Chapter 3

The streets of Los Angeles were unforgiving that morning as Lily tried to make her way through the bustling city of crowded people.

Well, what did I expect to see on a Monday morning? She thought .Her clothes were not appropriate for the appointment and she knew she had to stop somewhere for a quick fix.

The call from the Hr department at the office a few minutes ago had reminded her that she was going to miss the appointment if the boss arrived before her, he despised lateness.

Losing track of time stung for Lily , as she had always awarded herself for professionalism and punctuality to any event. She had to get this job by all means. Ash’s boyfriend, Dan, had pulled some strings to get her a spot.

“Taxi!”, she yelled as a yellow and black car pulled to a stop in front of her.

She got in,”Santee Alley please. Can we take the fastest route?”

The driver nodded in agreement and they were on her way. Lily clutched her bag beside her. She felt the beignets she had packed earlier on at the last minute, she knew she would have to eat something even though she had refused the offer earlier on. But now, she was too restless in her spirit to even take a bite from anything.

Her hair was still slightly wet from the bath she took at the suite, she wound the windows down so it could dry faster.

The taxi pulled to a stop and she dashed out without waiting for her change. ‘One Dollar Dash’ was always a lifesaver for cheap and quality items, she hoped they had something appropriate as she entered.

Lily hastily pulled a white shirt and a dark brown skirt from the first old rack she set her eyes on and hurried out back to change into them. They fit perfectly.

She dashed out again after paying, hurrying to her next ride,” Taxi!!”

BANKS CORP was even bigger than Ash had described. With a deep breath, she pushed open the large doors and stepped in.

The lobby was vast and quiet, the only sounds being heard were the soft footsteps of people passing. Their steps voiced confidence and purpose. She hoped that she too, would walk these floors with the same confidence someday.

The blue windows and high ceiling were subtle reminders of the company’s innovation and creativity.

The receptionist greeted her with a practiced smile as she approached her desk.

“Goodmorning, I have an appointment with Ms. Jane Hue.”

“Good Morning ma’am. Your name please?”

“Lily Waters.”

“Please hold”

Lily watched the receptionist make a short call and then say,” The second floor ma’am, first office to your right. She’s been waiting.”

“Oh thank you!”, Lily said, dashing towards the elevator. 

Heart pounding like a drum, she stopped at the first door to her right once she got to the second floor . She knocked softly and was ushered in.

Ms. Jane Hue sat behind her desk. It was organized with pens and neatly placed papers and files stacked on each other. Her tailored suit accentuated her professional demeanor. Her hair was stretched into a short black Bob, a stark contrast to Lily’s red madness.

She looked at Lily through her glasses ,” You are late Ms Waters”

“I am so sorry, Ms. Hue. It has been such a morning.”

“I can tell. Please sit, let’s begin”, she opened a file, “ I’ll take the interview and talk with the boss later since he isn’t here yet, then I’ll get back to you after an hour and if you get the job, you’ll meet with him shortly.”

“Yes ma’am “, Lily gulped and sat  facing her.

“May I have your portfolio?”

“I didn’t come with it”, Lily said sadly.

Jane stared at Lily and had an instant mix of liking and pity for her,” If you have it in soft copy, it’s not allowed but_”

“Oh yes I do!”Lily gushed out happily,” Thank you so much “, she opened the document on her phone and handed it to her.

Jane viewed it quietly, asking a few questions as she read. Lily gave her understanding of statistical concepts and passion for analysis perfectly. The conversation lengthened as she explained her proficiency in regression analysis , forecast trends and company decisions.

“And you said you’ve not been to college?”Jane was clearly impressed.

“Not yet ma’am “

“You’re 21”

“Yes ma’am “

“Really impressive brains you’ve got there”, Jane smiled, “I’ll meet with the boss and get back to you”

“Okay ma’am “

Jane stood up, “You can wait right here for me. Fingers crossed, I won’t be needing an hour to give you feedback.”

Lily nodded and watched Jane leave quietly. Once she was alone she scanned the room and embraced its contents and details. 

Everything was neatly and carefully arranged. There was a large drawing board with sticky notes and plans with a calendar by the bottom right. Lily imagined a whole lot of responsibilities Jane had.

Time was ticking, she had her heart in her mouth. She hoped fervently, that the boss was nice and wouldn’t consider her not having a hardcopy portfolio as a sign of unseriousness.

She checked her phone, she had missed calls and texts from  Ash, she  wouldn’t believe the story she was about to tell her.

Her palms were sweaty when she pressed them together. She tried to distract herself by raking her fingers carelessly through her hair.

Finally, the door opened and Jane re-emerged, smiling ear to ear,” Welcome to BANK CORPS Lily, you got the job as our new secretary. You’ll get directions from the boss through me. I’m so pleased to work with  and get to know you”, she stretched out a hand to Lily who received it wholeheartedly.

“Oh thank you! Thank you!!!” Lily beamed, “ Thank you so very much!”

“ You’re welcome! Now the boss’s office is on the last floor, it is the last door facing the elevator. He wants to see you shortly.”

“Okay”, Lily nodded eagerly and made way to the office with Jane’s directions.

She sent a quick text to Ash about the good news and promised to explain everything later.

The top floor was a bit different from the other floors, it had only two offices. The one Jane had described and another by the right, just before it. It had, ‘SECRETARY, BANKS CORP’ nailed boldly on its door.

She guessed that was her new office. The hallway seemed lonely and darker. She wondered if it was the boss’s idea to turn off all the lights. She walked to his door not knowing what to expect. She knocked.

“Come in”

That voice!

She stepped in and stood at the door.

Her boss was backing where she stood, his gaze was fixed on the window and the city outside.

That hair!

“Good day sir”, she swallowed. The atmosphere felt different,  she felt her stomach grow tighter with every second that passed by.

“Good day and welcome to BANKS CORP Lily” he said, still backing her.

“T-thank you sir”, she stammered.

“And your last name?”

Why is there so much recognition in his voice?. She thought.

“Waters”, she replied.

“Waters.”, he repeated and turned to face her.

Their eyes locked instantly as silence engulfed the whole room.

Lily’s complexion ashened on seeing his face,like she had just seen an alien from a whole different world!