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Powerless, I sat in one of the chairs across from his desk, frozen. A million thoughts raced through my head as he leaned back on his chair.
Was he thinking of ways to fire me?
Was he going to berate my work ethic?
Did he use that commanding voice in bed?
Wait, what?
Where the hell didthatthought come from?
My breathing kicked up a notch as I waited for him to continue.
“Why did you pursue a career in journalism?” I hadn’t known what he would say, but I certainly didn’t think it would be that. But maybe he was just asking me why I had the audacity to attempt a career in journalism.
I had no choice but to be honest. That’s what we were all about here, right?
“I've wanted to be a journalist since high school,” I said with a shrug. “I like sharing stories. I like sharing stories that matter and make a difference in the world.”
Ben looked at me thoughtfully for a moment. His eyes were a little softer of a green now.
“So… being a press release writer… what was that like?”
I couldn’t hide the flash of shock on my face, although Ben’s expression remained completely impassive. I would have never thought Ben Oviatt would have time to read my resume.
I shifted in my seat, not sure how to answer this question. How were you supposed to talk about an old job with a new boss?
“Well, it was a learning experience. In the end, I… think I kind of screwed that one up.”
“In what sense?” Ben hadn’t moved a millimeter.
I looked briefly at my hands in my lap, thinking about how to summarize the many factors that contributed to my exit.
“It was just simply… a difference in principles,” I answered, letting out a breath I was holding. “I didn’t agree with their perspectives anymore, and I took that as my sign to start something new.” I looked Ben square in the eyes.
“And now you’re here,” Ben murmured, running a hand through his lusciously soft hair. I bit my lower lip at the movement. There was something so intimate about it.
I smiled at him. It was probably the most genuine smile I had ever shown him.
“Yep, now I’m here. In your office.”
A ghost of a smile flickered across Ben’s face and it was like the sun coming out on a stormy day. It was gone in a flash, but something about it had shaken the tension loose in my body.
But his face was back to its indifferent default.
“Well, not for long, if you don’t step up your game,” Ben declared as he stood up and buttoned his suit. “There’s a reason why OVT is the best. There are standards, and I plan to uphold them until the end of time.” He pocketed the flash drive I gave him. Meanwhile, I sat there with my mouth agape, my world slowly crumbling as all the good feelings were driven away. “So, if you don’t improve soon, I’m afraid it’s not going to work out here.”
Ben walked toward the door and started to leave.
“If you need anything else, my assistant will be back tomorrow. Thank you for your time today, Olivia.”
With those words, I was left alone in his office… stunned… shocked… and a little bit irritated.
I stood up in frustration and marched out of his office and back to my desk.
Ben Oviatt was the worst.
Ben
