Dreamer

Previously: Car crash & The heat wave

Once in the business center’s parking lot, I park my car and check my makeup. It’s still there, still natural, still effortless. I remember Barbie’s face filled with makeup, and I mean a full face with eyes, highlights, contour, fake lashes, blush, and red lips, all in the morning. Why would you do that in the morning instead of sleeping? And more importantly, what does she wear at special events? I laugh at the thought and start reapplying my lipstick.
The business center wasn’t exactly a skyscraper business center but more like an old aesthetic building, which gives hints of Art Nouveau and Beaux-arts.
A three-story white building with columns and architectural details was the SINVOWLE business center.
Sinvowle was a family business that started around the ’70s and included small businesses in agriculture, the food industry, HORECA, and, from the next wedding season – events planning. And that’s exactly what I want to do.
-Hello, how can I help you? A sweet voice wakes me up from admiring the building. It was a petite brunette with dark eyes, winged eyeliner, straight hair in a bun, and red lips. Damn, she was hot in her button-up shirt and pants, even behind the desk.

-Hello, I am here for a job interview. It’s scheduled for 09:00.
-Name?
-Sure, Alice Lenon.
-Interesting name; you are not from here, though.
-Is that obvious?
-Just a little. You know, the name and the fact that you came up for an interview dressed like an honest businesswoman, not like all the girls that want to be Mr. Iannis’s secretary.
-Mr. Iannis?
-Yeah, he is the owner’s son. He took over the company after Mr. Nolan partially retired. However, today, you’re lucky to have an interview with the father, not the son. Follow me.

I follow her down the corridor until we reach a solid, elegant, massive door. She knocks and enters, leaving me outside but hearing.

-Mr. Nolan, Mr. Iannis scheduled an interview for the event planning manager position today. Still, he called earlier to let me know he’d be late and asked you to interview.
-And, what exactly was my son’s reason?
-Well, something about his car, sir. He didn’t give me details; he just told me he would be late.
-OK, OK, thanks, Dennise. The voice grew louder, and suddenly, the door opened.
A 60-something man with too little white hair and a body to die for. It was the body of a man who worked in his life; however, it was a man well kept.
Some maroon trousers sculpted his long legs, and a short-sleeved shirt was partially covered with a vest. Some moccasins completed the look of an elegant young grandpa.
He was effortlessly classy and casual at the same time.
With a warm face and voice, he welcomed me in.
-Please, Miss. after you. Sit down. He points to a leather chair in front of his desk. The room is filled with bookcases, old and new books. The smell of cigars is present in the room; however, it is like an old smell. Mr. Nolan sits in his office chair in front of a floor-to-ceiling window that reveals mountains behind him.
He must’ve seen my face as he asks me:
-Do you like the view? It’s my favorite thing. My son calls me crazy for choosing this room as my office.
-The view is fantastic, and so is the room; now, as we all know, preferences might differ. So do priorities.
-Smart answer. Honestly, I don’t have your resume, as you weren’t on my to-do list for today, but I am willing to interview you. I actually believe more in human interaction than in skills on paper. Skills can be taught, to be human? Harder at this age! So tell me about you!
-Well, my name is Alice Lenon. I graduated this June with my Master’s degree in Communications and PR.
-You’re not from here.
-No, I am not. But what gave me away?
-Everything, from the way you talk to the way you dress and the way you are not intimidated by me. Not a small-town girl.
-Should I be intimidated?
-Only if you plan on stealing my son’s heart and marrying him!
-Excuse me? I burst out nervously laughing.
-See, this gives you away exactly. You don’t know who my son is, but all the girls and women who apply for an in-office job know and are doing it for his attention.
-Let me assure you that I am not here to get his or your attention. In fact, I want as little attention from men as possible. I am here to work, and event planning is my childhood dream. No matter my life choices, they were still in my heart, so when I saw the position, I took the leap and applied. I’m not here for your son, just for the job he listed.
-Do you have any experience in event planning?
-No, I don’t. The only experience I have is small family events.
-About family, is it here with you?
-No sir, I am alone. But this won’t affect my work.
-All right, but you know we won’t open until next season.
-I know that. However, the job is listed almost a year ahead, which makes me think you need someone to plan ahead and take clients so that you can have events next summer.
-Yes, indeed, but I’m trying to make the point that you might not always have tasks related to your position. Are you willing to take on other tasks?
-What other tasks?
-You know, everything that has to be done, including entry-level tasks…
-Secretary tasks?
-Well, yeah.
-Look, I get it. I’m not from here and don’t have any experience, but that doesn’t mean I am unwilling to learn or adapt. If doing scout is what it takes to get the job, I am eager to do it. However, this doesn’t mean I want to impress your son, as you have stated that all the girls and women try to.
-I wasn’t…
-Yes, I think you were going there, sir. And this is me reassuring you that I am only here for the job. A childish smile appeared in the corner of his mouth, a familiar smile.
-OK, then. Salary talk is HR’s job. Technically, it’s my son’s job, but he’s not around, so you’ll find out in HR. Do you have any questions?
-Yes, why an event planning business here? You already have so many businesses in the area. Still, despite its natural beauty, the area doesn’t have much, so who will pay for events?
-Miss Lenon, have you applied to a job you don’t believe in? What about your childhood dream?
-No, I believe in this job and this opportunity, and I trust you’ve done the research to decide to start it. However, from the outside, it will be a while until you retrieve your investment.
-You see, retrieving the investment isn’t our goal. Our goal is to give back to the community. Your opinion is indeed on point. This investment will probably lose money, but we’ll pay off the community. We have entire families working for us, both husband and wife. Sometimes, kids come back after college to work, too. We make more than money here, so you won’t fit here if money is the most important thing.
-Money is essential as I need to create a life for myself, but it’s not the most important thing. I truly appreciate that you prioritize community.
-Well, if that’s settled too, anything else?
-No, I don’t have any other questions. Do you?
-No. I just want to tell you that I really like you, and that’ll tell my son all the good things. However, the decision is his, and you’ll probably be called by HR with the answer. I hope we’ll work together! He sits up suddenly and comes around me to shake my hands.
He warmly tells me, “I have a good feeling about you,” and then he leads me to the door.
-Also, if you get the job, call me Valentine.
-Sure thing, sir, I mumble while I try to get out of the office.

Next: Repairs

#adreamerlife

Cristiana Apreutese