Impeccable Timing

“I shouldn’t be the one to whom you are giving the apology.” Jared just looked at her and smiled as he handed her back the clip board.

“Ah, Sorry?” The receptionist asked, still giving Jared a big bright smile.

“I’m sorry Josey, this companies' employee’s manners are a bit lacking, are you sure you want to try working her?” Josey held a straight face, as he turned and asked her this, trying not to giggle. 

“Yes, and mistakes can happen, can’t they Mrs...” Josey looked at her name tag.

“Mrs. Brine?” Looking at her, Josey mused that the receptionists smile was about to become permanent. So much so, that she wouldn’t need clown makeup to scare little children.

“Miss, it’s Miss Brine.” Her eyes rotated to Josey a moment before going back to Jared’s face.

“Thanks Jared, you’re a life saver. Can I please have a badge now?” Josey asked, holding her hand out.

“Anytime Josey, if you need me, any further, I will be on the 6th floor for a meeting.” Patting Josey’s head, Jared turned and walked towards the elevators.

His absence broke the receptionists trance and she looked over at Josey before pursing her lips again and handing her a badge.

“Thanks.” Ignoring the stares from the people who were probably just as late as she was for waiting in line behind her, Josey ran quickly to the elevator. Jared had already disappeared so she stood there nervous by herself.

The interview would be on the 3rd floor where HR was located. She’d hoped she make it in time. 

Getting into the elevator and the moment it dinged for the 3rd floor she bolted from the elevator to the desk, asking the lady sitting in a chair behind it if she was too late. 

“I believe, they have one left, so you made it just in time.” Motioning Josey to the door on her left, Josey walked up and cracked it open. There was indeed just one person left sitting there on a bench waiting. He looked much younger than her, so it gave her hope she had more experience than him, at least.

Entering and making sure to close the door lightly, she walked over and sat down. Her phone had died so she decided to read the paper Mrs. Bellard had handed her earlier.

Pulling it out, Josey realized it was a notice for ‘Change of Ownership’ for their apartment building. It dawned on her that the landlady must have said new owner, not tenant.

“To the resident in: 1C

You are hereby notified, under section 1399.65, in Change of Ownership, that the current owner of Willow Fair....” the notice went on to explain that the apartment rentals would now be listed as Moon Terrace, and the current resident’s leases would be voided 3 days from today. 

It also stated that a new lease would be provided, today, along with a scheduled date for signing. If a current resident was unable to make the scheduled date, they voided their right to rent and would have to vacate the property within 10 days or the schedule sign date. Josey whispered the word harsh and a few profanities, but kept reading.

Getting the jist of it, Josey ignored the remaining paragraph and folded it back up as they called the person in front her. The young guy stood up glancing at Josey. She could tell he was nervous, so she threw him two thumbs up and a smile of encouragement. 

Even though they were competing for the same job, Josey didn’t feel the need to be stuck up to the kid. 

After messing with the fringe on her purse, Josey stood up to stretch and walk in empty hall that contained only a hand full of chairs and a bench.

 Deciding to sit on the bench this time because it had a window next to it, Josey glanced out. 

She noticed the room in which the interviewing was done must have been big because she could see diagonally into the window where a long table sat with people sitting behind it, including the lady who came out earlier to get the young man.

 Looking over the panel of interviewers, Josey swore recognized one. The rude stranger who saved her life and then scolded her. 

Ducking down, she started to worry. If he was on the interview panel, then she was done for. No way would he allowed her to be hired. After yelling at her and abruptly leaving, he obviously sees her as a nuisance. 

Debating if she should just leave, admit defeat and try harder next time, or maybe lie to her sister, Josey froze at the sound of the door opening. Watching the young man walk out, anxiety bit the pit of her stomach.

“Josephine Parker.” The lady from earlier said her name looking directly at her. Nodding Josey stood.

“This way please.” A little impatient, the lady motioned her to enter. 

Josey stood, hesitating at first and then did a mental reality check. ‘So what if the guy who was rude to YOU is sitting in there? He was the one with an issue, he should be hiding under the table with embarrassment from seeing YOU, not the other way around. You were admiring the city, so what, he was too busy driving to admire it. You can do this Josey!’ Once her inner confidence cheered her on, Josey plastered a cheerful confident smile on her face and walked through the door.

Josey focused on the women in the center of the 5 people sitting behind the table. 

“Welcome Ms. Parks. I am Mrs. Averret, this is Mr. June, Mr. Gormbly, Ms. Downs and Mr. Stormway. We have already had the pleasure of reviewing your resume, so we will just be asking you a few questions pertaining to the job first.” Josey nodded at the women, taking note of everyone's names while ignoring the glare, Mr. Stormway apparently, was giving her. She knew he recognized her but she would show him the same curtesy and dismiss his presence.

“First, what is your interest in our company?” Josey thought on this question a moment then answered.

“My main goal is finding a starting point in which I can grow. Terrace Pharmaceuticals has always been a fast-paced leader in their industry. I feel the room for growth here is unparallel to what I may find at others.” Smiling, the woman and several others nodded while smiling at each other, liking her response. 

“Excellent. Are you aware this is strictly a contract position with the possibility of being permanent if considered for the job?” The lady proceeded to question her.

“Yes, I am. It will not change my determination and ability to do the job. Permanent or not, I plan on taking the job very seriously.” Nodding again, the woman started handing over her clip board to a professional looking older man named Mr. Grombly, but she wasn’t able to because the rude stranger reached out and grabbed it. 

“How good is your focus?” the stranger, Mr. Stormway asked.

Putting on a brave front, she was already this far, no backing out now, she answered him coolly.

“Very good, impeccable in fact.” She smiled, all teeth, knowing why he asked.

“How good, is your attention to detail?” His questions seemed reasonable, yet she had a falling sensation in her stomach he was going somewhere with it.

“I believe it’s great.” Hearing ‘Hmph’ from the rude stranger after she answered, Josey clenched her teeth, still trying to maintain her smile.

“What about your surroundings, do you pay attention to that?” He sat forward this time, receiving looks from the other members of the panel wondering what was going on with their CEO.

“Yes, of course.” Josey’s smile broke. Her confidence backed up to the escape door in her mind.

“And your hearing, any issues?” Peering at Josey over the clip board, Josey knew he was asking these questions on purpose now. What was the point of even trying now?

“Absolutely not. I hear perfectly find.” she responded shortly this time, causing the panel of interviewers to look at her.

“I believe this is all we need. Thank you.” Dismissing her, the rude stranger stood up and making the rest of the panel stand and bow at him as he left the room.

“I apologize, our CEO is in a hurry this morning, we..uh, will be in contact.” Mrs. Averret said smiling at Josey.

Nodding, so confused as to what just happened, Josey wanted to crawl into a hole. The CEO, is the rude stranger. She was doomed.