Chapter-2

"Hello, my name is Sofia Sayles," I muttered for the hundredth time standing in front of my dresser. I was really nervous. Like it was my first time going for an interview. It was not, of course. 

Even though I had done my homework and gathered as much information as Google could provide me about the McKinnons, I still couldn't help but feel like I was missing out on something.

It's just nerves. Don't overthink. Be positive.

I chanted the mantra in my head. Being nervous won't get me the job, being confident will. I glanced at the mirror and smiled.

Yes, stick to that.

Sitting down on my bed, I shuffled through the questionnaire that I have prepared after thorough research. Even though you can never know what's coming at you until you step inside the interview room, it was always better to be a step ahead. 

Back in my high school days, I remembered our communication teacher telling us that the questions which sound the simplest are the toughest one to answer, the most common being... A brief introduction about ourselves.

We, humans tend to analyse everything around us, everything that interests us, but what we forget most of the time is to understand who we really are. Self-introspection was not easy. An for a confused soul like me it was literally an uphill task.

What if I was asked the same question? How would I describe myself?

Maybe I would say... 'I am Sofia Sayles. My parent's names are Carmen and Vincent Sayles. They are both lawyers by profession. My hobby is painting ....'

What are you? Five? I sighed and turned my eyes back to the questionnaire. Who was Sofia Sayles? Was a question, the answer to which I was still struggling to find. 

"Soaf, aren't you done yet?" Kristen called, distracting me "You are going to be late,"

"Coming!" I yelled, placing the questionnaire in my bag. I stood up to do a last-minute check.

I was wearing my white pantsuit. Somehow suits make me feel confident, like I was in control. 

Glancing at the mirror, I noticed that I look pale, but then I always look pale so fretting about that was just useless. My dark hairs were tied in a ponytail that almost reached my waist and I think my makeup was just fine.

You will survive, don't worry.

"What took you so long?" Kristen demanded, serving me breakfast.

"I was going through everything one more time," I answered.

"Don't do that. If anything you will feel more nervous and scared." She chastised and I rolled my eyes at her.

"I am nervous and scared," I grimaced. 

"That's because you're giving all of this too much thought. Ease up on your mind Soaf, this is not the only job left in the world," She said softly. This was not the only job in the world but I needed it nevertheless. 

"I know that, " I told her "But I do need this job. My savings are almost finished and I can't ask dad for money again. As for mom, she's...well you know her,"

"Everything will be fine," Kris assured me "Don't worry,"

"I don't see how, " I muttered "If this doesn't work today, I might need to sell my car. I would definitely get good money for that. In fact, now that I think about it, I could have done that instead of asking dad for money in the first place,"

"Don't be ridiculous Sofia," Kris interrupted "You love your car!"

"Yeah, but there are many things that we love but need to let go off, Kris," I replied. 

"Just don't think about all this now. It won't do you any good. Clear your head, ease up and just be honest no matter what they ask, okay?" She said and I nodded my head. 

"Okay," I muttered not totally convinced, I still felt like my car was a necessary sacrifice because my expenses and responsibilties were not anybody else's concern. "I think I should get going now,"

"At least finish your breakfast Soaf," Kris instructed.

She was such a mom.

"I am not really hungry, " I said shaking my head "I will eat something later,"

"Well, okay then," She smiled at me. "Goodluck hon, all the best,"

"Thanks," I said, giving her a swift hug. "Bye Kris,"

"Goodbye Soaf, you can do it," I nodded at her and smiled. Alright then, time to leave.

Forty minutes later, I pulled up in front of the thirty five-storeyed glass giant. Above the revolving glass doors was written in steel, Mckinnon Enterprises Inc. I ideally wondered why all these big firms have such intimidating names, like they were planning on world domination or something. 

Taking a deep breath to calm myself, I walked inside, my stomach wobbling like Jell-O. My nerves went havoc as I glanced around the steel, glass and white sandstone lobby. On my right was the reception area, all dark wood and laminates and in front of me were black leather couches.

Holy hell...

Ignoring the intimidating surroundings, I walked over to the tall blonde behind the reception desk. She was wearing a perfectly fitted black suit and her blonde hairs were tied in a French roll.

"How can I help you?"She asked, her red lips twitching up in a polite smile.

