Chapter 4 : Interviews and Choices

Although I tried to keep the lightness in my steps hidden as I went into work today, I'm still met with a lot of 'oh, did something good happen?' and such. I'm shocked so many people noticed how excited I am. Do I look miserable all the time or something? I can't think of any other reason why I'd be met with all those questions. But their oddity is not enough to ruin my good mood. I plan on calling Zeanon Enterprises at lunch to set up an interview.

"Hey, Mera!" Trinity smiles as we start setting up the station, preparing for the next experiment. I return her smile despite the fact that I dislike the nickname. But apparently, Hemera is too much effort to say.

"You look happy... did a spell work?"

"Yeah, as a matter of fact, one did," I say, even though there is no such spell. We engage in some more idle chat as we work through the morning. Unfortunately, we don't get very far. It's mostly just writing down failures. We're testing storage systems for energy produced by clean energy sources. Still, it's challenging to find a way to capture and store that energy.

***

Come lunch, I head out to my favorite Mexican restaurant and call the number on the business card while waiting for my food. So glad I get an hour for lunch. It lets me actually have a chance to enjoy the beautiful colorful decor that isn't the sterile environment of a lab.

"Zeanon Enterprises, this is James speaking. How can I help you?" the man on the other end says in the typical customer service voice as if I called a retail store instead of a lab company.

"Um, yeah, this is Hemera Kadis. Nianor Zeanon approached me the other day, offering me a job. I was just calling to set up an interview for the position." I exhale sharply and wave the business card like a fan. Ugh, I hate phone calls!

His tone changes immediately, "Ah, yes, I have that in my notes! Unfortunately, Mr. Zeanon is unavailable during the days due to a heavy workload. I can interview in his stead, however. When would be a good time for an interview?" As he speaks, the sound of a keyboard clicking fills the empty space.

I should have thought of my schedule beforehand.

"Um, I work pretty much every day. Hang on, let me get out my calendar."

"Of course, take your time."

I press the phone between my ear and shoulder and pull out my datebook. "Um, can we have an interview at one o'clock sometime this week? That's the only free time I have."

"Yes, that will be perfect. How does tomorrow sound?"

"That sounds perfect. I'll see you then." With that, we say goodbye after I'm given the address and some other details.

Oh, wow, I can't believe I actually have an interview tomorrow. Crap, will I even have enough time to prepare? I should start getting everything ready when I get home at the latest. Maybe I should start now?

The waiter came by with my lunch a few minutes later, drawing me back to reality. I take a deep breath and put my phone down. Enough, just calm down. Stop getting so worked up. Just enjoy your tamales.

I'm sure I end up grinning like an idiot as I rush through my meal. Sadly an hour is not quite enough time to eat out, but I indulge in the risk occasionally. Who cares? I'm too excited and worked up to care right now!

***

The next day comes quickly, but not quickly enough to stop my excitement from morphing into nervousness. I had to ask my boss for the afternoon off because the interview is on the other side of the city. Going from one end to the other of Seattle isn't an easy task, even in the middle of a weekday. So many roads are narrow and crowded with parked cars it can feel like an obstacle course at times.

So, of course, that's adding to my anxiety. I'm just glad my boss gave me the day off when I told him that I had a family emergency. It was close, though. I didn't think of an excuse before the interaction and thought for sure he'd be able to see through my b*llshit.

After the annoying drive that should have only taken about thirty minutes, I finally arrived. Ugh, why did there have to be so many accidents to avoid? With as much confidence as I can muster, I stride into the Zeanon Enterprises and inform the secretary why I'm here. She smiles and tells me to wait in a brightly lit seating area with basic grey couches, a somewhat scoffed coffee table, and a pile of magazines. All old editions of random garden, home renovation, and science magazines. There seems to be something here for everyone.

I'm not sure how long I spend waiting on the uncomfortable couch, but an older man with light brown hair streaked with silver, thick glasses, and an expensive-looking suit eventually comes out holding several folders and a binder. He introduces himself as James and leads me back to a windowless conference room.

As we walk over, the halls are buzzing with activity. People conversing and phones ringing fill the empty space. James pushes the large wooden conference doors open, holding them open as I walk inside the room before he steps away from them. The doors slowly shut behind him as he goes to the head of the table.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Kadis. I am James Morgan, and I will be your interviewer. It's a pleasure to meet you." He smiles and shakes my hand. "Can I get you a drink before we start?"

I shake my head while I return pleasantries and sit back, waiting for the questions to come. But before James can get more than a few words out, the door slams open, and Nianor Zeanon struts in.

