is not what I want to discuss with you. I heard you say you need money, and I need a favor from you. So I have a proposal that would satisfy the both of us. How about lunch on me?”

I stared at him. Was I willing to take that risk? Go off with a stranger who was talking about proposals? What if he was some sort of sex offender or human trafficker? But I was more curious than anything. He had heard everything I had said. And he had mentioned money. Was I really going to pass by an opportunity like this…?