CHAPTER TWO - THE INVITATION (Part 2)

Kate quickly removed the negative thoughts from her head and finished getting ready.

Working for Whitmore was a great opportunity to grow her career and make important connections. And the pay! Everyone she knew of that worked there always looked their best and seemed to live well. Who wouldn’t want a piece of that?

Taking one last look at her reflection, she exhaled and before saying out loud,

“You’re gonna ace this Kate. This is going to be a walk in the park for you. You deserve this.” Then slipping into her heels, she stepped out.

Kate stopped in front of Whitmore Global shielding her eyes as she looked up at the tall, impressive building. The cold steel and glass structure stood high up in the sky, reflecting the harsh rays from the morning sun. She took a second to observe the people going in. The women were classy in their trendy fashions, expensive heels and designer bags while the men looked polished in sharp suits.

“Do they only hire models here or does this place change you?” Kate wondered, feeling anxious again.

She was a usually confident person and could walk into any room with her head high and hold her own but she couldn’t explain why she was this nervous about this job. Kate couldn’t explain it but for some reason, she kept feeling like her life was about to change. She clutched her tote bag tighter and stepped inside.

“Wow!” She whispered as she took in the polished wood and marble floors. The air smelled rich and everyone looked intimidating up close. She squared her shoulders and walked up to the flawless looking receptionist. She was grateful that she ignored the voice that almost made her show up in flats but chose to wear her silk blouse and heels. That sure boosted her confidence.

“Good morning. How may I help you?” The receptionist greeted her in a warm tone and Kate gave her a small smile that hid how nervous she really felt.

“God morning. I have an interview by 9’ o clock” she responded.

“Alright. Your name?” The receptionist asked

“It’s Katrina Jones”

The receptionist typed fast on her keyboard, confirming her appointment before responding.

“You’re early. Please take a seat over there” she said, gesturing towards the plush chairs in the reception. “I’ll let you know when you can go in”

“Thank you” Kate replied before taking a seat.

She hoped that whoever was to conduct her interview would be in a good mood. She silently prayed that it wouldn’t be the CEO, Eric Whitmore. From the word on the street, the man was cold, ruthless and intimidating and she was already tense enough. She rested her head against the wall and found her thoughts drifting to the popular lyrics of Madonna’s ‘Get into the groove’

Kate smiled as she imagined herself in her bedroom, dancing her heart away to the tune and a sudden warmth spread through her. Music was always her go to when she needed a quick boost and it never seemed to fail her.

“Miss Jones?” She heard the receptionist call out to her after a while. “Mr Whitmore will see you now” she said and Kate’s eyes widened.

Mr Whitmore as in CEO Eric WHitmore himself? I get to face him straight away? She thought as she stood but she masked her fear with a small smile. The receptionist gestured toward the elevator and whispered “Good luck” as Kate walked past her.

“Thanks” Kate whispered back and stepped into the elevator. The lift man pressed the button once she told him where she was going and she took deep breaths to calm her nerves. When it came to a stop, he also wished her luck as the doors opened and she gave a brief nod before grabbing the straps of her bag tight. After saying a quick prayer, Kate stepped out into the corridor.

“It’s just an interview” she murmured as her heels clicked on the tiles but little did she know that her life was about to change completely as she walked into Eric Whitmore’s office.