Think happy thoughts, Cassidy. Think happy thoughts.
Think positive!
I kept chanting in my head as I drove into the busy streets of New York. I was tapping the steering wheel in anxiousness.
This job is very important, Anna is about to start school soon and I want to be able to look after all her finances while also being able to afford the rent and car. My baby girl has been so excited about taking up piano lessons and I want to be able to let her explore and enjoy. I want Anna to find her hobby and enjoy it without having to worry about our finances.
Let's not forget savings, even though it's a far-fetched thought but I have to start saving up for Anna's college and future, in general.
The headquarters of Dain Industries is a beautiful magnificent building with 50 floors. It's one of the tallest buildings in the city. There are about five branches here in New York but this one is the main one.
It has been rumoured that once the company becomes private, it'll be merged with whichever company becomes its parent company seeing how Dain industries in itself is also a big brand name and have seen its high times in the business environment.
I entered the basement parking and was checked up by the security guard.
"Hello ma'am-" The security guard said and smiled while pointing towards my car's deck signalling me to open it.
I pushed the deck button in the car and saw another security guard come out and check the car. He then closed the deck and looked up at me giving me a thumbs up.
Why does his face look weirdly familiar?
I frowned and then shook my head physically, trying not to distract myself.
Today is important.
Not the right time for getting distracted.
I quickly drove away and found myself a good parking spot. Once the car was parked I got out and took my purse and resume in hand.
I rode the elevator to the ground floor lobby and looked around to find the receptionist's desk.
"Hi. I'm here for an interview." I greeted the lady at the reception who seemed to be the same age as me.
"Are you Miss Valentine?" The receptionist asked if she was a redhead with green eyes and her badge read 'Miranda.'
People who are red-headed and green-eyed are the rarest to find in real life, How do I know? I have a five-year-old who is all about the 'amazing facts of life.
I smile thinking about my angel and looked up back to the receptionist.
"Yes. I am, Miranda." I teased.
"Do I know you?" She asked rather shocked.
"No. Your name's on your badge." I smiled. She laughed.
"Oh. Right! You got me right there. Anyways, you're late."
"What?!"
"Yeah. But I can help you out"
"Yes!-"
"If you treat me to some food place after you get the job." She smiled, we are going to be good friends, I thought.
"Yes! Of course! I really need this job!"
"31st floor. Interview Room. Run along now." She waved me off cheerfully. "I never got your name!" She yelled. I turned and smiled, "It's Cassidy." I yelled back and ran to the elevator which was about to close. I managed to squeeze myself in.
I gave the people inside the elevator an embarrassed smile and focused. I was afraid that I might be visibly shaking 'cause my innards are shaking.
Calm down, Cassie. Calm down. You got this. You managed to raise a beautiful 5-year-old girl without a husband. You managed to share your Nutella with Sofia. This is just chicken to you. Calm down. You got this. I gave myself a mental talk as the elevator dinged on the 31st floor.
I reached the 31st floor and exited the lift. The space was very clean and orderly. Frosted glass panels were everywhere and it seemed that this floor is just conference rooms.
I spotted 3 conference rooms and another smaller version on the far side of the floor. I made sure to walk the other way around from the conference room that seemed to be occupied on my way to the interview room.
I stopped at the door in front of me. It read, 'Interview Room'. I took a deep calming breath and knocked.
Twice.
I'm so stupid! Why would I knock twice?! Argh.
I was cut out of my reverie as a womanly voice answered,
"Come in."
Woman. Yes. Okay. Good. Great
I entered the room which revealed an old woman in her 60s, sitting in front of a desk. She was petite and was wearing a white blouse and a grey pencil skirt. Her bobbed silver hair completed her look.
"Good morning, ma'am." I greeted. The lady smiled, people here seem to be very polite, which is good.
"I assume you must be Cassidy, you are the only one remaining on my interview list." She spoke politely. She gestured for me to take a seat.
I took the seat in front of her desk.
"Yes, ma'am. My name is Cassidy Valentine." I said and handed her my resume. Her eyebrows furrowed as she read through my resume.
"As you know Ms Valentine, the company is going through a major shift right now and since you've applied for the management position, I have found the right fit for you. You've had to go through three rounds of the interview You were in competition with others for a high-level managerial position. To begin, my name is Ms Lisa Mayor and I'm planning to make you my replacement since I'll be retiring soon." Lisa explained and I nodded.
This sounds good.
So far so good.
"Of course, ma'am. It'll be a pleasure to work in this organisation and fulfil your role in the near future. I look forward to this opportunity." I expressed.
"Great, there's one last thing I need to get sorted out and that is consulting with the other high-level key personnel. Since the company has already begun transitioning, we have also found our new parent head company and you will be working directly under them starting in the near future. I'd like for you to give me a day's time following which I will be able to confirm your position. Does that sound alright, Ms Valentine?" Lisa asked.
"Sure, ma'am. I look forward to your reply." I said and stood up.
"Thank you for coming," Lisa said smiling and handing me my resume back.
I quickly left the interview room and shut the door releasing a happy sigh.
Things are finally settling in.
I started walking to the elevators when my phone started ringing.
Oh my god, the phones are supposed to be kept on silent. This is embarrassing.
I hurriedly looked through my bag for it, I heard the other elevator ding while my phone was still making a loud ringing sound.
Then, the strangest thing happened, I smelled that strong musky scent that felt very well acquainted to.
Almost like him.
I shook my head to get rid of the thought and fished for my phone and answered it, seeing it was Sofia.
"Hey, Sof." I replied as I entered the lift that had just arrived in front of me.
"How is my baby girl?" I asked while the doors behind me closed. I quickly pressed the basement parking button.
"We have a surprise for you!" Sofia yelled over very loud music which was playing in the background.
"We do Mommy!" I heard my little Anna yell in the background.
"I can't wait to get home," I said and smiled.
Today seemed to be going so well.
Soon, I reached the parking and got into my car, when I was leaving the campus the security guard who seemed familiar sent me a full-fledged polite smile which I returned.
I've definitely seen him somewhere, but where?
I went back to Sofia's place and knocked on the door as Sofia opened up. She was wearing a dirty apron and had a spatula in her hand which I assume had cookie dough in it. I didn't bother with the mess and pulled her in for a hug.
"I got the job!" I exclaimed while Sofia screamed out of excitement.
I saw Anna come from behind the door and suddenly horror took over me. She had cookie dough all over her body and her face was covered with flour.
I pushed Sofia back as she looked back and realised I saw Anna.
"We were just baking some cookies." She beamed. I was about to reply back when I felt something dripping on my dress. I looked down and saw dough all over me.
It seems to hug Sofia was a bad idea.
"Sofia get ready 'cause I am going to kill you!" I yelled and walked towards Sofia as she ran to the kitchen.
I ran behind her.
Anna laughed as she followed us into the kitchen. Everything turned white just as I was about to catch her. When I opened my eyes, Sofia was giggling.
I quickly realised Sofia had thrown flour at me. I picked up the eggs that were nearby and hurled them at Sofia. The room was then filled with Anna's endearing laughter.
"So this is the surprise? I have a new target! Anna!" I ran after my daughter around the kitchen.
Seems like today's gonna be fun.
And a little messy.
Just a little.
I feel like everything is being put into place. What could go wrong?
Maybe everything.
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(Edited)