CHAPTER FORTY–SEVEN–What Lies Beneath the Surface?
The receptionist, a young man with fashionable glasses, looked up from his computer. “Do you have an appointment?”
Laura’s smile faltered. “Well, no, but I was hoping=”
“I’m sorry, but we don’t do walk–in interviews,” the receptionist cut her off. “You’ll need to apply through our website.”
“Please,” Laura leaned in, lowering her voice. “I know it’s unorthodox, but I’m perfect for this position. If you could just give me a chance to speak with someone in HR
The receptionist sighed, then glanced at his screen. “Look, we actually had a cancellation this morning. If you’re willing to wait, I might be able to squeeze you in.”
Laura’s heart leapt. “Yes! Absolutely. I’ll wait as long as it takes”
“Have a seat over there,” the receptionist gestured to a sleek waiting area. “I’ll let you know if anything opens up.”
Laura settled into one of the minimalist chairs, crossing and uncrossing her legs nervously. She pulled out her portfolio, double- checking that everything was in order.
An hour crawled by. Then another. Laura’s initial excitement gave way to anxiety as she watched other candidates come and go. She was just considering giving up when the receptionist called her name.
“Laura McKenna? HR will see you now. Take the elevator to the 14th floor.”
Laura scrambled to her feet, nearly dropping her portfolio in her haste. As she hurried to the elevator, she collided with a man carrying a tray of coffee cups. Time seemed to slow as she watched one of the cups topple, its contents splashing across her pristine white blouse.
“Oh god, I’m so sorry!” the man exclaimed, fumbling for napkins.
Laura stared down at the growing brown stain in horror. “No, no, no,” she muttered, dabbing futilely at the fabric.
The elevator dinged, its doors sliding open. Laura hesitated for a split second, then stepped inside. She couldn’t give up now. She’d just have to hope the interviewer would overlook her disheveled appearance.
The 14th floor was a maze of glass–walled offices. Laura approached another reception desk, trying to angle her body to hide the cottee
stain
“I’m here for an interview,” she said, her voice slightly breathless.
The receptionist nodded, gesturing down a hallway. “Third door on the right. Ms. Patel is expecting you.”
Laura knocked tentatively on the indicated door.
“Come in,” a crisp voice called from inside.
Taking a deep breath, Laura stepped into the office. A woman with sharp features and even sharper eyes looked up from behind an imposing desk
“Ms. McKenna, I presume?” she said, her gaze flickering to the stain on Laura’s blouse.
“Yes, I’m so sorry about my appearance,” Laura began “There was an accident with some coffee-
Ms. Patel waved a hand dismissively. “These things happen. Please, have a seat.
Laura perched on the edge of her chair, trying to project confidence despite her racing heart.
“So,” Ms. Patel said, glancing at a tablet in front of her. “Tell me why you’re interested in working for Sivarra Tech.”
Laura launched into her prepared response, detailing her admiration for the company’s innovative approach to technology. But as she spoke, she found herself losing track of her thoughts. The words she’d so carefully rehearsed seemed to evaporate from her mind.
Ms. Patel’s expression remained neutral as Laura stumbled through her answer. “I see. And what specific skills do you bring to the table?”
Laura opened her mouth to respond, but before she could speak, a shrill alarm cut through the air. Red lights began flashing in the hallway outside
“Fire alarm,” Ms. Patel sald, rising from her desk. “We’ll have to continue this another time. Please follow the evacuation procedures.”
Laura found herself swept up in a tide of employees heading for the stairwell. As they descended flight after flight, the reality of the
situation sank in. She’d blown it. Even if the alarm hadn’t gone off, her interview had been a disaster from start to finish.
By the time they reached the lobby, Laura’s feet were aching from her heels, and she was sweating beneath her blazer. She stood on the sidewalk with the other evacuated employees, watching as fire trucks pulled up to the building
After what felt like an eternity, an all–clear was given. As people began filing back inside, Laura spotted Ms. Patel in the crowd.
“Ms. Patel!” she called out, hurrying over. “I’m so sorry about the interruption. Is there any way we could reschedule=”
Ms. Patel’s expression was sympathetic but firm. “I’m afraid that won’t be possible, Ms. McKenna. Your interview slot has expired, and we have other candidates to consider. We’ll be in touch if we decide to move forward with your application.”
Laura’s heart sank. She knew a polite dismissal when she heard one. “I understand. Thank you for your time.”
As Ms. Patel disappeared back into the building, Laura stood on the sidewalk, feeling utterly deflated. She’d pinned all her hopes on this interview, and now…
With a heavy sigh, Laura hailed a cab. As she slid into the backseat, she gave the driver her address, fighting back tears of frustration and disappointment.
“Rough day?” the driver asked, glancing at her in the rearview mirror,
Laura managed a weak smile. “You could say that.”
As the cab pulled away from the curb, Laura leaned her head against the window, watching the city blur past. Her dreams of reconnecting with Ryan seemed further away than ever. But as the familiar streets of her new neighborhood came into view, a small part of her refused to give up hope. This was New York, after all. The city of endless possibilities.
Laura stared at the plate of eggs and toast in front of her, pushing the food around with her fork but barely taking a bite. She’d been sitting at the kitchen table for nearly twenty minutes, lost in her thoughts about yesterday’s disastrous interview at Sivarra Tech.
Jessie, who had been observing her roommate’s sullen behavior, finally spoke up. “Okay, what gives? You’ve been poking at those eggs like they personally offended you,”
Laura sighed, dropping her fork with a clatter. “It’s nothing. Just… yesterday didn’t go as planned.”
“The interview?” Jessie asked, sliding into the chair across from Laura. “That bad, huh?”
Laura nodded, her shoulders slumping. “You have no idea. It was a complete disaster from start to finish.”
Jessie drummed her fingers on the table, then suddenly brightened. “You know what? We need a pick–me–up. How about we treat ourselves to a spa day?”
Laura looked skeptical. “I don’t know…”
“Come on,” Jessie urged. “Nothing cures the blues like a good massage and a facial. My treat.”
After a moment’s hesitation, Laura managed a small smile. “Well, when you put it that way… Alright, let’s do it.”
An hour later, the two women found themselves wrapped in plush robes at a trendy wellness center in Sollo. The air was thick with the scent of lavender and eucalyptus, and soft meditation music played in the background.