"Hi, I am Sofia Sayles and I am here to interview for the secretarial post. Can you tell me where it is being held?" I asked as smartly as I could manage. 

"Oh yes, please wait a moment," She said politely.

"Sure," I muttered and watched her punch some keys on the keyboard and then she nodded.

"Ms Sayles, please take the elevator to the sixteenth floor and Lydia would guide you from there," She instructed. 

"Okay, thank you so much," I said, wondering who Lydia was. 

"This way," She smiled, pointing to the glass doors between the reception and the small sitting area. I gave her a polite smile and headed towards the elevator.

Taking a deep breath and squaring my shoulders, I climbed out at the sixteenth floor. The elevator door faced another reception desk. This one was semi-circular illuminated by tiny recessed lights. To my left was an entire glass wall beyond which was the waiting area. I could see almost a dozen candidates already waiting.

Ignoring the nerves, I walked over to yet another attractive front desk personnel.

Everything was attractive here, no need to be surprised.

"Hi, I am Sofia Sayles," I repeated.  "I am here for the interview. I'm looking for someone, Lydia?"

"Hello Ms Sayles, I am Lydia. Please wait there, the interview will begin momentarily," She said, pointing towards the waiting area.

"Thanks," I let out and she nodded politely.

I could feel eyes on me as I sat down on of the chairs in the corner. Twelve candidates were already there and I was thirteenth. Most of them looked sharp and poised and ready to battle their way into this intimidating, humongous organisation. 

Of course, what else did you expect? Girls dancing in tutu's. 

"The interview has begun," Lydia declared ten minutes later and I could feel anxiety taking over me. Calm down. Calm down...just give your best shot.

"I will call you in turns," She finished and stared at each one of us before retreating. 

Anticipation was not my thing. It makes me restless and even more nervous than ever. I just like to get things done with, whatever the results, and right now this stupid waiting was making me crazier with each passing seconds.

"Ms Sayles, you're up next," Lydia finally said, after almost an hour and a half later.

"Okay," I muttered. I quickly took out my phone and texted Kristen.

Sofia: It's my turn now, pray for me.

Kristen: I always do, you know that. Don't worry, just give your best.

Sofia: I will.

"This way, Mr Liam will see you now," Lydia said, coming to a halt in front of a laminate door over which were written in bold: Interview Room.

Wait a second...

"Ahm...one second. Liam Mckinnon? Its Ryan Mckinnon, isn't it?" I asked, flustered and she shook her head. 

"No, Ms Sayles it's Liam, not Ryan," She answered. "I think you are a bit mistaken here,"

Liam McKinnon was Ryan McKinnon's son. And apparently that was all I know about him.

Oh God, I was screwed!

"Why is he interviewing instead of Mr Ryan?" I inquired and tried not sound agitated. 

"He is taking over officially next week. He's the one you will be working for if selected," She answered and I had no idea what that mean. 

"What do you mean officially?" I inquired, feeling bewildered.

"Liam sir has been working at his father's place for years now but most of the authority still lies with Mr Ryan. But from next week that too will be transferred to him which means the next time when you Google McKinnon Enterprises his name will be shown as the company's CEO instead of Mr Ryan McKinnon,"

"Thanks," I said, already losing a little hope. "I didn't know that," Lydia nodded and retreated giving me a polite smile. So this was it. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath.

Don't worry, Liam or Ryan it doesn't matter. Just give your best.

"May I come in?" I asked as confidently as I could manage.

"Yes," A sharp, strong voice said and for a moment it felt familiar.

You're hallucinating ...

I rolled my eyes. Shutting the door close behind me, I walked inside concentrating hard on not to trip.

"Please take a seat," He instructed in a deep sharp voice as he shuffled through some papers.

"Thank you, sir," I replied, sitting up straight.

"Ms Sofia Sayles, right?," He muttered, finally looking up at me. He raised a brow and then gave me a knowing smile.

Knowing smile? He doesn't know you, idiot!

I blinked as I stared at the guy in front of me. He had dark hairs just like his father and equally dark eyes, that seemed like they could look straight through you. His dark hairs were tousled up like he hasn't combed them in days. There was an aura of authority radiating from him. Everything about him was impeccable although beautiful seems to be the best word to describe him.

Very very beautiful...

"Yes sir, that's right," I managed to say curbing my ogling.

