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Hmmm…
“Our new CEO insisted on making some design changes to the building when he arrived a few years ago,” the tour guide said. “He wanted everything inside this campus to feel like his hometown. Interesting, isn’t it?”
“Very interesting.” I smiled. I’d thought that one of the campus cafes being named “Salted Shores” was a mere coincidence, but now I believed it was a sign.
I’m definitely getting this job …
“Alright, everyone!” the tour guide said. “Thank you all so much for being willing to complete your group tour portion of the interview at five o’clock in the morning. That’s very dedicated. Now is the time for you to refresh one last time before your interview. Afterwards, I’ll separate you into groups according to your test scores. And no, I won’t tell anyone what their individual score is.”
I made my way into the ladies’ restroom and looked over myself in the mirror, smiling at the form-fitting red dress and sleek grey jacket Sarah Kay sent me.
A brunette stood next to me at the sink and pursed her lips. “I love your beige bag,” she said. “Well, I love what your bag is attempting to be. It’s like a terrible version of a knock off Birkin. Can you tell me where you bought it, so I’ll know to never go there?”
“Becca, stop.” Her blonde friend laughed. “You’re being a little mean. We both know she probably bought it at some corner-shop flea market.”
“That’s exactly where I got it from,” I said, sliding the bag over my shoulder. “The same place where you two got your make-up done. Although, next time, maybe you should ask for something other than the clown-face bitch look, you know?”
I walked out before they could utter another word, coming face to face with the tour guide.
“Ah, Miss Kennedy.” He smiled. “You can follow me now. You’re in Group D.”
I started following him through more frosted glass hallways. After we’d walked for five minutes, I realized no one else was joining us.
“Is there anyone else in Group D?” I asked.
“Nope.” He opened the door to an open and airy room with a white leather sofa and a coffee bar at its center. “It’s just you. Someone will come and get you when it’s your turn to meet with the board.” He made me a small cup of coffee and handed it to me.
“Good luck today.” He headed to the door.
“Wait a minute.”
“Yes, Miss Kennedy?” He looked over his shoulder.
“Am I in this group because I received the worst test score?”
“I honestly don’t know.” He looked genuine. “Even if I did, they’d fire me if I revealed that type of information.”
I nodded, wondering if I’d misread all of the so-called “signs.”
“For what it’s worth, your score can’t be that bad,” he said, stepping into the hallway. “The CEO is only making an appearance at your interview.”
the reckless rage
Kate
I PRESSED MY FACE AGAINST the massive window, trying not to check my watch for the umpteenth time. My interview was supposed to be “anytime between seven and seven thirty,” but it was now nearing noon.
Have they already picked someone else? Are they trying to figure out the best way to break the news to me?
My mind raced a mile a minute, but there were no answers to be found. No staff from Pier Autumn Coffee ever entered into the room to confirm or deny my thoughts.
Holding back a sigh, I looked down and spotted a sleek black luxury car speeding, then swerving into the company’s private turnaround entrance across the street. It parked right on top of the company logo, right above the sign that our tour guide specifically said was illegal.
A suited man stepped out, and then a grey and white dog jumped out from the passenger side.
Even with his back turned, I could tell he was an ass by the way the doorman slowly approached him. By the way he kept walking away without even acknowledging him.
I hope he doesn’t work here…And that his car gets towed.
“Miss Kennedy?” A man who looked about my age cleared his throat, making me turn around. “The board is ready for you now.”
I grabbed my bag and followed him down a never-ending hallway, straight toward an oversized black door. When we were halfway there, he stepped aside and motioned for me to walk the rest of the way alone.
Confused, I continued walking—trying not to stop and stare at the other subtle homages of Edgewood that were etched onto the walls.
I took a deep breath before pushing the door open, and I found myself inside the most opulent and stunning boardroom I’d ever seen in my life.
With wall to wall panoramic windows that revealed a stunning view of the Puget Sound on the right side, and the silver skyline on the left, I had to bite my lip to prevent my jaw from dropping. Its high-vaulted ceiling was stamped with wooden beams that held six shimmering chandeliers. The glossy mahogany table at the center of the room was set with seventeen plush red chairs?eight on each side and one at the center.
