Chapter 2 -Emily
I meticulously chose my attire for today: a long flowing floral skirt, an oversized red sweater, and sensible flats. To me, it felt like a blend of comfort and charm. My long, straight brunette hair was neatly pulled back, and my large stylish glasses seemed to magnify my nervousness. This internship was a golden opportunity, especially since just a few days ago, I had stumbled upon an email about it and hurriedly applied. I needed to make a good impression.
I stepped out of the bathroom and emerged into our shared living room that opened out into the kitchen space as Kristi’s laughter rang out, cutting through my moment of self-satisfaction.
“Emily! You look like you’re about to take a knitting class with a group of grandmas, not an interview that could change your life!”
Kristi stood there, effortlessly chic as always, with her blonde hair cropped into a sharp bob that framed her angular face. Her bright blue eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned casually against the kitchen counter, dressed in ripped jeans and a fitted black tank top. She had that air of unshakable confidence I always admired, effortlessly cool, like she belonged in a magazine spread.
Kristi and I met on the first day of college, and we'd been inseparable ever since. After graduation, we chose to move to my father's pool house. With Kristi losing her parents when she was just sixteen and having no siblings, our bond deepened, evolving into something more like family than just friendship.
I shrugged, glancing at my reflection in the hallway mirror. “I think it’s cute,” I defended, twirling to show off the flowy fabric. “Besides, I don’t need to impress anyone with my attire when I have first-class honors in Electrical Engineering. My brain is my best accessory.”
Kristi smirked, not missing a beat. “Sure, your brain is great and all,” she said, scrolling through her social media feed. “But Dominic Quantum is literally the hottest bachelor out there! Have you seen his pictures on social media? Totally dreamy.”
While Kristi obsessed over the who's who of social media, I stayed far away from it. I had to stay focused on my education, and now that that chapter was behind me, my only focus was building my career.
She turned the screen toward me, showing a picture of Dominic, his smile radiating charm, alongside a headline about his recent philanthropic efforts. “He just donated ten million dollars to a children's cancer hospital! Can you believe that? He’s single and ready to mingle, and the blogs are buzzing! Girl, this is your chance to snag your dream job and a man!”
Kristi’s blue eyes gleamed with mischief as she leaned in closer. "And he looks like the type of man who knows exactly how to please his woman."
“Kristi, stop,” I muttered, trying to brush off her teasing, but I could feel the blush creeping up my cheeks. She had this uncanny way of turning every conversation into something about me finding a guy and losing my virginity as if it were some rite of passage I was late for.
Kristi raised an eyebrow. “What? Don’t tell me you’re still hung up on what that idiot Jonathan said.”
Jonathan and I had met in our first year of college Math class, and at first, things were great, he was cute, and we hit it off. But the one time things started to get physical between us, he looked at me in my underwear and said he didn’t realize I was “this big.” I let out a bitter laugh at the memory. Since then, I’d been covering up. It was just easier that way.
Kristi’s playful demeanor shifted, and for a moment, she was serious. “Emily, that guy was a complete jerk. You’re gorgeous, and you’ve got way more to offer than some superficial nonsense.”
I forced a small smile, trying to shake off the embarrassment, but the memory still lingered, raw and painful. Kristi meant well, but she didn’t know what it felt like, how those words had stuck with me, making me second-guess every outfit, every glance in the mirror.
“Thanks,” I mumbled. “But honestly, today’s about acing that interview. That’s all I’m focused on.”
Kristi smirked, crossing her arms. “I agree. I need you to nail this interview. I’m counting on you to get that job so I can get the inside scoop. You know, a little gossip to help kick start my journalism career.”
I raised an eyebrow, pretending to be offended. “So, you’re just going to use me to get all the gossip on dreamy Dominic Quantum?”
Kristi grinned. “Isn’t that what best friends are for?”
We both burst out laughing, the tension from the interview nerves easing up for a moment.
“But Em, seriously, you need to stand out in that interview. There will be tons of young women gunning for the same job. First impressions matter! If you show up in that, they might ask you to bake some cookies and pull out a rocking chair for you.”
“Ha ha,” I replied dryly, a small smile tugging at my lips.
Kristi circled me like a vulture, pulling and tugging at my clothing. “With the assets you’ve got, you need to add a little more... pizzazz!”
“Pizzazz?” I laughed, tugging at my sweater. “Nobody wants to see a chunky girl like me flaunting anything.”
“Girl, it’s not about showing skin. It’s about finding clothes that fit you right and make you feel confident.” Kristi’s eyes sparkled with determination.
