It was 12:30pm and Sandra was getting pretty uncomfortable in her chair. She longed to take a stroll and stretch her legs. She began to feel a throbbing pain on the big toe of her left leg; her feet were tucked into a tight fitting pair of stilettos. She was here for a job interview that had been scheduled for 9.00am and here she was, still waiting to be called in some three hours later.
Still contemplating whether or not to take a stroll outside the office premises, she unbuttoned her suit jacket to get some air in. Just then, a tall young man walked into the room. Sandra silently prayed that she would be the first to be called in.
“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.” He began, with a smile on his face. “We are sorry for the delay. It’s due to some things beyond our control. God willing, everything would be rectified soon. In the meantime, everyone should proceed to the cafeteria for the tea break. Thank you.”
The young man had hardly walked out the door before the group he just addressed began to murmur. Every one of them seemed to be running out of patience. It already looked liked it was going to be a long day.
As they trooped into the cafeteria, Sandra spotted a table in a corner at the far end and decided to go for it. She wanted to sit alone and brood over the last few hours. As she sat, silently sipping her drink, with her eyes lazily wandering over the place, she suddenly noticed a handsome young man at the counter. He had striking features – tall, broad-shouldered, and walked with a steady gait. Unbelievably, he seemed to be headed in her direction.
“Good afternoon, Miss. Do you mind if I join you?” he asked, smiling, revealing a set of perfect white teeth.
“No, not at all” she said, mesmerized by his looks. He was indeed good looking though he seemed to carry an air of authority around him. He had dreamy eyes; one that seemed to draw you in and expose all your deep thoughts. Suddenly, she realized she had been staring at him and she shifted her gaze to her drink.
“Seems to me that this whole ‘delay thing’ pisses you off” he said, as he took a bite of his pie.
“I think ‘pisses you off’ is rather mild. More like irritates and infuriates. What is this country of ours turning into? It’s been three hours now and no one has been called in to be interviewed. It is so wrong.” Sandra fumed. She set her glass on the table to keep her drink from getting spilled. Her hands were already shaking.
“I understand your plight, young lady. Can I ask you a question?” he said, looking intently into her eyes. Sandra nodded affirmative and he went on. “What do you think of Holden & Briggs? Do you really want to work here or is it because the pay is good?”
“Well, I think Holden & Briggs sucks and they don’t treat their staff well. I’d rather work in Fulton, another investment company much bigger than Holden & Briggs but I do not have the required qualification of a finance officer assistant. Fulton pays better and there are many privileges you’ll get as a staff. What can I do? I’d rather work here than stay jobless.”
“Is that so?” the young man looked a little bit surprised. “I thought the general opinion was that Holden & Briggs was the best investment company in town. Though it is a small company, it is a very efficient one.” He said.
“When it comes to the welfare of their staff which is what concerns me now, the reverse is the case. Anyway, I do not plan to stay here for long. I plan to leave for Fulton after I have been sent for training by this company.”
Just then, a lady in a grey suit walked in and made an announcement: “We are sorry for the delay. Everything has now been resolved. You may now proceed into Room15E from where you would be called in individually into the GM’s office. Thank you for your cooperation.”
Sandra looked to her left where her companion had been sitting and he was no longer there. He seemed to have vanished into thin air. Nonchalantly, she picked up her bag and left the cafeteria with the others.
“Number 4, Miss Sandra Ade-Smith” the secretary called from the long list in her hands. Sandra adjusted her suit jacket as she stepped into the grand office. As she shut the door behind her, she looked up and her eyes met that same pair of dreamy eyes. This was going to be her worst nightmare!
“Miss Sandra, it’s so nice meeting you again. You can have a seat”.