The Interview

I think I’ve used up my luck for the day.

First, I barely make it on time for the interview.

Second, I miraculously pass the exam.

Listening to the two other candidates answer their questions proficiently, I realize that the gig is up. I try to compose a believable story for Mr Lombardi. At least this time around, it doesn’t involve lies. I did make it to the final stage. 

“Now for the final question for the three of you,” the old interviewer who sat in the middle says, adjusting his glasses. “Let’s assume you often receive anonymous tips from an undisclosed source and they capture the public interest but the downside is that it affects the reputation of someone rich. What would you do?” He ends the question with a smirk on his face. I begin to wonder what exactly he wants as a reply.

The first candidate clears his throat and sits up, “I believe the only right answer is to not release anymore of the defamatory article and find out the truth. After all, it is our job to be honest to the public.” 

The old man nods but something in his eyes dim, almost like that isn’t what he wants to hear. The gaze shifts to the woman beside me.

“I would properly investigate the source of the information in order not to mislead the public.” 

The man sighs with a small, disappointed smile on his face. “And you? Something similar?” He asks me.

My mind instantly drifts back to Mr Lombardi’s words, 

“..The publishing company has a knack for spreading information that will rouse the public so they’re protecting whoever their source is..”

That only means that this company did not care about whether the information is true or not, all they want is public engagement.

“Whoever the person is must have a reason for bringing information anonymously. He must have witnessed something or experienced something in the hands of this rich person. The public has the right to their own opinion, so I believe it should be left to them to judge if the information is right or wrong.” I can almost hear the sound of my own heartbeat when I finish talking. 

The old man smiled before clearing his throat. “That would be all. Due to the urgency, the results will be out in a few hours. An email will be sent to the successful candidate.” 

All three interviewers walk out of the room and I let out a shaky breath. 

“What was that about?” The woman beside me asks and I furrow my brows in confusion.

“She was trying to stand out.” The man scoffs. 

“Are you aware that this company is known for exposing corrupt people and you’re suggesting they don’t look into the source of their information.” The woman says, folding her arms.

“Goodluck to you.” The man laughs and they walk out of the room, leaving me to my thoughts.

My stomach growls in hunger and I remember the coffee shop from earlier. I check my account balance and almost jump in joy when I see I can at least afford a cup of coffee. 

As I walk to the coffee shop, I can’t help but feel uneasy like someone is watching me. I quickly enter the small, crowded shop. Just as I am about to get to the counter someone touches my shoulder and I let out a toe curling scream. The entire shop freezes and turns to stare at me. I look at the person that touched me only to see a gorgeous blue eyed man staring at me in shock.

My face burns in embarrassment and I mumble an apology before running out of the shop. The man follows me outside and I turn again to apologize.

“You should save that scream for when you’re in actual danger,” he says with a playful smile on his lips, “which could be soon depending on how well the interview went.”

“You work for Mr Lombardi?” I ask and he nods enthusiastically. I take a step back and take a good look at him. If my life wasn't in danger, I would’ve been fawning over him. He has baby blue eyes and the softest looking brown hair. Something in me knew that they would feel smooth under my finger tips.

Get hold of yourself Mia!

I shake the thought away from my head and focus on the plastic bags in his hands. 

“I’m Drew by the way.” He raises the bags when he notices my gaze, “Lunch?” He asks and I almost cry in relief.

“Thanks.” I say and we both walk to the bench beside the coffee shop. My stomach does a weird flip and I wonder if it is just hunger or something else.

“How did the interview go?” 

“I don’t know how I made it to the last stage but I definitely flopped it.” I say honestly. The words of the other candidates echo in my mind. What if I messed up real bad? Should I have just gone with the same answer as the other two?

“Oh you flopped the exam too.” Drew laughs and I furrow my brows in confusion. “Let me put it simply, I hacked into the system and made sure you aced it.”

“What?” I ask in shock. The burger in my hand, long forgotten.

“You barely made an average score.” His laughter increases with every word he says and I feel my face burn. “You didn’t even ask how we got you in the interview.”

“H-how did you..”

“Luckily we found someone that wasn’t going to show up, hacked into the system and swapped you two. Easy.” He shrugs. 

“That’s unbelievable.” I slowly take a bite out of my burger. I wonder what these people are capable of. They aren’t just ruthless but smart. The brains AND brawns. My heart pounds uneasily as I wonder what my fate would be when Mr Lombardi finds out I messed up. 

On cue, my phone dings and Drew snatched it out of my hands. I don’t even make any effort to take it back. Maybe he’ll pity me and plead on my behalf. 

“Looks like you’re not dying soon.” Drew says with a huge smile on his face. I almost get lost in his childlike smile when the words sink in.

"What?”

“You got the job.” He raised his hands for a high five. I squeal in joy and wrap my arms around his neck in joy before letting go.

“I can’t believe it!” I take my phone from his hands and go through the email congratulating me on the job.

“Me neither.” Drew mumbles. I look at him in confusion before realization sets in. 

 I hugged him.

“I’m so sorry about that. I was just so happy.” I quickly apologize. 

He nods and clears his throat, “I’ll inform the boss.” He takes his phone out of his pocket and walks towards the traffic sign to make the call.

My eyes follow him and I feel my heart beat fast. It is probably the excitement of getting the job. It has to be.

There’s no way I have a crush on a guy working for the very man that wants to kill me.