Chapter 4

Charlie

"Hi, I'm Charlie Phillips," I introduced myself with clear confidence, even though he hadn't bothered to look up from his laptop. He raised a finger, and annoyance simmered within me at his rude behavior. I rolled my eyes discreetly, biting my tongue and waiting, somewhat impatiently, for him to acknowledge me.

"Sorry about that. If I didn't finish reading that email, I would never have gotten through it," he finally glanced up at me and offered a smile. I brushed off his behavior and focused on moving forward with the interview.

"Please, take a seat," he motioned to one of the chairs opposite his obnoxiously large desk.

"Thank you," I replied, taking the offered seat and placing my bag on my lap.

"I'm afraid you have the lesser brother today. My brother Daniel was called away unexpectedly. I'm Ben, the CFO here," he explained. "While I have a vague understanding of your abilities, it's my brother Daniel who could truly appreciate your skills. However, I do know enough to recognize that anyone who wins the Stephenson Grant for Inspiring Designs is someone we should meet with." He smiled again, and I immediately felt relief that perhaps this meeting would go better than I had hoped.

"Yes, I saw that you recently took over your positions. Your resumes are extremely impressive, and I'm happy to walk you through some of my design ideas so you can get an idea of what I've done so far," I said, smiling as I pulled out my laptop and portfolio to show him my designs from school, including the house that won the Stephenson Grant.

"So, you researched us before your interview?" he smirked, and I felt my composure waver.

"It's always best to be prepared. And if I can be honest, I've been hoping for an interview here since I graduated. I researched all architecture and engineering companies specializing in eco-friendly designs and technology, as it's my main focus and the subject of my master's," I replied with a confident smile.

"Very impressive. I understand you designed the first fully self-sufficient house that can be mass-produced and provide low-income housing without any utility bills?" he raised an eyebrow, seemingly skeptical.

"In theory, if there is enough rainfall, we can use rainwater for various purposes. However, the technology needed for treating water is not currently available in sizes suitable for houses or mass production. My hope is that as technology advances, or if I can develop the technology myself, we can filter rainwater with UV light to make it safe for drinking and bathing. Then, we can pass the same water through a second filter and use it for secondary purposes like toilets and laundry machines. Finally, the leftover water can be filtered again to nourish lawns without any harm. For this to work, we need sufficient wind for the turbine and enough sunlight for solar panels. While we haven't achieved this fully yet, I plan to include roof vents to increase the space available for solar panels and use sustainable materials to lower costs and improve insulation." I'm excited that I managed to explain all of this without stumbling.

"Well, that certainly is impressive. I understand several companies are developing other methods in an attempt at fully self-sufficient houses, though. What sets yours apart?" he smiled, and I felt a sense of familiarity that I couldn't quite place.

"I'd be more than happy to discuss those distinctions with you. I have some designs and simulations on my laptop that I believe you'll find intriguing," I nodded, taking him through the rest of my designs, explaining their unique features, why they surpassed other approaches, and why I believed they represented the future of housing. After nearly an hour, we shook hands, and I left his office with confidence, feeling optimistic about winning Ben Summer over.

Ms. Michaels escorted me back to Elaina, who fortunately, wasn't on the phone. This was my chance to give her my number. However, before I could do so, she emerged from around the desk and linked her arm through mine.

"How did it go?" she asked, bumping me lightly with her hip.

"Pretty well, I think. I hope. I would love to work here," I responded, giving her a small smile.

"I would love it if you worked here too," she replied, batting her eyelashes seductively.

"Before you go, here's my number. I hope it's not too forward, but I was hoping we could get a drink sometime." I took the piece of paper with her number scrawled on it, biting my lip before responding.

"That sounds excellent. Call me, and we will set something up!" she sauntered back to her desk, wiggling her hips a little as she went.

I watched her retreating figure until she was behind the desk, blushing when I realized she had noticed.

"You're adorable when you blush!" she called out, and I waved back, giving her a shy smile.

Well, if nothing else, at least I got a date, I thought as I rode the elevator back down. My dating life had been rather quiet since college, with only two real relationships in the past eight years and several first dates that never went anywhere. It wasn't that I was a prude, but I simply didn't see the point in prolonging something if the initial connection wasn't there.

Leaving the building without glancing back at the snobby receptionist in the lobby, I decided to treat myself to a coffee on my way home, along with a decadent mushroom, brie, and pancetta croissant from my favorite bistro. It was an indulgence I rarely allowed myself, but today was a cause for celebration.

As I strolled through the city, enjoying the crisp fall air before the inevitable snow and ice arrived, suddenly, my phone rang, and I balanced my treats in one hand as I answered, pleasantly surprised to find a certain sexy secretary on the other end.

"Hello again, Ms. Phillips. This is Elaina from Appletree Engineering and Architecture. Mr. Ben Summer was wondering if you could come back tomorrow to meet with some of our department heads. Mr. Daniel Summer has been detained and won't be able to meet with you as hoped until next month at the earliest. But if you impress the heads of departments like you did Mr. Ben today, even the CEO won't be able to deny you a job!" she whispered huskily over the phone, sending a shiver down my spine.

"That sounds great. What time should I be there?" I replied, unable to hide the smile on my face.

"Would noon work for you? You could even let me take you to lunch afterward to celebrate," she continued with her seductive whispers, leaving me with the distinct feeling that she was trouble.

"Sounds like a date. I'll see you tomorrow, Elaina."

"See you then, Ms. Phillips."

"Please call me Charlie."

"See you then, Charlie," she responded.

I practically jumped for joy, skipping all the way to the subway. I felt like I was walking on air.

If I could pull off that meeting, I would finally have my foot in the door and could make the world a safer, cleaner place. I could help so many people, just like my mother, who had struggled for most of her life to pay our bills and provide for me. She had sacrificed so much, and I hoped that one day I could repay her and give her a life without those constant struggles.

But It was too early to call her.

Little did I know that this opportunity would lead me down a path filled with unexpected twists and turns, forever changing the course of my life.