One
Kate checked her outfit for what seemed like the hundredth time, looking between the floor-length mirror and the pile of discarded outfits that hadn’t made the cut. Her roommate Autumn called out, “If they don’t hire you because of an outfit, you don’t want to work there!”
She was right, but it didn’t stop her from second-guessing herself. It wasn’t even a job, just an internship. Just an internship...the statement that was supposed to soothe her in her head didn’t ring true. She knew it was more than that, it was an internship at one of the most successful companies on the planet, learning from a CEO that is on the cover of a dozen magazines at a time. “But what the hell do you wear?” She muttered to herself. She continued to look in the mirror at the pin-striped slacks and heels, showing off her long, athletic legs accentuated by her heels. Her eyes moved up her body examining herself until she got to the bra and thought, “If I go like this I’ll get the job for sure.” Then gave herself a wink, some false confidence, and put on her white blouse. Even while attempting to muster up some false bravado, she realized that in the time it took her to get to the interview, the man she would be speaking with would have made enough money to buy a private jet and not even blink. “Don’t psych yourself out Kate” she whispered to herself, which she knew would do a world of good for the overthinking champion of the universe.
Kate checked herself over again before leaving her car. She put her head against the steering wheel. She was beginning to second guess even going. Three months out of college and her only paying job was working at a drugstore. She made sure to remind herself that not only did she work at a drugstore, but it was also part-time. In a way, that gave her some courage, “what are they going to do, ruin your illustrious career at CVS? How would you ever continue?”
In one of those half trance-like states, she zoned out listening to a playlist so diverse that it all but diagnosed her with ADHD while following her GPS and adding one more Dunkin Donuts coffee cup to the growing pile in the passenger seat. When she arrived at the building she had to just stop and stare. One of the largest buildings she had ever been in and it looked so expensive that Kate just assumed the toilet paper was made of marble. Maybe you didn’t even have to wipe, they probably had some Harvard-educated person come over and take care of that for you. As Kate continued her spiral into darker intrusive thoughts, reception whisked her up to her interview.
Kate was handed off to another receptionist, or assistant, executive assistant maybe? She was trying to remember this woman’s name that she heard about 11 seconds ago while still struggling with her title simultaneously when she realized that she hadn’t heard a word being spoken to her.
“I’m sorry, I’m just so nervous.” Kate blurted out
“It’s completely natural. Just be yourself and try your best to relax!” She said with a perky smile. Kate always believed that some people were just born for certain jobs, like Kindergarten teachers. You can’t learn to be that excited over finger painting, you have to be born with it. She was now mentally listing off jobs that you had to be born to do while chastising herself for not focusing on the interview when the massive doors opened and a gorgeous older woman walked out.
“Ms. Jackson, I’m Beverly Richards, Vice President of Operations. I’ll be conducting your interview today.” She said while extending her hand with a friendly yet professional greeting. Kate exchanged quiet pleasantries while thinking that this woman was the definition of a cougar. Despite being likely 15 years younger, Kate was almost jealous of the absolutely sexy confidence dripping off Ms. Richards. Every part of her outfit was tailored to show off her best qualities without looking like she was trying. A man might not notice the work that goes into looking sexy but not slutty, but it was being noticed right now. As Ms. Richards led Kate into the office she couldn’t help but admire her incredibly tight ass. That was the result of some brutal work in the gym and she had to know it was the focus of every man or woman she walked past. It didn’t matter what your preference was, you had to admire it.
“Please, take a seat.” Ms. Richards said as she sat behind a desk that had to cost more than Kate had made in her lifetime. “First let me say thank you for complying with all of our background requests. Most people don’t like giving us access to their social media pages and personal information. Mr. Heston was quite impressed with the resume you have built so far.”
What resume Kate wondered. She did well at school, with two published papers and a really close second for drug store employee of the month. “Before we go over what the position entails and if you are a good fit for it, we are going to go over some paperwork that you might find a little unusual. Mr. Heston values security and protecting the company, so we will review some non-disclosure agreements before we begin the interview.”
“I think it’s a very smart policy to get an NDA signed before the interview starts. A company like this can’t afford to have any information leak out that a competitor could use.” Kate said trying to sound intelligent and a team player. 20 points to Gryffindor she joked to herself, yet again running the risk of zoning out.
“I appreciate that Kate. Do you mind if I call you Kate?”
“Not at all.”
“Perfect. Since it’s just us girls here, please call me Bev when it’s just the two of us. I don’t let the boys do it because I have to make sure they know I’m in charge. It’s bad enough the stare at my ass every time I walk out of a room.” Kate stammered looking for the right thing to say to that. “It’s ok Kate, everyone does. I don’t work out 5 times a week not to get looked at. ” She said with a chuckle.
Kate spent the next 10 minutes reading over and signing the NDA forms, which only took about three minutes but she had to re-read the part that said she will be paid $10,000 for signing the form and conducting the interview. “This can’t be right” Kate finally said “$10,000 for just signing my name and conducting an interview?
“Yes, we consider it a bonus of sorts as well as to give our prospective employees a taste of what life is like here,” Bev said with a warm smile as Kate was finishing signing. She slid the paperwork over and Bev carefully reviewed it with the continued smile that now had just a hint of coyness in it. “This is all in order, just give me one moment to have it sent over to legal and I’ll be right back with you.” As Bev walked out the door, Kate made sure not to watch her leave, choosing to stand and admire the view instead. She decided it would be points in her favor to not get caught checking out the VP’s ass right before the interview, even if she did know it happens. Kate smirked a little at Bev’s confidence, it must be nice to have that much control. She could learn a lot from her.
Bev quickly returned and motioned for Kate to take her seat again. “Now, your NDA has been filed and you are aware of the ramifications of discussing anything that takes place or is discussed during this interview. Boring paperwork done!” She said and slapped her leg to show that she had no love loss for paperwork. “Kate, the position we are considering you for is unique. Technically it is a paid internship that could result in a much more lucrative position in the company, but it truly is not a fit for everyone, and many won’t even consider it.”
“Why wouldn’t most people consider it? I have to be honest, coming right out of college you should expect to have to work hard and pay your dues.” Kate said trying to show that she was ready for hard work without sounding like an ass-kisser.
“Kate, I’m going to be very direct with you about this entire process. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, you are free to leave, the interview will be terminated and you will still receive the payment for the interview. Do you understand all of that?”
“Yes, I understand, I’m just a little confused about what could make me want to walk out of the interview!” Kate said with a chuckle.
“That will be clear in a moment,” Bev said and the smile drained from Kate’s face and was suddenly replaced with a small coupling of nerves and fear.
