A Strange Day

Well, this was strange to say at least, I think to myself. I was grateful for Lily’s ride and getting here. Even though I was late, I was still hoping to make it to the interview. I quickly texted Leo that I made it, so he will not worry and opened the door. As I step into the lobby of the huge building it is even more intimidating than its view from outside. Large marble reception desk is in the center and a woman in her 30ties or so is sitting behind it... Her fiery red hair is styled to perfection, her icy cold blue eyes with perfect makeup. Her outfit looks like it costs more than my rent… I rush towards her nervously and she raises her eyes to me..

“Miss Brooke, I presume???” She says as she looks at her watch…

“Err, yes I could not find the transportation from the trin station I stutter, I apologize I tell her hurriedly”. She taps on her computer screen and looks at her watch again. “Mr. Loke appreciates punctuality she says with the stern voice”, looking at me dismissively. I gulp... There goes my chance...

“I really am sorry, it was totally out of my control, I..”

I am a blubbering mess, and I cannot believe how crazy I must sound… On a que my hair tie break, and my hair falls down as I am trying to pick it up nervously... She raises her eyebrow and looks at me again and simply says.. “Wait here”

She clicks again on the computer and I notice earphone buzzing in her ear.. She says something in a foreign language I do not understand, while I am desperately searching for anything in my purse to tie my unruly hair.. Beads of sweat are coming out on my forehead, and I cannot imagine that I look even halfway presentable. From all the stress my hands are shaking and I drop my purse and spill the content over the shiny floor..

Oh great, just great, I thought to myself.. I may as well just walk myself out..

“Miss Brooke”, says the lady clearly unamused by my antics.. “Somebody will come to take you upstairs”. .. “Oh, thank you thank you, I really appreciate it.. thank you so much” I continue mumbling. .She does not smile, she just looks at me...

I see a tall, blonde man walking towards me and as I try to put myself together, just as she says.. “Miss Brooke”… I turn around and she is handing me a handkerchief. “Mr. Locke does not like a messy face she says. Wipe yourself up”…. I nod and look at her all embarrassed... “Thank you, I’ll bring it back, I promise”, I said in a small voice. She just turns around and says nothing..

The man standing to take me upstairs looks at me with no expression. His voice is strong, yet even and unmoving… “Miss Brooke”.. I look at him – he is a tall gentleman with dark eyes and styled blonde hair. His face looks as it is chiseled in stone, his eyes on me. “You are late”

I not nervously. He simply says. “Follow me”.

The elevator ride is surprisingly fast. I find myself on the 35th floor in a matter of seconds. He walks in front of me and opens a black heavy double door with ease. There is a large corridor with artwork that looks incredible and I wished for a second I had a moment to admire it.. He walks briskly and I am struggling to keep up.. The second door is locked and he presses his palm to the screen on the right. It slides open and I follow into what I presumed was an office..

“Mr. Locke”… the man next to me says to the figure standing by the window, his back turned to us.. I see a large male figure in a dark gray suit, easily a man much taller than my brother. 6.7, 6,9 perhaps. “Your 11:00 interview is here”, the blonde man says.

“Thank you, Valor”, I hear a husky voice. “Leave”.

“Yes Mr. Locke” blonde man says, no emotion in his voice… And he is gone..

I stand in the doorstep not knowing what to do with myself.. Mr. Locke does not move … I look around and realize that the whole side of this floor is turned into his office… It is elegantly decorated.. The white marble statues of two ancient warriors flank each wall .. One holding a bow and another with a large sword.. The desk in the middle looks larger than my kitchen with black slab on top and minimal décor… There is a sitting area with beige and tan furniture and few chairs to match the neutral decor, but I stay frozen as I do not know what to do at this point…

I hear the husky voice again.. “Miss Brooke, you are late”.

At this point, I have somehow lost the ability to speak and my voice comes out softer than normal.. “I am sorry, I.. “

“Enough!!!” he says his arm raised in the air… “You are here now, we will make do” and with that he turns towards me..