Mr. Berkshire

`Chapter 1

This is the day that my life will change for the better. Since the day I left my home in Georgia, I’ve wondered if I’ve made the right decision. What if my daddy is right? What if my entire life is back in Georgia? What if I’ve made a huge mistake? These are the questions that I have asked myself for the past two weeks, since first arriving in Seattle. I was lucky enough to find a job at a bookstore on such short notice. Daddy promises to keep supporting me, even though he doesn’t agree with my life choices. The last thing he wants is for his ‘little princess’ to live without. But, this doesn’t mean I want to live by his rules or money any longer than I have to. I want to prove to him that I can live my dream of working at a publishing company.

However, today I’m following my heart. This has led me to one of the most popular publishing companies in the world, Berkshire’s Publishing. Never in a million years did I think I would be standing here. Yet, here I am.

As a kid I remember I would surround myself around as many books as possible. Instead of hanging out with friends, going to parties, or going to the mall; I would be reading in my room. Daddy could be extremely precise with the sort of people I could surround myself with and there were always so many rules, but in books, I could be friends with anyone. I could disappear to any universe the book opened up to me. Reading was one of the few things he allowed me to do. At some point, I wanted to be a part of bringing these books to life. I wanted to see the magic behind them. And this has brought me to Berkshire’s Publishing.

Inside there is a platinum blonde receptionist who welcomes me with an obviously fake smile. “How can I help you?” She asks.

“I’m here for an interview. My name is Grace Calloway.” She nods and makes a call using the phone at her desk. She repeats my name, then after a moment, hangs up.

“Nineteenth floor.” She states, then returns her focus to her computer.

“Thank you.” Even after two weeks, the manners of Seattle people still shock me. Back in Georgia, everyone was beyond chatty with a touch of southern charm. Strangers quickly became family in the matter of a couple of conversations. Here, strangers were strangers.

Nineteen floors later and I’m standing in a room full of people who don’t bat an eyelash in my direction. They are all too consumed by their work to notice me. Thankfully, it’s not all that hard to find Mr. Berkshire’s personal receptionist, since she’s at the far end of the room surrounded by sticky notes, a phone, and computer. She looks about my age. She’s black with dark curls that are drawn away from her face, revealing her full cheeks. She has one of those faces that could make anyone’s nerves ease.

“Hi, I’m Grace Calloway. I’m here for an interview for the internship with Mr. Berkshire.” I say once I reach her desk. Immediately, she spits out the piece of doughnut she was chewing on, nodding frantically.

“Ms. Calloway. Right. Mr. Berkshire is waiting for you.” Compared to the blonde barbie downstairs, this girl’s smile was genuine, but sheepish. “Could we keep this-“, she gestures to the half eaten doughnut piece on her table, “-between us?” I laugh softly, giving her an assuring nod.

“Of course. My lips are sealed.”

“Thank you. Here’s a tip.” She leads me further back where there are glass doors; Mr. Berkshire’s office. “He can be very intimidating. It’s kinda hard to tell what he’s thinking. Just be you. Try your best not to be scared off.” And with that, she opens the door to his office. “Good luck.” She’s a complete stranger, but the reassuring smile she gives me sends a surge of confidence throughout my body.

That little bit of confidence disappears the second I see the broad shouldered man standing at the window, watching the lively city below. In his black suit, I’m suddenly wondering if I’m under dressed. Blonde waves are pulled back in a half down and half up hairstyle. I’m wearing a long sleeved white and blue striped button up blouse with a pair of white pants. Apparently, I missed the formal wear notice.

“I promise I won’t bite, Ms. Calloway.” He spoke with a rich intensity, breaking the silence. His voice is a voice that demands attention. Could a voice have a texture? Because his felt as soft and velvety as rose petals with the sharpness of thorns. “Cat got your tongue?” He turns to face me, hands tucked away in his pockets. In a matter of seconds, I feel twice as small as I did before. His presence takes over the entire room. Instantly, i’m a speck of dust on his wooden desk. I realize that I haven’t said so much as a word since first stepping into the room.

“Sorry. I’m Grace Calloway. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” I’m across the room in seconds, throwing my hand out to him way too enthusiastically. The amused glint in his bewitching eyes tells me I’m right. Still, I do not waver. Every word and action has to be purposeful.

“The pleasure is all mine.” His lips curve ever so slightly at the corner, revealing a tiny smirk. Our hands touch and surprisingly his hand is a lot softer than I could have imagined. By his looks, most would assume that his hand would be rough to the touch. Being this close, I can see the tattoo on his hand and even more peeking from beneath his suit sleeve. Again, not something I was expecting from him. Usually, these company types are all cut from the same cloth. They look and talk a particular way. So far, Mr. Berkshire seems to have been cut from a completely different cloth altogether. “Would you like to sit or would you prefer to stand around for the interview?” Embarrassed, I draw my hand back.

“Sitting sounds great.” I shuffle to the chair on the other side of his desk.

“I thought so too.” Grinning, he makes himself comfortable across from me. “So, I assume you’re here for the internship?”

“Yes.” There weren’t many times that I’ve been at a loss for words, but I can’t find the right thing to say. I don’t know how many times I’ve practiced the things I would say in the mirror. Clearly all that practice had been a waste of time because now I’m speechless when it’s most crucial.

“So.” He leans back in his chair, wearing an expectant expression. “Sell yourself to me.” A cough erupts from my lips.

“Excuse me?” The blood drains from my face, while the dark haired man breaks into light laughter.

“I mean, why should I make you an intern? What are your selling points? What makes you different from everyone else?” Now he’s leaning forward, hands on his desk, and interest peaked. Up close, I can see that his eyes are this dark brown mixed with a sweet caramel. Beneath that sweetness is something hidden inside. Perhaps, something a little bitter. For a moment, I’m reminded of that quote, ‘The eye is the mirror of the soul.’ I wonder if that’s true and if so, is Mr. Berkshire a mysterious man in his everyday life? The heat returns to my cheeks.

“Right. Of course.” I release a nervous giggle and sit a little straighter. This is my chance to prove myself. His personal secretary was right; he is intimidating. But if I want to work here some day, I have to be confident. I have to stand my ground. “Well, I’m from Savannah, Georgia. I left everything, my entire life, to follow my heart. And my heart led me here. That has to be for something, right?” This person is not me. This voice does not belong to me. This is a woman who fears nothing and knows exactly what she wants. This woman will not leave until she gets what she wants. “Books have always been my most prized possessions. They are a passion of mine. Reading, writing, even the magic behind the scenes have enticed me. Words have this ability to bring people together. Books make you feel a little less lonely. I want to be part of that.”

There’s a long silence. His gaze, as expected, doesn’t reveal a single one of his thoughts. He’s just looking at me with this kind of intensity that forces me to shift nervously in my seat.

“I can also follow instructions. I know a good coffee shop nearby, if you like coffee. I’m very skilled with highlighters.” Honestly, at this point I’m searching my brain for any positive traits and talents that will possibly be useful here. “I’m super enthusiastic. A perfectionist at heart. Oh, and I’m great with people.” Another long moment of silence passes. Just as I’m about to ask if I said something wrong, Mr. Berkshire stands.

“I’ll see you bright and early, seven o’clock sharp, on Monday morning, Ms. Calloway. Welcome to the team.” Before I reply, his back is turned to me and he returns his attention to the city below.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Berkshire.” I quickly leave the room, worried that he’ll change his mind.