3. Interview gone wrong

I stare at the building before me in distaste. This is what I've resorted to because it's always the same result.

I sent out my resume to a few companies. They were all hiring, just not looking for an advertiser.

After three long weeks of looking for a noble job, I started searching for any kind of job. At this point, I can work as a waiter or a bartender, which propels my decision to enter the building.

Lucas doesn't know I've lost my job. He still thinks I go to work every morning because he asks how work went every other afternoon and I smile and lie through my fake smile that my day and my boss were great.

The building before me, 'Ecstasy' showcases a signboard that says they're looking for waitresses and cooks. Most places I've stopped by don't even have an open position. I don't know how to cook enough to apply as a professional cook, so I decide to settle on waitressing.

I can be working as a waitress for the time being until a company finally accepts my application and requests an interview.

What makes me feel better is the fact that the restaurant before me is high-class. That means they'll pay well because, from the very expensive cars in the parking lot, a lot of well-off people patronize this place.

I take a deep breath and walk in. The first thing I see is a reception, and the receptionist plasters a wide smile on her face when she sees me come in. "Welcome to Ecstasy. Do you have a reservation?"

I clear my throat and project all my confidence into my voice despite me feeling vulnerable at the thought of being jobless. "I'm here to apply for a job. I heard you're hiring."

Her smile seems more genuine when she speaks this time. "Yes, we are. We need cooks and waiters. What exactly are you applying for?"

"A waitress." Internally, I wince at the word. I never thought a day would come when I'll have to waitress. I've never done it in my life. My parents were —are— loaded so I didn't have to work when I was younger. I didn't have to work at the university because I was busy balancing school and taking care of a child while Lucas' father provided.

My first experience working was my last job and I was only accepted as an intern there because of my parent's connections. It just so happened that I was a good addition and they decided to keep me. Until they didn't.

The receptionist laughs. "You're already dressed for the job."

I look down at my clothing choice. I'm clad in the typical black and white formal attire. A white plaid shirt and a black pencil skirt.

"Come with me. Someone will interview you at the back."

She starts walking away and I follow her as expected. "Interview?" I ask, not really expecting that. I expected them to give me a form that will determine if they will call me back for an interview.

"We're desperate if you can't already tell."

I nod, despite knowing she won't see me, and follow silently until we reach a door. She doesn't knock before she wrenches the door opening, stepping inside. Hesitantly, I follow behind.

When I look forward, I'm met with the captivating blue eyes of a man in a chair. I realize it's his office and he probably owns the restaurant or is the manager. "Gerald, we have a new applicant." She informs him.

"Thanks, Jess." He shoots a sweet smile at her, letting me know they're more than just employer and employee. "I'll handle her. You can get back to work."

Jess turns around and winks at me before she leaves. I don't know why she does that. I don't know why she's so enthusiastic.

"Take a seat, dear."

I take a seat and keep my hands on my thighs. I don't know how to act. I've never been in an interview. Maybe, if my parents had let me get a job when I was younger, things won't be so awkward now.

"What's your name?"

"Aria Jennings."

"Aria," he practices and it rolls off his tongue sweetly. "I'm Gerald LeVert. I'm the manager of Ecstasy." So, my guess is correct. "What are you applying for?"

I sigh subtly. Why are they making me repeat it? Is this a joke? Is that karma for going against my parents all those years ago? Is that what this is? I'm tempted to just say fuck it and leave, but I don't. I remember how I've started touching what I stored away for the future. I guess this is the future, but I still don't want to use the money so soon. "A position as a waitress."

"Do you have any experience waitressing?"

I shake my head, no.

His eyes narrow. "Where did you work last?"

I'm not fond of remembering where I worked last because it reminds me of what Shawn tried to do; of what he's capable of. I wonder if he has tried it with any other female worker before me. "Landon and co."

Gerald's eyebrows shoot up. "Isn't that an advertising company?" It isn't very popular, so I wonder how he knows this.