"Let's begin, shall we?" He asked and gave me a small smile. 

"Yes, sure," I said looking him straight in the eye though to be really honest, he was one hell of an intimidating person. Just like his office. 

"So, Ms Sayles, I have gone through your resume and I have to admit it's quite impressive," He said and I gave him a polite nod. 

"Thank you, sir," I replied, feeling a little motivated. 

"Why did you leave Ercisons?" He asked, coming straight to point and I wondered whether to go for the blatantly absurd truth or just come up with a lie. 

"I worked at Ericson's for three years as a data analyst and though it was a really good job, it wasn't gratifying. That's why I decided to quit and try for something different," I answered, the truth pouring out of my mouth without my permission. Liam looked a bit surprised by my response. 

"Interesting, so then what according to you is more important money or gratification?" He challenged.

"For me, it is a gratification," I replied smiling at him. "We spend almost ten hours every weekday working if what we do is not gratifying we won't be able to keep up with that for long. It's human nature sir, just like we can't eat the same food every day. But obviously it's my personal opinion and not everyone would agree to that," I stared at him squarely in the eye. 

"Very well, Ms Sayles, "He said, "Now tell me, what are the most important qualities one need to possess for this job?"

"I think responsibility, positive attitude towards work, adaptability, ability to take orders and since it is a fast pace job, ability to make quick and clear decisions are absolutely the necessary attributes one need possess," I answered automatically because this was in my questionnaire.

"Very well Sofia,"  He said "Can you give me five positive and five negative traits about yourself?'

Oh the dreaded question even if it was twisted a bit...

"Yes, sir. My positive traits are, I am honest, determined, persevere, adaptable, quick-witted and ambitious, " I replied. "My negative traits are...well as much as I don't think of myself as someone with lots of those, I've been told and also observed that I am fickle-minded, lazy, intolerant, high tempered and a bit clumsy,"

"If you're lazy then why are you here? You must be aware that there is no place for laziness in a secretarial job. Even you agreed that this is a fast-paced job," He challenged. 

"I am totally aware of that sir. I am lazy in my personal life but as soon as I will place my foot here my professional life will begin and I know how to differentiate between the two very well," I defended and that was a true. 

"I must say, Ms Sayles, you're honest," Liam said and gave me a little bigger smile this time. 

He was so damn handsome...

I smiled back politely at him, ignoring my wayward thoughts. God knows how many questions he was going to ask? I just want to get this done with. To be honest, he was so distracting that it's really hard to concentrate on the questions.

"Alright, and you can speak both Italian and French? Do you mind speaking something in either language?"

"Not at all," I said. "Un placer incontrarti," (Meaning [Italian]; It's a pleasure to meet you)

"It's a pleasure to meet you too Sofia," Liam answered smiling at me. His dark eyes twinkled every time he smiled even if it was a brief one. 

Okay, so he can speak Italian too. Clever.

"c'tait agrable de Parler Avec Vous," He said. (Meaning [French]): It was nice talking to you)

"Merci Monsieur," I said, feeling triumphant. I knew multiple different languages, thanks to my overbearing mother. But I can see, Liam was impressed and well mission accomplished, I guess.  (Meaning: Thank you, sir)

"I think we are done here, Ms Sayles," Liam said. "You answered all your questions fairly well. We will let you know our decision soon enough,"

"Thank you, sir, I will look forward to that," I replied politely.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Ms Sayles," He said standing up. I immediately followed and nodded.

"Same here," I told him and gave him a small smile. 

"Until next time maybe," Liam said reaching out to shook hands.

"Hopefully," I nodded, taking his outstretched hand. I don't know if it was static or nerves but a weird sensation ran down my body. His hand was warm and his grip was assuring and tight. 

I looked up at him and he smiled. Now that I was looking so closely I have an uncanny feeling that I have seen him before. He looked familiar. But where have I seen him?

It's your imagination again Sofia!

"Good luck Ms Sayles," Liam said, opening the door for me. I noticed he was quite tall. 6'1 or 6'2 maybe?

"Thank you, sir," I said. I stepped out and made my way to the elevator. Lydia was nowhere to be seen as I waited for the elevator to arrive.

It arrived five minutes later and I stepped inside and as the door closed I had no idea why but I knew I was coming back here again...

Soon...

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