“And have everyone staring at me? No, thank you. I’d rather stay out of the spotlight.” I shrugged, casting my gaze down at the floor.
Kristi folded her arms across her chest, tapping her foot impatiently. “Do you want this job or not?”
I sighed, “Fine. What do you suggest, fashion guru?”
Kristi’s eyes lit up, as she grabbed my arm and dragged me to my closet. She began rummaging through my closet, tossing clothes aside as if searching for buried treasure.
“Let’s see... You need something that says, ‘I’m smart and adorable but also ready for an adventure!’ Something like…aha!” Kristi exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with excitement. She pulled out a long-sleeved white button-down fitted blouse adorned with ruffles at the cuffs, paired with a calf-length black skirt that hugged my curves without feeling too tight.
“And those flats? Not happening,” she declared, already rushing out of the room. She returned moments later, triumphantly holding up a sleek pair of black pumps.
She raised a hand to halt my protest. “Once you snag the job, you can wear those flats. But until then, it’s all about the pumps.”
I couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. “Alright, let’s do it. But if I end up in an embarrassing situation, I’m blaming you!”
Kristi grinned widely. “Deal! Now, let’s get you dressed. Time to turn my cute nerdy best friend into a knockout!”
An hour later, I stepped into Dominic Quantum’s office, my stomach a whirlwind of nerves. As the door clicked shut behind me, a wave of panic surged through me, and I suddenly felt like a trapped mouse. My heart pounded in my chest as I took in the sleek, modern decor and the imposing view of the city skyline. I had anticipated an interview with someone from HR, not Mr. Quantum himself.
“You can do this, Em. Pull yourself together,” I murmured to myself, my voice barely more than a whisper.
I glanced up at the man seated behind the imposing desk. Dominic Quantum, the man of the hour, looked every bit the part of the prestigious head of Quantum Edge Technologies. Despite his bulky frame, he seemed almost swallowed by the desk, his sharp features set in a contemplative expression. He was even more handsome in person than in his pictures. His dark, wavy hair was slicked back, silver highlights adding a touch of distinction to his look. His suit, impeccably tailored, hugged his frame, the fabric stretching just enough to reveal the subtle ripple of his muscles as he moved. But I couldn’t help but feel that something about him felt familiar, too familiar.
“Ms. Montgomery?” A voice jolted me back to the present, and I blinked at Mr. Quantum.
“Yes, sir, Mr. Quantum, sir,” I stammered, realizing that I had been so lost in my thoughts that I hadn’t heard a single word he’d said.
Great way to make a first impression, I chided myself.
“Please, take a seat,” he said, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk.
Clutching my handbag under one arm and my envelope with my resume in the other, I made my way to his desk. Just as I was within a few steps of it, my foot caught on something. I stumbled forward, and before I could react, I was falling, landing face-down on the plush carpet, the sharp sting of embarrassment burning my cheeks.
To make matters worse, two top buttons on my blouse popped off and tumbled across the floor. Mortified, I scrambled to my feet, my face flushed with humiliation. I clutched the envelope to my chest, desperately trying to shield my now-exposed black-laced bra and my cleavage that had become visible. My pride was in tatters as I fumbled to retrieve the fallen buttons and pressed the envelope close to me, my movements clumsy and frantic.
Mr. Quantum remained seated, his expression unreadable, his piercing blue eyes fixed on me with a cold detachment. What kind of man was he? Shouldn’t he at least have helped me up? Was chivalry really dead?
Pushing my thoughts aside, I quickly made my way to the chair in front of him and sank into it, doing my best to compose myself despite the fiery embarrassment.
“Thank you for interviewing me, Mr. Quantum,” I said, my voice trembling slightly.
Mr. Quantum’s gaze remained steady, and his next words held brutal critique as they cut through the air like a knife. “Ms. Montgomery, what makes you think you have the ability to intern at this company when you can barely make it from the door to the chair?”
“Mr. Quantum,” I began softly, forcing myself to keep his steady, intimidating gaze, “I understand that my entrance was less than ideal. However, I can assure you that my performance in the classroom reflects my true capabilities. I graduated with first-class honors, and I’ve worked incredibly hard to get here. I believe my academic achievements and my drive to succeed can contribute positively to Quantum Edge Technologies.”
His eyes narrowed, his voice a hint of irritation as he spoke, “Your resume, Ms. Montgomery.”
I froze, my heart racing as I tried to retrieve the papers from the envelope. But before I could even get a grip on them, the sharpness in Mr. Quantum’s voice stopped me. “Hand me the envelope with the papers.”
