I stirred the pasta as I heard the door open. "Missy?" I heard her chuckle as I shook my head. She walked into the kitchen with her usual clumsiness. "How did you know it was me?" I turned to her, grabbing the bottle of wine from her hands. "Because you are the only person who has a key to my apartment. And I heard you from a mile away. She rolled her eyes and sat down at the table. "That was one time at college, Nat. Can you let it go?" I thought about it and shook my head. "Absolutely.. Not. It's just too funny Missy." "Whatever." I pulled the cork from the wine, grabbing wine glasses from the cupboard and pouring the liquid gold into it.

I walked over to the table, handing one to my best friend of six years. "So?" I looked at her, sipping wine. "So.. what?" "The interview?" I nodded and took another slug of wine. "I don't know. Everything went well. Mrs. Payton seemed genuinely impressed with my resume and accomplishments. She even went as far as explaining the job to me." Missy held her hand up. "Wait, Mrs? I thought you were working for Mr." "I am. But Mr. Payton was out of the city. So Mrs. Payton took charge of the interviews." Missy still looked confused. "Okay, still makes no sense. Then who is Mrs. Payton?" I nodded, knowing I would have to explain everything.

"Mrs. Payton, as it turns out, is the CEO of the company and her son, aka my future boss, Mr. Payton, is her youngest son, the COO of the company." Missy finally nodded in understanding. "Okay got it. So, what did she say? When do you start?" I shrugged. "I don't know." "You don't know? Well did she say anything?" "She did. She said she was impressed with my records, my resume, she even went as far as mentioning my GPA and the fact that I speak three languages. She claimed I was the right one for the job but she had to check in with Mr. Payton before they can give me an answer." Missy frowned "I would hate that." I chuckled and walked to check the pasta. "I do hate that."

We ate and drank in silliness, forgetting all about the job and the suspense. It was almost like we were back in college, sipping wine while laughing about where we saw ourselves in five years. I laughed as I made my way to the kitchen, throwing the empty wine bottle in the trash. I heard Missy grab her keys, hugging me. "Hey, the job is already yours. Don't sweat it." I nodded, although I wasn't quite sure. "I hope so." She flashed me a hopeful smile. "Hey don't forget to call me tomorrow for breakfast." I chuckled " I won't." I watched as she turned and walked out of the kitchen, I leaned against the counter as I heard the apartment door slam. I closed my eyes flashing out thoughts of doubt before I turned my attention to the pile of dishes in my sink.

After I was done, I tidied the living room and ran into the bathroom for a quick shower to wash the edge off. I shut the water off, grabbing my bathrobe, quickly wrapping my body in the soft material. I stepped out of the tub, grabbing a towel to dry my hair. I walked back to my room, grabbing my usual oversized dog shirt as my pjs. I wrapped my hair in the towel as I slipped the robe off. I quickly swiped some lotion on my body before slipping on a pair of underwear and then my shirt. I unrolled the towel, letting my now damp hair fall down my back. I basically jumped on my bed, my body sinking into the comforter. I grabbed my laptop, turning it on. Maybe some online window shopping would do me good. I smiled as I opened up my browser. My curiosity woke up, as I contemplated checking my email.

I eventually gave in, opening my email. I whispered a prayer in spanish as I waited for the screen to load. I opened my eyes seeing two emails from an unknown account.

From: Bruce Payton
To: Natalia Florence
Subject: Welcome

Miss Florence,
I apologize for not being able to meet you in person this morning. But I've heard great things about you and your work ethic. So please let me be the one to welcome you to Payton Industries. You're hired as my assistant. I will send another email shortly to explain the plan for your first day.

B. Payton
Payton Industries

I smiled at the nice email before completely freaking out. I got the job. I sat up, hardly believing it. I looked at the email one more time, making sure that I read it right. I bit my lip in anticipation as I closed the email and clicked on the other email from my boss.

From: Bruce Payton
To: Natalia Florence
Subject: First Day Agenda

Miss Florence,
I am quite sure that Mrs. Payton introduced you to the beginning aspects of the job but I will explain everything in broad detail. I expect to see you in the office at 8 AM sharp on Monday. Tardiness will never be tolerated. Not even for new employees, like you Miss Florence.

B. Payton
Payton Industries

I read the second email in confusion. It seemed a bit more void of feeling but maybe I was just overthinking it. I pressed reply and typed my response.

From: Natalia Florence
To: Bruce Payton
Subject: Understood

Mr. Payton,
Thank you so much for this opportunity and I will try my very best not to disappoint you. And understood, 8 AM sharp. And please call me Natalia, everyone else does.

xxNatalia

I pressed send and stood up from the bed, grabbing my robe and towel, hanging them off the door to dry. I quickly turned my head as I heard my laptop chime. "Already? It's midnight." I walked over to it, sitting down and placing it on my lap. I clicked on his email. A feeling of regret filling me completely.

From: Bruce Payton
To: Natalia Florence
Subject: Florence

Miss Florence,
I also hope you try hard not to disappoint me, disappointing me would be a big mistake. As for your name, Miss Florence. I am not everyone else, I am your boss, Miss Florence.

B. Payton
Payton Industries

Oh boy. I closed my laptop without another glance. He seems intense and not in a good way. But I won't let that discourage me, I have the job. I fell asleep excited and also nervous, tossing and turning about Monday morning and 8 AM sharp.