Chapter 1- the job interview

Emily’s POV

A knock on the door woke me up from my sleep. I had just gotten back home from my job hunting which was unsuccessful and had slept off immediately, not changing out of my sweaty clothes. That's to show how tired I was.

I sat up groggily on the bed, scratching my already messy hair, my eyes still closed. The knock came again but this time it was louder, making my eyes fly open as a dusty old voice echoed from the other side.

Shit! They're here.

I immediately and quietly got up from the bed, closed the window quietly, switched off the light and acted like I wasn't around. But after a couple minutes the banging got louder and louder.

“Emily Carter, I know you're in there you silly girl…open this door” my landlady yelled.

I bit my lips, holding my breath because I felt it was too loud, silently praying and hoping she would get the message and leave. “I know you're in there. If you like keep hiding from me, tomorrow will be your last day in my house.” She threatened.

The knock continued for a couple of minutes only to suddenly stop. I wasn't sure If she was still waiting at the other side, so I tiptoed to the door placing my ear on it, but all I could hear were retreating footsteps.

Only then did I breathe a sigh of relief. This was my daily life as a debtor. Knowing my landlady, she'd definitely come back tomorrow and it won't be funny.

I needed a job fast but it was either jobs were afraid of me or am I immune to getting one? Because I have applied to several places but it always ends up with rejection or they ghosted me. Even when clearly the sign outside says workers needed, they still refuse to let me work.

What was I doing with my life?

Just as I walked to the bed about to slump on it, I heard another bang on the door and my relieved heart suddenly tensed up.

“Emily, Emily it’s me Steph” she yelled angrily " Open up"

Wait

” Stephanie?” I quickly opened the door, dragging her inside. She stomped in, hands on her hip, giving me that judgmental look. I closed the door quickly after checking that no one saw her.

“Really?”

" What?" I asked, scratching the back of my neck, pretending to be clueless, not ready to indulge her.

" Is this how you're going to continue living?"

 Here we go again. I moved past her slumping back on the bed. " Not like I have any choice. I can't find any job. It's like I'm immune to jobs."

She rolled her eyes, "that's why I've told you to come work with me at the club”

“It’s not going to happen Steph and you know why” She sighed.

“Alright, fine. Anyways, as your best friend and only person you have in this world... I've a job for you"

" Really!" I eagerly sat up, my ears springing up with all attentiveness.

Stephanie plopped herself on my bed like she owned the place. " Yeah, it's a nanny job that Peter…. the love of my life, helped me get for you."

" Wait hold on, Peter? Who's Peter? You now have another?" I sighed, heavily.

" You were just crying over one last week how are you up with another one" We were literally on tissues and ice-cream.

" I know but he's not like Michael…I know he's different. There's something about him." She said, all smiles which I know very well will soon turn to another week of cries and ice creams.

"Mhmmm" I hummed, knowing pretty well that's what she said about the last one and the one before and the one before that one.

" Do you want the job or not?"

" Ok when do I start"

" You could go for the interview at this address " she took out a piece of paper from her bag. I took it from her reading it out loud.

" Avanti estate" my eyes widen like they would pop at any second. " Isn't this the rich people estate...is this truly where I'll be going to tomorrow?" I asked her just to be sure.

" Yes, Peter kinda knows some wealthy people and I told him about you."

Oh my god. “Are you serious?” I asked, bewildered, “omg, I could kiss your boyfriend right now. This is huge, Steph.”

“ook…hollup, let's not get too ahead of ourselves.”

I gave her a face and we just laughed past it. “Soooo… Emily, there's this thing I need you to do for me.” she paused, looking randomly not wanting to maintain eye contact with me.

I looked serious. “Spill”

" Peter and I are going out for a date tonight and I need you to cover up my shift at the club" she folded her arms in front of her face in a pleading manner.

I frowned. " Steph, please don't start. I told you already, I'm done with these kinds of things. I promised my dad, remember?”

 “I know you promised your dad but I'm not asking to work there your whole life. It's just this night that's all”

“No, Steph, I can't. I just can't do…this" I glanced vaguely at her glittery heels and short dress, "or whatever you want me to do, it's not gonna work"

" Emily," she whined, grabbing my hand tightly that I couldn't let go. " Come on, please, it's just one night. You don't even have to do much. All you have to do is just serve a few drinks, smile and leave. I know, I don't have good luck with men but he's different. There's something about him that gives me butterflies every time our eyes meet.”

“His hulk chest and dreamy lips and oh. My. God. You need to see his abs. They are to die for” she continued

“Ok, ok I've heard enough, geez” I covered my ear with my hands.

She moved closer with her doe puppy eyes. “Emily, please you have to help me or else I'll lose this date and become a miserable widow that survives on ice-cream and chicken nuggets!!”

Argh!

I rolled my eyes knowing very well that this so-called date won't last like the others, but like they say, you can’t advice someone in love till it happens by itself.

" Fine," I reluctantly agreed." Only tonight and I won't help you again” I said after many minutes of hesitation.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you” she stood up moving closer to me and planting kisses all over my face while I struggled.

“ewww, get off me”

“Thank you” she said, motioning to the door, “I'll tell you everything that happened on our date when I get back. I've already informed my manager and he's aware that you're covering for me. And,”

“here” she throws a bag towards me.

 “Wait, I am not…” I rummaged through the content.

 “Alright bye” she shut the door before I could object.

I grabbed my pillow screaming into it. My dad is going to be so mad even in his unconscious state. But if this was the only way to clear up some of my debt and pay for his hospital bills then I'm ready to break every promise to see him smiling again.