Flustered and acutely aware of my exposed breasts, I reluctantly handed over the envelope, clutching my handbag tightly in an attempt to cover myself.
“Stop fidgeting, Ms. Montgomery,” he said, his tone clipped, as he flipped through my resume.
I sat with my hands on my lap, gripping my purse tightly, trying to suppress my embarrassment. Mr. Quantum’s gaze darted up from the resume, briefly meeting mine before sliding down to my exposed cleavage. His intense, invasive stare made me feel flustered and unnervingly self-conscious.
Suddenly, his expression shifted and his eyes met mine.
“With first-class honors, you can intern anywhere. Why choose Quantum Tech?” he drawled.
“Mr. Quantum, I wanted to be a part of a company that I believed would allow me to gain real-life experience before I ventured into the workplace.”
“This isn’t a playground; it’s a competitive market. If you want to succeed here, you’ll have to put in the work and the hours. You’ll also have to learn how to take constructive criticism. I didn’t build this company by coddling feelings.”
I took a deep breath, “Understood.”
He nodded slightly, his demeanor shifting just a fraction.
“Good. What do you think is the most crucial skill for someone in this industry?”
“Adaptability,” I replied without hesitation. “The market is always changing, and being able to pivot quickly can make or break a business. Companies that resist change get left behind.”
“Interesting perspective,” he said, his brows furrowing slightly as he scribbled on his notepad. “And how would you handle a team conflict?”
“I believe in open communication. It’s essential to address issues directly, allowing everyone to voice their concerns. Sometimes, simply listening can resolve misunderstandings before they escalate.”
He leaned forward, assessing me. “And what do you think sets our company apart from our competitors?”
“Your commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. You don’t just follow trends; you create them. That’s why I’m eager to be part of your team, I want to contribute to that forward-thinking culture.”
“Solid answers,” he said, his voice betraying a hint of approval. “Last question: where do you see yourself in five years?”
“I see myself in a leadership role, helping to shape strategies that drive growth and foster a collaborative environment. I want to lead a team that’s not afraid to push boundaries.”
Mr. Quantum leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing as he considered my response. “Very ambitious. I like that.”
Good God! Why was his voice so alluring yet authoritative? I could feel the goosebumps prickling my skin.
Focus, Em, focus!
With a curt nod, he extended his hand. “Thank you for coming, Ms. Montgomery. We will send you an email letting you know if you made the team.”
As our hands met, a spark rippled through me, an electric connection that left me momentarily breathless. I quickly withdrew my hand, gathering my composure.
“Thank you, Mr. Quantum,” I said, a mix of excitement and nerves bubbling within me. I turned to leave, the sound of my heels clicking against the floor. I took a deep breath when I exited his office, feeling as though I could finally breathe after the weight of the interview.
As I walked to my car, my thoughts swirled in my mind, each one competing for attention. I replayed the questions, my answers, and that fleeting spark during our handshake. Was it enough?
When I finally got home, I found Dad lounging by the pool, flipping through a newspaper. I didn’t even have to say a word; he could read my expression like a book. “What happened, Em?” he asked, concern etched on his face. As I recounted the details of my interview, his eyes widened in recognition when I mentioned Dominic’s name.
“You know,” Dad began, his voice steady, “Dominic was my best friend.”
I gasped. Being abroad at college, where Dad visited me more than I did him and staying off social media explained why I hadn’t recognized Mr. Quantum.
“I haven’t seen him in so long. I knew he looked familiar.” Then something dawned on me. “Why did you say he was your friend? Did something happen between you guys?”
“I recently closed a major deal without him, and he’s stopped talking to me. But I’m happy that he is considering you for the internship, considering our differences, since I’m sure he recognized who you were.”
His words struck me like a slap. That would explain Mr. Quantum’s coldness towards me. I had been looking forward to this position, dreaming of what it could lead to, but now it felt tainted. The prospect of accepting a job where I was unsure of how I would be treated didn't sound appealing to me.
Yet, Dad's insistence that I should take the position shocked me. “You can’t let my relationship with Dom dictate your future,” he urged. “If they call you back, you’ve got to accept. You’re a Montgomery and we don’t back down from a challenge. If you want to make a name for yourself, then there’s no better place to do it than at Quantum Tech.”
I hesitated, weighing my options. I’d never get another opportunity like this again. It would only make sense to accept if they offered me the internship. I was a fun-loving person, and I was sure that after spending some time with me, Mr. Quantum, or should I say Uncle Dom, would come around.
With a deep breath, I made a silent promise to myself: I would seize this opportunity, and thrive in this competitive world, no matter what it took.