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The boss

I stand up and look once more toward the door. Two had been interviewed and left the chief's office visibly shaken. But the third had been there for more than 10 minutes, which could indicate good things for him and bad things for me. I get up from my chair and walk in circles to calm myself down. I soon hear a familiar voice in the hallway and am impressed to see who it was.

"Mr. Parker?" I ask with a smile.

He turns to me and looks at me for a while, then remembers who I was and flashes me a smile.

"Laura Castro?" He asks excitedly.

I nod, trying to feign normalcy upon hearing that last name.

"It's a pleasure to see you again". I speak as I greet him with a handshake.

"Similarly". He hands back. "Are you lost? Do you want me to take you to the floor where your husband works?" He asks thoughtfully.

"I'm actually here for a job interview". Answering and I'm surprised. "To be your secretary actually".

He is confused at first and then laughs out loud.

"I think you have me confused with the owner of the company, darling, after all we have the same last name". She says, still laughing.

I can't shake the surprise I was feeling.

"I could have sworn you owned the company". I speak and he laughs even harder.

"I'm the supervisor, but not even close to being the owner. We are different Parker's". He explains again and I sign. "Is it your turn?" He asks and points to the door.

I look back and see that the third candidate had just left the boss's office and had a winning smile on his face.

"I believe so". Answering, already feeling my stomach churning.

"Don't worry, I'll try to help you". Speaks with a gentle smile.

He walks to the boss's door and enters, closing the door shortly after. I return to my seat and wait, feeling my hopes going down the drain. Surely the supervisor Parker would hire me, but now the competition is even. I look at my resume and feel sorry for myself, after all I only had a few things filled out. Nothing interesting that would make me stand out.

"Laura". I hear someone calling me and I see Mr. Parker. "You can come in now".

I return his smile as best I can and thank him when he wishes me good luck. I enter the room and see a tall man looking out the window. Not only was he tall, he was also big and you could tell, even in his suit, that he was muscular.

"Close the door". His voice sounds through the room.

His voice had an impressive authoritative tone, making me obey his order immediately and unconsciously.

"Sit down". Speak again.

Instantly, I am already sitting in the chair and waiting intently to hear his next order. He turns toward me and leaves me completely stunned. The only thing going through my mind was: how is it possible for such a man to exist? I still didn't have the answer, but there he was. He looked at me seriously, without expressing any feeling. He watched me for a long time and then sat down in his seat, facing me.

"Is this your resume?" He asks, looking at me with an arched eyebrow.

I finally return to my normal state, remembering the importance of this moment in my life. I look at the paper in his hands and see my picture, then sign it. He was serious and then looks at my resume again, letting out a sigh. His face was not good, nor was the look on his face, and the sigh only indicated what I was already sure of.

"Why do you think you are qualified for this position?" He asks and then looks at me again with attention.

"Well, I..." I take a deep breath and start again, trying to control my nervousness. "I graduated with the best grades and I have a letter of recommendation from my principal. I speak three languages fluently and am good at dealing with people. In addition, I have several extra courses and knowledge that can add a lot of value". Answering finally managing to stay calm and express myself well.

"If you have all these qualities, why don't you have any experience?" He asks, looking at my resume and then at me.

He didn't look confused, his questions and glances sounded more like a challenge. Of course I knew that this was a test, but I didn't expect it to be in such an obvious way.

"I took a break from my career". I explain and he gets quiet.

"What year did you graduate?"

"2017". Responding.

"So you took a five-year break?" He asks again with an arched eyebrow.

"Yes." Quickly answering.

"Do you have children?" He asks, and I'm surprised.

"I don't..."

"This job requires one to be available for travel, last minute unforeseen events, and a lot of overtime". He explains quickly, interrupting my question.

I sigh and nod.

"I don't have children". I answer and he nods.

"Married?" He asks without looking at me.

"Yes". I really feel a pain in my throat for having to say that.

"Thank you for coming, you'll get a message soon". He speaks still without looking at me.

I stand up half confused, not understanding why he seemed to stop halfway through. I leave that room and take a deep breath, feeling more relieved. But soon the weight of defeat goes over my body again and I huff an irritated snort. I take the elevator to get out as quickly as possible so that I can drown my sorrows in a big pot of ice cream. I leave that company and walk slowly through the streets. I pass in front of the restaurant of my dreams and stop to admire it.

I don't know how many times I begged Joy for us to come over for dinner. We hadn't gone out together for many years, we only went to friends' and relatives' houses. What a jerk my husband was and I didn't see it? I huff an irritated snort and have an idea. I reach for my wallet and see that Joy's card is still there. I crack a smile and walk into the restaurant, ready to "take me out".

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