TWO

Ebony

I sighed as I stared at the last establishment that I had successful passed all the other tests leaving only the interview. It would be tough since I heard twenty seven people had passed and only three would be selected and who could blame the company for such policy.

LK&A in Boston was the headquarter of the third highest paid company in America after Apples and just above Microsoft and the pay was high since it was difficult to qualify when they had other branches all over the world even a charity site.

I have been unemployed for almost four months and my roommate urged me to quickly apply for a few jobs including the only company that I had never expected to certify for their simple examination.

I’ve come so far and I wasn’t going to let anyone take my greatest accomplishment ever.

“Miss Ebony On—”

“Onyedika (Oh-e-yay-di-ka) but you can just call me Ebony.” I informed the interviewer as she nodded before she stood aside for me to empty.

I was surprised the chairs placed for everyone were executive chairs. The companies that usually did this for interviews was always to keep you too relaxed to test your ability to cope with pressure and there was always one interviewer who was very impressive at pressure points.

I sat down careful as I stared at the four interviewers before my eyes landed at the empty seat that was left in the centre. No one looked at the chair and I imagined it was probably the director’s private seat.

“Could you introduce yourself?” The lady who wore red cat eye glassed said as she adjusted the frame.

“Miss Chimamanda(Chi-ma-man-da) Nwadinma (U-wa- di-e-mm-ma) Onyedika. I have no English name so I identify with the name Ebony until I get my citizenship papers.” I explained as the interviewers nodded.

“So Miss Ebony, we’ve looked at your curriculum Vitae and we can’t deny the fact that we are deeply impressed with how much you have achieved within the age of twenty nine. You were the spokesperson of one of our friendliest business partners; Lopaz Inventors; could you give us a reason why you quit working there?” The man in a beautiful blue suit, blond with blue eyes asked with a stoic face.

The question was expected to be asked but the reason had always been too complicated to explain but I decided to be transparent.

“The environment was no longer conducive for me since I was put under pressure by issues that had no interest or connection with my responsibility as a working woman.” I replied as I breathed softly.

“Could you specify on that issue.” The blond requested as my brow ticked.

“I was dating a co-worker and he asked me to marry him so I rejected him. I was receiving pressure from his friends and I had to leave because a few people in authority were using their power to coerce me into an agreement.” I explained; leaving out important details and they nodded. It was clear they were interested in my problem but the security cameras in the room reminded them of their task.

“Okay Miss Ebony, to the topic.” The Black American said as he flipped his paper. “How do you think you can contribute to the development and growth of LK&A? What do you have that we can’t find in the other applicants?”

I was going to respond when the door opened and everyone in the room excluding me stood up in sync motion. I was amazed by that much power as the interviewers greeted again in sync.

“Welcome CEO Azzaro, a pleasure to see you.” I froze unable to make a decision to seat or stand when I heard a familiar name.

I gulped as I heard footsteps that echoed proudly in its domain as the body those feet carried walked by me without a glance.

I could hear my breath with the silence in the room, breathing erratically as my breasts heaved and my eyes dared not to flutter to miss the man with the alpha aura take his thrown.

They all sat down the moment Mr. Azzaro sat down before the red hair beside him handed him a folder and he opened it, stared at it before he finally acknowledged my unemployed and mesmerized presence.

The Azzaro I met today was no more man than the man who had made me identify foolish for rejecting to have my smaller body pinned by his manly presence. He was a god more glorious without the sun of ray traveling with him.

I knew I shouldn’t have applied for this company because I didn’t want drama especially since it was my primary reason for resignation but a part of me wished to see Mr. Konstantin Azzaro.

Konstantin was a handsome man, biracial from papers and interviews about him. He was Italian-Russian with blue-green eyes, brown wavy hair, brown skin and a chiseled jaw line. He was neat, trimming any hair from his face but allowing it to give his jaw life, tall at six feet seven his biceps bulged gently on his custom made suit when he flexed with a little motion and I imagined what else he had under that suit.

