Broken in Secret

It’s a usual Friday afternoon at the office as I get ready to conduct an interview with Adam, the HR manager. Adam is my best friend from school, and we’ve known each other since we were 14 years old. Now we work together. He is the best HR manager we’ve ever had and I’m so happy I managed to persuade him to give it a try 3 years ago.

“Soph, don’t forget we’re meeting up with the guys this evening.” Adam looks at me with a glimmer in his eyes.

I can’t help but smile at him and shake my head. He knows that I never forget when we’re meeting up with the guys. There is a group of us that are all friends from school and are mainly all guys. Good looking guys I may add. Adam is tall, with brown hair and brown eyes who always has a mischievous smirk. He is slim, verging on athletic although he never does any exercise. He has women swooning at his feet, but they are barking up the wrong tree. Adam has been happily married to Greg for the past 7 years. I was an usher at their wedding and had to do a speech with the other usher. It was one of the happiest days of my life.

My current personal assistant buzzes the intercom to let know that the interviewee has arrived.

“Come on boss lady. Let’s get you the PA you deserve.”

I’m having to search for a new personal assistant as Mabel is retiring. She has been a brilliant assistant. We quickly became good friends, even though she is now in her mid-fifties. She was there holding my hand when I needed courage. Mabel would give the best hugs when I need comforting and would help me celebrate even the smallest of wins. She is my own personal cheerleader and I’m sad to be losing her but I’m excited for the adventure she is about to begin with her husband.

Adam and I move to the conference room and sit behind the long desk. I inform Mabel to show the interviewee in. As we hear the door open, we both stand to welcome them, but I freeze.

I can hear Adam walk over to them and pat their back.

“It’s so good to see you Zach. It’s been years since anyone heard from you! How’s it going?”

All I can hear are muffled voices as I stare at the door in shock. My brain has yet to reengage. At some point, Adam has come back to my side and pinched my arm which made me focus. I know I have to concentrate to get through this interview and be professional. I’m the CEO of the fastest growing marketing company in England. I am usually able to keep my composure, but he has thrown me off my game.

I clear my throat and take a sip of water whilst I look at him.

“Good afternoon, Mr Lane. Thank you for coming today. Are you aware of the position you have applied for?”

I always start with this question as it allows me to figure out whether they have read the job description and if they have, they would be prepared along with having examples of why they would suit this job and company. Adam looks at me with confusion.

“Come on Soph. We know Zach. We grew up with him and you two were best friends. Do we need to be so formal?”

I glance at Zach, and he has his head down with what looks like guilt.

“In all due respect, Mr Princer. That is in the past and this is a business that only hires those that fit the criteria of not only the job position but also those that align with the company’s values. This is a necessary procedure. If you wish to converse with Mr Lane afterwards then that is your choice.”

I turn back to face Zach who eventually meets my eyes and clears his throat. He goes on to answer my question. It’s a good answer and he obviously came prepared.

As is normal procedure when we interview, we don’t look at their resumé beforehand. On this occasion Mabel looked at the applications and carried out the screening process, as she knows what it truly takes to be my assistant. Usually, this screening process would be done by HR. This means we go in with an open mind and allow the interviewee to steer the interview with their expertise, knowledge, and experience. I normally ask the first question then Adam takes over and asks the remaining questions. I take the notes. We found out quite quickly that Adam and I are the perfect interviewing pair. He asks all the questions I would forget about whilst I am able to get a read on the person without them even saying a word.

Before I know it, it is the end of the interview and I’m relieved to have got through it.

“Do you have more questions, Miss Morris?” Adam asks me.

“No, I think we’ve covered everything. Thank you for coming Mr Lane. You will be informed by the about whether you have been successful in getting to the next stage by the end of next week.”

I stand up to shake Zach’s hand and he follows suit. I’m glad there is a table separating us as I can still feel the same tingles when our hands meet. He stares intently into my eyes before I break whatever staring contest that we seemed to have started.

They both follow me out of the conference room. Adam and I are slightly in front before he stops.

Adam turns to me. “Hey Soph, when are you meeting with Chase?”

“At 4pm. I can tell it’s going to be a long meeting so I may be a bit late coming this evening, but I’ll let you know. Are they meeting us at the usual place?”

“Yes, I told them to meet at The Hope Tap at 6.30pm. Knowing Chase, he will try to keep you for as long as he can.” Adam says with a smirk on his face. He knows that Chase is trying to get us to become official and uses any meetings as an excuse. He knows what my stance on relationships are though.

I simply smile and nod as I walk back to my office. I can hear Adam and Zach catching up. As I walk past Mabel’s desk, I ask her to hold all calls for the rest of the afternoon.

“Is everything ok Miss Morris?”

“How many times have you asked you call me Soph or even Sophia?” I say with a smile. “Everything is fine. I just want to go for a run. I’ve got that meeting with Chase later, so I need to fit it in now.”

Mabel just nods.

I quickly head into my office and get changed into a pair of leggings and a sports bra. I tie my hair up and put my trainers on. I take a deep breath then head out of the building. I walk past the conference room where Adam and Zach are still talking and the conversation stalls as I walk past.

“See you later Soph.” I hear Adam shout out as I continue walking and just wave my hand in the air. I already have my headphones on, ready to run this nervous energy away. Seeing Zach has really shaken me up.