Chapter 3 - Interviews and Visits

I was extremely excited to start my day, I had two interviews set up. 

I opened up my phone appointment app to go through the appointments I had lined up for the week.

TODAY: 

Reagan Publishing House 9a.m

Future Incorporated 11a.m

Princess Pee Toy Empire 2p.m

I sighed, although I was looking forward to the interviews, I was also a little worried. All three had been set up with guests from the gala, which meant they were all high-end.

The first was for a PA position as the senior editor of the publishing house. The second was a secretarial position for a very well-known tech company. And the last was an incorporation that dealt with expensive toys. 

I also had more interviews set up for the following day, another two with two separate guests from the gala, both PA positions. And three had replied to my queries, a front desk receptionist for a family planning place, a call center agent, and last was an admin for a hot nightclub.

I was feeling hopeful that I would find something, and fast.

My only problem now was overcoming the intense feeling of worry over the interviews with the guests. I felt like I was pretending to be something I wasn't. I had the necessary experience, but I had no studies behind me. I was sure there were far more qualified candidates for the jobs.

I looked at myself in my full-length mirror, trying to convince myself I looked the part in black pants, a simple long-sleeve button-up shirt, and a black blazer. I had decided to wear my nude-colored heels. I doubted that I would look as fancy as most who worked at these places, but I hoped I still made some sort of an impression.

"Come on, Kenzie, you've got this." Not much of a pep talk, but it was something.

I grabbed my bag on the way out and walked down to the sidewalk to catch a cab. Luckily most of the interviews I had lined up for today were in fairly close proximity to one another, so walking from one to the next wouldn't be too much of a problem. 

The next day's interviews were a bit spread out.

After getting done with the interviews for the day, I was in an excellent mood, I was sure I would get a call back for the interviews, and I was even hopeful that I would get to choose where I wanted to work.

They all seemed happy with my work ethic and they were very friendly.

I decided to stop by my favorite coffee shop to get myself and my mother some treats.

Although she had left me in an orphanage as a child, we were in touch with each other since I had turned fifteen. Caleb had Mr. Grimes find her for me. 

I understood why she had given me up, she wasn't sure who my father was and she had given birth to me at the young age of fifteen. She had no family to help her raise me. Although we didn't have a strong bond, I tried to make it a regular that I made time to see her. Normally we saw each other a few times a month.

Seeing as I needed something to do, and some changes were going on today would be perfect.

I picked up the coffee and pastries and left the coffee shop, as I stepped out I bumped into someone, almost dropping everything from my hands.

"I'm so sorry!" he rushed out.

I was just about to complain when I looked up into the familiar green eyes of Axel.

"Oh! Hi."

He smiled warmly, "Kenzie! Sorry about that, I'm a bit on the clumsy side."

I waved a hand, "Don't worry about it."

He looked down at the contents in my hands, "Can I help thou carry that to your car?"

"Car?" I laughed, "No, I'm going to catch a taxi to visit my mom. I don't have a car."

He frowned, "Oh, alright then. How about you wait for one second for me to get my order, then I'll drop you off?"

What? 

"You don't have to do that, I'm sure you're very busy."

"Never too busy for a new friend," he shot me a wink, "I'm not taking no for an answer."

I smiled meekly. Boundaries had never been my strong point, so I wasn't about to argue.

I also didn't want to seem rude by turning him down.

He ran into the store and came out quickly, I assumed he must have called in for his order earlier.

I followed him to a fancy-looking car and got in, holding the coffees for dear life so as not to spill anything on the fancy interior.

"Where are we headed?" He asked.

I gave him the address, she lived in a lovely little cottage just outside of town. It was more of a country feel where she stayed. 

I remembered what Axel had told me, "It has a lovely country vibe, I'm sure you'll like it."

"How I miss my farm."

"I can't imagine leaving the country for this," I spoke honestly and hoped it didn't offend him.

"I hate it here. But my dad got sick and I needed to take over while he's recovering."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry."

"Don't worry about it. But now, it's my turn to pry. What's your story?"

I shrugged, "I don't have much of a story. Grew up in an orphanage and now I'm here."

"Fairytale ending?"

"Hardly. But it's not the end yet, so I'll report back in due time."

He looked over at me with a smile, "I like that. It's not the end yet."

I smiled to myself as I looked out the window, enjoying the passing breeze as we drove in a comfortable silence.

Axel was nice, I hoped he would turn into a good friend.

We pulled into my mother's driveway shortly after and I invited him in, it seemed like the polite thing to do.

To my surprise, he accepted.

"Mackenzie!" My mom greeted me with a tight hug.

"Hi, Mom. This is Axel. Axel, my mom Karina."

He shook her hand, "It's nice to meet you, ma'am."

My mother raised a brow, "Axel Lawson? The singer?"

I noticed how his eyes lit up, "That's right."

My mother looked over at me with an impressed smile but thankfully didn't say much further.

We went out to the back, I assumed my mother wanted to show off her impressive back meadows.

"So, what brings you around?" She asked me after she and Axel had exchanged small talk.

"I got fired a few days ago. But the interviews are looking promising thanks to Caleb."

She tucked a strand of blond hair behind her ear, "Caleb Grimes?"

I nodded, "Yes. He invited me to a gala at Grimes Enterprises and that's how I managed to land most of my interviews."

"I didn't know the two of you were still in contact."

"We aren't. I ran into him and his fiancé while getting coffee." I felt the need to mention he was getting married so she would know there was no chance of rekindling between the two of us. She had always liked Caleb, even when he had cheated on me, she hoped we would work things out. 

A part of me thought it was because of the crush she harbored on Wyatt. 

The thought of it made me feel sick from guilt.

Axel smirked, "Now why do I feel like there is a story behind those looks the two of you are giving each other?"

I chuckled nervously, "Nothing amazing. Caleb is my ex."

"He was her high school sweetheart. Always thought the two would have been married with a family of their own by now," My mother spoke wistfully.

Axel frowned slightly, "What happened? I know the Grimes men have quite the reputation."

I smiled, "Well, that they do. Caleb cheated on me, a few times. And I had the pleasure of finding out on my twenty-first birthday."

"Ouch, that's terrible."

"It's all in the past, we're on good terms." Probably only because what I had done in an act of revenge had been far worse than what Caleb had done. But I wasn't about to mention that. 

No one knew about that night except for Wyatt and me.

And I hoped to keep it that way. If that secret got out, I knew it would not bode well for either of us.