8

"Hello," Vivian said awkwardly, wondering who it was.

"Well, hello to you too, Miss Sanchez"

Vivian wasn't sure whose voice she expected to hear, but it certainly wasn't the deep, baritone one she heard on the other line. Even without him introducing himself, she knew exactly who it was and a shiver went down her spine.

"This is Scott McCall" he continued.

Vivian shook her head, trying to concentrate. "Well… urmmm… yes…. I… urmmm…. I noticed. Good afternoon, sir" she said nervously.

She heard him chuckle. "You recognized my voice?" he asked, sounding as if he couldn't believe it. "Well, that's flattering. I must have made quite an impression on you, am I right?"

Vivian didn't reply. She didn't know what to say as a reply because she didn't even know if the question was rhetorical. Also, her tongue was tied up in her mouth. She was thinking hard too… wondering why he was calling her. Was something wrong? Had he decided to arrest her for sneaking into his room? Her head was spinning.

He must have noticed the awkward silence, because he said, "Relax, Miss Sanchez. That was a joke."

A joke, Vivian thought. Well, good to know that he had a sense of humor. "I'm sorry" she said, "Your call just took me by surprise. I really wasn't expecting it."

"And I wasn't expecting to call either" came his response.

Vivian flinched. He also didn't beat around the bush and was really blunt with his words, she observed again.

"How can I help you, Mr McCall" she asked, trying to be as straightforward as possible. She had already screwed up once in this man's presence and she wasn't going to do it again.

"Oh, the question you should be asking is how I can help you, Miss Sanchez?" Scott said. "Are you still interested in a job at my company?"

Vivian's heart skipped a beat. Was this really happening? Was he really going to give her a chance? She found herself nodding into space instead of speaking, forgetting that she was on the phone.

"Miss Sanchez?" his voice interrupted her thoughts. "Are you still there?"

"Yes. Yes. I am" Vivian blurted out. "And I'm definitely still interested in the job"

"Good. I'd like to interview you right away. Can you be at my office in an hour?" he asked.

Vivian was shocked. "Now? Right now? Today?"

"Yes. Today. Is that going to be a problem?"

"Yes… no… I mean, I'm at work right now and I really can't leave until my shift ends."

"Surely you can make out time for an interview… for a job you claimed to want so badly that you snuck into my hotel room"

Vivian winced. She knew what she did and she didn't want anyone reminding her about it. Forgot some reason it sounded worse when he said it. He seemed to regret his comment because he added. "Fine, where is your work place? Give me the address and I'll meet you there"

"You will?" Vivian asked, clearly astonished that an important and powerful man such as Scott McCall would meet her at her workplace for an interview.

He didn't seem to share her surprise. "Yes, why not?" he asked. "The position just opened up and I need it to be occupied as soon as possible. Text the address to this number right now and I'll be there as soon as I can."

Without waiting for her to reply, he hung up and Vivian was left, standing with her phone stuck to her ear and staring into space. The man was just too damn sure of himself. It took her a few seconds to come back to earth, and when she did, she was faced with so many emotions at once.

Was it really happening? She was confused, excited and nervous all at once. If she did well, she could get a job in a big company… but she wasn't anywhere near ready for an interview. She had not prepared for it at all, and she was still working. Was she really going to have her interview here at the cheesecake shop… with her uniform on?

Her mind was racing, but she had to do the most important thing first. She hurriedly texted him the address and hoped that he'd arrive before more customers started to troop in.

Whatever happened, she'd just try her best.

—------------

Scott McCall got out of his car and stared at the cheesecake shop that Vivian had directed him to. It wasn't a very big establishment, but judging by the number of people going in and out, he guessed it was really popular among the people. He didn't know for sure because he hardly went to places like this. He couldn't deny that he liked the place though.. It looked so simple and he decided to order something now that he was there.

He entered the restaurant and looked around before he sighted a table at the extreme. It was unoccupied and there were no people around. Good, he thought, he wouldn't be disturbed while he talked to Vivian.

It was so unlike him to meet a potential employee in a place like this, and this was the second time he was meeting this woman in a situation that was out of the ordinary.

Vivian already saw him arrive, and her heart was beating faster than usual. She had already told her friend, Megan, to watch her tables for her while she spoke to Scott. She couldn't really change out of her uniform, but she tried as much as she could to look more presentable. She had taken the time to smoothen her uniform up a bit, and she even rushed to the bathroom to adjust her hair and even put on a little make up. When she felt like she could keep her nerves under control, she began to walk towards Scott McCall.

From where he was sitting, Scott could see her approach, and he didn't take his eyes off her for one second. Vivian was so aware of every part of her body as she approached him, hoping that she wouldn't miss her step and fall over. How embarrassing would that be? But God damn, did the man even blink at all.

He had the same look he had in his eyes the night they met in his room. Like he could see through her and read her every thought. They were hooded and showed no expression at all.

She managed a smile when she finally got to him. "Welcome, Mr McCall." she said. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate you meeting me here."