Tattoos when his sleeves were rolled up when he played basketball, piercings or tribal marks that signified his loyalty to family or maybe something more.

Konstantin’s eyes didn’t leave me but there was no smile on his face as he leaned away and placed his index and thumb on his forehead.

“Continue the interview.” Konstantin said and the interviewers obeyed as though his presence didn’t change the mood in the room.

I heard rumors everyone in the headquarter had very ‘unique’ personalities and witnessing it made me believe Mr. Azzaro was a control freak or worst suffered Obsession Compulsion Disorder but the employees didn’t display fear or worry, it was solely respect.

I stood up and breathed deciding to clear Konstantin from my head and focus on the interview.

Men are trash; Men are trash, Men are trash. I chanted in my head as I offered papers to everyone on the table.

Konstantin’s fingers gently brushed on my hand and the paper almost fell before I straightened my knees and raised my head up. I did my breathing exercise before I decided to give my brief presentation.

“Over the last ten years since LK&A was founded, the statistics each years has always been good for the market however, the last two years; this company took a drastic depression that threatened the formation of other branches in London and Australia. LK&A has been able to stabilize that issue and set branches all over America and a few parts of Europe but I feel this company hasn’t achieved its peak. What makes things like Apple, Microsoft, A****n and Walmart so impossibly famous?” I asked as I locked eyes with Konstantin.

“They all have something in common. They are convenient and they can reach even dark places like Africa, Asian and the Middle East. What LK&A needs is to be number one without fear of fold and blindless leadership when the head isn’t available, we need more business partners, people who agree with our philosophy which is to satisfy the customer and make fine ass money doing it and I know if you hire me; the economic boom you had for three years before LK&A’s first depression will never happen even after he retires. I know what the people want especially the mass who can’t afford and you have what they need but not enough people to buy so hire me and I promise you won’t regret it.”

The interviewers looked very impressed by my detailed presentation, taking time to ask questions and I answered them as though they were clients than my authority. Konstantin said nothing but watched with a smug look on his face but I couldn’t tell if he was impressed or bored.

“I must say among all the interviewees, I was most impressed by you Miss Ebony. I hope at the end of everything, I hope to be seeing your pretty smile a lot often.” The blonde male said and I smiled before nodding.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak especially you Kon- Mr. Azzaro, sir.” I apologized, feeling a little embarrassed that I had almost called his name on a first place basis.

“We are satisfied with the interview. Is there anything you would like to say CEO Azzaro before she leaves?” The lady on glasses asked and Konstantin nodded.

“The format of employment is to send emails to the applicants either rejected or employed but I have another preposition to make Miss Ebony. However, your decision here will not affect your employment for the diplomat of this company but it will be a huge step to promoting your vision for this company.” Konstantin said as I took a step forward.

“I’m listening sir.” I said in interest as I placed my hand on my waist.

“I want you to work on my team as my secretary and personal assistant. You’ll have direct contact with those who make major decisions in this company and I know you have what I need Ebony and I don’t flutter people especially recruits Miss Ebony.” Konstantin said as his eyes pierced deeply into mine.

The way he said my name made me feel like he had pierced into my mind and pulled me to a trap where making a decision was probably the only way out.

It was either to take orders without questions or take order while knowing why but if I was his PA, I was afraid what had happened last year would repeat and I was not ready for a man yet.

“Can I have till the weekend to make that decision?” I asked and Konstantin nodded.

“I hope to see you in my office 10AM Miss Ebony; have a nice day.” Konstantin said before I nodded and left the room.

I leaned back against the door, releasing the breath I didn’t know I had inside me for who knows how long. Was it when Konstantin came in? Was it when he spoke to me? Or simply when he called my name?

My hand trailed to my lips as memories of his lips on mine played like it had been last night and frankly, a part of me wished it would happen again.