Teeth gritted, I answer. "It is."

"Did you resign or did you get fired? What made you leave?"

I don't know what that has to do with waitressing. Anyone can waitress. Even if it is a drug dealer or an ex-convict. I don't see the reason why he wants to know about me personally.

It is your professional life.

Whatever it is, I don't see the reason he has to know. "Why?"

"I need to make sure my employees are trustworthy and reliable."

I guess there's that.

"Both actually."

Gerald releases a laugh. "What do you mean by that?"

For the first time in a while, I smile a genuine smile, even if it is sheepish. "I got fired, but then I pleaded for my job back. My old boss then asked for a blow job and I quit. I sent in my resignation the next morning."

At my admission, Gerald's face loses all its friendliness. He blinks repeatedly. "You're that Aria?"

My face scrunches up in confusion as I don't understand what he means by that Aria but I nod anyway. "Yes."

"You don't look like you've put to bed though." He mutters to himself.

"What?"

Am I hearing correctly? Did he just say I don't look like I've had a child? How does he even know this information? "It's quite a coincidence running into you." I become more confused if that's even possible. "Shawn's my good friend. He told me about you."

My breath gets stuck in my throat because I know whatever he's going to say next won't be pleasing to my ears.

"Don't get me wrong. I never imagined us meeting, but Shawn was moaning about a woman out to ruin his name. I didn't take him seriously because he's a good person, why will anyone do that?" Gerald pauses and searches my face for any reaction to his words. There's none. "You just proved me wrong."

I only focus on one sentence out of his monologue. "Shawn's a good person?"

"Yes, he is. We've been mates since college."

I laugh humorlessly. I already know I'm not getting this job. What hurts is that I had high hopes since they were desperate. "So you know your mate has been getting into sexual assaults these days right? He kissed me forcefully." I emphasize, but Gerald's expression remains stoic.

"That's not what happened."

"Humor me."

"You have a son, don't you?" I stare at him blankly, not replying. He takes that as a yes. "You go into work late because of him and Gerald fires you for your tardiness. You want your job back and instead of pleading for it like you said you did, you tried to seduce him. Seeing as he's loyal to his fiance, he doesn't give in, so you force yourself on him."

At this point, I hate Shawn even more. More so, I am disgusted by him. He has a fiance? If I'd given in, he would've been cheating on her?

"Then, he pushes you off him where you get escorted out by security. Am I right?"

I stand up from the chair, not wanting to waste any more of my time here. "I'm not getting this job, am I?"

Gerald shakes his head as if pitying me. What I wouldn't give to punch him in the face right now. Both him and his bastard mate, Shawn. "Not only are you unreliable because of your tardiness, but you're also a liar and a potential rapist. I don't see why I should let you in this fine establishment."

I can almost feel my ears emitting flames. "It is because of men like you women don't like to speak up. I can get Shawn in jail for what he did to me, but people like you who don't believe me won't let that happen. Instead, he's free to walk around knowing that he's a danger to the female community."

Gerald still seems as calm as ever. "You're still keeping up with this act? I already said I'm not hiring you."

"Fuck you," I conclude. "Fuck you and your bastard of a mate. If someone like you runs this place, I don't even want to be in it."

"You're free to go, Aria."

I want to scream. I hate that my words don't have any effect on him. Does he have any empathy? Why doesn't he feel guilty? "For their sake, I hope you don't have any kids. Wouldn't want them to grow up with the same mentality as you have."

His eye twitches. My words are beginning to affect him.

"I also hope that you don't have a female partner because if you do and she gets assaulted, you won't believe her."

"Get the fuck out, Aria."

Without saying any more, I turn on my heel and exit his office with much-needed urgency. I can't be around a man like that who blindly trusts men and doesn't believe women when they speak out.

Jess sees me rushing out and she immediately stops me, panicking at the expression on my face. "What happened?"

I smile sadly. "Let's just say your boss is a fucking cunt."