Chapter 7: Nefarious Girl

Walking into the place I have only dreamed about felt surreal. The receptionist gave me a brief welcoming smile. "Good morning, ma'am, how may I assist you?"

"Good morning, I have an 8:30 interview with Mr. River."

"Ah yes, you must be miss Livia Moon please follow me." The walk to the interview room felt almost non-existent, my mind filled with the million possibilities of what could go wrong during the interview. Approaching the slightly open door of the room from which white light was pouring out through the crack, I find myself biting hard on my bottom lip, filling my mouth with the metallic taste of blood.

"Mr. River will be with you shortly please have a seat." She gave me a finally smile before walking away to her post.

I crossed my legs staring out the window with a beautiful view of downtown Seattle and reviewed my notes in my head. I felt the tension and anxiety build up in me as I stared blankly, my mind full of emptiness. I managed to catch up on subtle breathing exercises to help me relax before the panic could eat me alive. Just as I regained my steady heartbeat, I hear the door opening.

I turned around to face the door and was surprised to see who walked in "Mr. River?"

"Good evening, Mrs. Moon it's a pleasure to meet you again."

Coming out of my trance I asked the first thing that came to mind not bothering to greet him back "So, you will be the one interviewing me?"

He leaned against his desk staring down into my soul "No, I will be the one hiring you."

I leaned forward in my seat trying make sure I heard him correctly "Excuse me? W-what did you just say?"

"I typically don't like to repeat myself, but for you I will make an exception." He had a sly smirk on his face "What I said was you are hired. I am hiring you for the Chief Technology Officer position."

I choked on my saliva "Why me? I mean I am honored that you have chosen me for such a prestigious position; but won't there be controversy for putting a new hire, fresh out of college, in such a position when there are people who has been working here for years."

"So, what Ms. Moon? I knew from the moment I heard your speech you were the one and me speaking to you personally sealed the deal that day. As for any of my employees who has something to say against my decisions, they will have to face me head on. Them not moving up in ranks is they're on problem. I don't need people in my higher rank position who will only do what is asked of them. In these positions perfection is not perfect enough. I need people of moral, vision, and a goal that exceeds my own. I need people who see the bigger picture and take charge. I am not criticizing workers who come here just because the check is nice. If they don't stir up trouble and do their jobs, I have nothing to say, because they also help keep my business growing."

I listened as he carefully chose his words debating whether I should accept his offer or not. Yes, I have always wanted to work for this company, but I never expected this. One thing I have learned living this life is handouts rarely end well, in most cases the lender is expecting something else in return.

Apollo interrupted my thoughts "I know this may seem unorthodox, but I have always had an eye for raw talent. The way you captivated the audience, having them hang onto your every word is not something that could easily be done. And with this position you must be able to capture the attention of the client, get your point across in a clear and effective manner all while persuading our clients to buy into your ideas. You're a natural Livia Moon and I really need you on my team."

I guess there's my answer "Okay mister Apollo River, I accept this position. By accepting this position, I will go beyond what is expected. I won't let you down. You will not regret your decisions."

He gave me a satisfied smile "I never do Ms. Moon." He leaned across his desk pressing a button.

There was a knock on the door "Come in." Apollo commanded and in walked Parker.

"Good morning, sir, how may I help you?" he asked politely.

Apollo listed a number of tasks for Parker to do tacking onto his original duties "Parker can you show Ms. Moon to her office and give her a summary of her daily duties. Then show her around the facility, get her familiar with her surroundings, this building layout can be quite tricky for newcomers. Also, I want you to get her sized."

Parker typed Mr. River's request down in his handheld "So we will be having another Moon working with us. Do happened to have a brother Livia?"

I tensed at the question remembering the aftermath of their deaths "Yes, but him and my mother died in a car accident fourteen years ago."

He and Apollo Mr. River gave me a sympathetic look "I'm sorry to hear that it was insensitive for me to ask."

"No, you don't have to apologies I can hardly remember those times due to trauma, but anyways hopefully I get to meet this other Moon you were talking about." I said changing the subject.

Parker caught on to what I was doing and played along "Yeah, you will be working alongside him most of the time since he is the Executive Technology Officer. Shall we get going?"

"You may be excused. Wait before you go tell me what's on my schedule for today."

Parker looked down at his handheld "Hmm, your schedule is pretty much free the only thing you have left is the annual shareholders meeting today at one o'clock."

Apollo adjusted his suit jacket "Thank you, you may proceed with your tasks."

"Very well sir. Ms. Moon if you would be so kind as to follow me."

"Uhm sure. Have a good rest of the day Mr. River." I said politely before following Mr. Fox out of the door.

He gave me a small smile "See you around Moon."

As we were walking around the facility Parker introduced me to a few managers that passed by "Mr. Fox can I ask you something?"

He looked at me briefly but continued to walk "Oh god please don't be so formal with me. Call me Parker, Mr. Fox makes me sound older than what I am."

I chuckled "Very well, Parker."

"That's better, now what did you want to ask me?"

"What did Mr. River mean by getting me sized?" I asked timidly nervous about the answer.

Stopping in his tracks he looked at me confused by my actions and then chuckled "Ah I can see where the miscommunication would come from." He held up his right hand on his middle finger was an eighteen-karat red and gold ring with the letter A outlined with diamonds in the center "He was referring to your ring, it serves as a security pass for VIP employees. Our floor is highly secured, no one can go in or out without this gold ring or a special pass that is only given to the CEOs of our brother branches."

I looked at him surprised "That's a bit extreme."

"I know, but we you will get used to it."