Just like before, he's wearing the usual three-piece suit with the collar all the way up. It's a simple black suit with a patterned red tie sized only for him. He gives me a soft smile, runs a hand through his raven hair, pushes it out of his face, and then turns to James.

"Thank you, Mr. Morgan. I can take it from here," he informs while collecting James' files. James sputters for a second as he looks between the files and Nia. Why is Nia even seeing this interview personally? If he's so busy, why is he bothering with me?

"Sir, I thought you had important-"

"My schedule suddenly became clear, and I decided I wanted to interview our potential new employee myself." Nia gives him a tight, tired smile.

James sighs and accepts his boss' explanation. "Very well. Goodbye, Ms. Kadis. I wish you luck."

James adjusts his suit as he stands. He gives Nia a bewildered expression and then dips his head to me in farewell.

We both watch as he leaves, his shoes clicking softly on the tiled floor. I swallow thickly as I turn to face Nia again. I really wasn't expecting him to personally oversee my interview. Especially when he looks almost dead on his feet. Has he not slept the past few nights?

"Well, now, let's begin, shall we?" Nia says with another tired smile, and the interview begins.

I was asked the typical interview questions like what my strengths are and what I can bring to the company. Before the interview could even get kicked off, Nia closes the folder and puts down his pen.

I mean, I'm glad it's nearly done, but, d*mn. Did I do that bad? Were my answers not what he was looking for?

"Well, I believe that's all I have to ask. Do you have any questions for me?" Nia asks, clasping his hands together on the table in front of him. I can't help but watch as his muscular arms move. Ugh, focus!

As soon as I snap back to reality, I purse my lips and shake my head. "Um, you know I don't think so. You answered any questions I had during the interview." That's a lie. I have many questions, but I hold my tongue. Dumb anxiety.

He flashes me a smile, this time showing off bright white teeth and canines that look sharper than normal. "Excellent! Well, I'll be sure to look over everything, and I'll give you a call soon, alright?" Nia stands and leads me over to the doors.

"Alright, have a good afternoon, then."

"You, too. And don't worry too much. This is really just a formality." Nia shakes my hand a final time and stays where he is as I turn away and head for the lobby.

So...I did well? I think... Was he pleased with my answers? His relaxed body language suggested I did a good job! Excitement buzzes through me, dulling the office sounds around me.

I can't believe they're actually claiming they're giving me all these benefits. If it's all legit, I'd be a fool to turn this position down. Well, assuming I'm officially offered it.

As soon as I'm outside, I let out a giggle and bounce in glee while the wind howls around me.

F*ck, is a storm coming? Ugh, now I gotta worry about a power outage while driving home in less than desirable traffic conditions. This is so unfair! How dare the weather ruin my mood.

***

The next day I head into work after a weak storm the night before. Thankfully I didn't lose power, and it didn't knock any branches down on the road. That really would have been a pain in the a*s.

I sigh softly as I shut my locker and adjust my coat, barely able to turn away when CEO Luther Orsova suddenly appears in my path. I yelp and practically jump out of my skin. How long has he been standing behind me like a ghost?!

"Oh, Hemera! I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. Are you okay?" he asks, reaching his hand out to touch my shoulder. The touch sends chills through me, despite its warmth. Why is he touching me?

"Oh, yeah, you just startled me. What can I do for you?" I squeak and adjust my hair in its ponytail. Seriously, why is he here? I've only seen him at a couple formal functions. He never shows his face to anyone.

"Well, you see,"

He moves his hand to my shoulder blades and guides me to his office. I don't have much choice but to follow him. He doesn't continue until the office doors shut behind us, and we're both sitting down in the dull room. The only color present here is from his leather maroon chair. Besides that, everything is bland and almost looks like a copy of a room from one of those home renovation magazines I saw yesterday. So cold and impersonal.

"A little birdie told me that our rivals were looking to snipe one of my best researchers, and I wouldn't be at the top in this field if I just let my rivals take my employees. How much are they offering you, and what do you want from me so you'll stay here," he asked, folding together and leaning forward, with his lips curled back slightly as if in disgust.

I can't help but lean away from the intensity. "I'm your best researcher? I'm just an average member on a small team."

He blinks in shock. "Average member? What? You do excellent work! Nonsense, you are valuable here. Name your price to stay. Anything, Hemera." His amber eyes almost seem to glow from his intensity, and I can't help but lean away. Why does it feel like bloodlust is rolling off him in waves?

I NEED TO GET OUT OF HERE!