Water bottle? Check. Extra pair of clothes? Check. Pancakes? Check. Colours? Check.
After completing my checklist, a wave of relief washed over me. Hopefully, I hadn’t forgotten anything crucial. Returning home mid-interview for a forgotten item was a nightmare scenario, even worse than remembering it *after* reaching my destination. I glanced at the list again, nodding in satisfaction.
Confused?
Today was Monday – interview day at Steele Enterprises. It wasn’t just *my* big day; Sam had his first playschool orientation. Looking at him, I doubted he was excited, but duty called. Once I secured this job, he couldn’t stay home alone and would have to attend playschool.
I could have asked Matt for help, but he’d already landed *his* job from the same interviews, starting Tuesday. Odd timing, I thought.
Sam’s playschool was just two blocks away.
“Sammy!” I called, knowing time was slipping away. Both our schedules demanded promptness: he to school, me to my interview.
“Yes, Mommy?” He turned, his hazel eyes wide and innocent. He looked adorable in his white t-shirt and jeans.
“Do you want to use the washroom one last time?” He shook his head, and I smiled.
“Ready?” Another shake of his head. A frown tugged at my lips.
“Why?” He scrunched his face, pouting slightly. “Shammy wan stay wif mommy!”
Before I could respond, a sob erupted. Tears streamed down his face.
My heart fractured. He’d cried like this only once before – when he’d tripped over his own feet at age two.
“Sammy, listen to me, baby. Please?” I cupped his face, wiping away a tear. Just then, Matt entered.
“What’s going on?” He asked, then his gaze landed on Sam. “Holy fudge, Enna! You didn’t just hit him! He’s still a kid for heaven’s sake! Kids make mistakes!”
I glared. “Done? Will you listen now?” He nodded.
“I have an interview at nine, Sam doesn’t want playschool. Tell me what to do. I can’t leave him alone.”
After a moment’s thought, he replied, “Leave him with me today. If you get the job—which you will—you can request to bring Sam to work. What do you say?” I nodded, a smile spreading across my face.
But deep down, I knew it wouldn’t happen. Who in their right mind would allow a child at work? One person bringing a child would lead to chaos. Soon, the office would resemble a playground.
“Thank you so much, Mattie! You're the best!” I hugged him tightly, and he chuckled.
“And by the way, stop glaring. You look like a kitten.” He laughed, and a smile bloomed on my face.
People say I smile a lot.
I never know whether to take it as an insult or a compliment.
“Sam, baby, I’ll be back soon, okay? Behave and don’t trouble Uncle Matt, yes?” He nodded happily, and I smiled.
After a final kiss on his cheek—returned with equal enthusiasm—I jogged to my car and slid into the driver’s seat. The engine roared to life, and I drove towards Steele Enterprises.
~
Wow.
How could a business place be so beautiful?
It was 8:45 AM, and I stood before Steele Enterprises. The entire building was clad in glass, with black accents. Forty floors, or at least it looked that way. Could be more, could be less.
I couldn’t stand here and count floors. I needed to avoid looking like an idiot on my first interview.
I entered through the glass doors, flashing a smile at the guard. He merely nodded in return. Rude.
“Uhm, hello. I’m Sienna Collins, here for the job interview.” I said to the woman at reception, who looked to be in her early thirties. She offered a polite smile.
“Sure, honey. I’m Bethany Johnson. Go straight through the elevators to the top floor.”
I returned her smile and headed toward the elevators. Thankfully, it was on the ground floor, so I wouldn't be late.
Alone in the elevator, I felt a prickle of fear. All thanks to those horror movies that always lead my mind to create situations that were probably never going to happen. Like, a ghost coming out of the mirror or the floor taking me in. I blame all those horror movies for making me fear.
I pressed the button for the forty-fourth floor.
Forty-four!
For goodness sake!
Please don’t let me feel claustrophobic or acrophobic before reaching my destination.
Once I reached the top floor, I practically leaped out, stumbling slightly but steadying myself before I could fall.
No, my life isn’t a cliché chick flick. I won’t fall, and a billionaire CEO won’t save me.
I’d applied for a position in the managing department, not as a personal assistant. I lacked the experience for a PA role anyway.
I approached the desk where a girl around my age sat in a navy blue dress. Her blonde hair was loose, and her green eyes were striking. I never understood how some people could look flawless without effort.
“Uh, hi. I’m Sienna Collins, here for the interview.” I introduced myself, and she smiled warmly.
“Of course! Mr. Harrison has been expecting you. Just sit over there,” She pointed to my right, where a few people were already seated, and continued, “Your name will be called shortly.” I returned her smile and took a seat.
Just as I sat, she spoke again, “Oh, how silly of me! I didn’t even introduce myself! I’m Cathie Jones, by the way. I called you to confirm the interview.” She beamed. Being the introvert I was, I simply smiled.
Five minutes passed… fifteen… twenty. My name wasn’t called.
Nervousness began to creep in. I fidgeted with the bracelet on my left wrist. I thought about the last three years.
What if my aunt hadn’t suffered from cancer? What if she hadn’t died? And what if Sam wasn’t my son? I wouldn’t be sitting here, waiting for my name to be called. My parents would never have allowed me to take a job.
But I *like* my life, independent and filled with responsibility. I like taking care of Sam. I like how he’s such a mama’s boy. I like his smile when I give him a new toy, his laughter showing his missing teeth.
If not for my aunt’s death, I wouldn’t have received such an incredible gift. Of course, I grieved, but I realized God took one important person, but gave me another, and gave my life purpose. People don't say everything happens for a reason just like that.
After Sam, Matt was the closest to my heart. He’d comforted my parents, helped me move, and always offered support.
I was pulled back to the present by a voice, sharp with anger. “Ms. Collins! In my office, NOW!”
I stood, my heart pounding. Why? What had I done? I hadn’t even been accepted for the job.
I walked into his office and spoke, “Yes?” My voice was barely a whisper.
“Go and get me a coffee.” He ordered angrily.
Before my mind could process anything, my legs moved toward the door. I approached Cathie, asking, “Urm, Cathie?”
“Yeah?”
“Why is he asking me to get coffee? Isn’t that what PAs do?” I asked, confused.
“Well, he fired his current PA and needs a replacement ASAP! You were the last one interviewed, so he hired you as his assistant.” She paused. “Now, don’t make him angrier. Run and get him coffee.”
No.
This wasn’t supposed to happen.
I didn’t apply for this.
I didn’t apply for being the PA of CEO Aaron Steele.