Shortlisted Chapter 14

Cathelyn's P.O.V

The last semester for this school year just started. Meeting new set of students means set of new adventure.

Sitting in my desk inside the faculty lounge, I scanned through my table calendar. When I realized, my contract will nearly expire in two months time and am not still decided if I will extend my contract for another year or two in teaching but I missed working in the kitchen. I miss the fire!

I scrolled my profile in Vexana, a head hunter firm. They cater manpower services to various successful companies in New York. Being placed by them is a good opportunity.

I made some updating in my profile and had it viewed in public.

My class will start in a few. I sprang quickly in my seat and went to the kitchen lab.

Weeks passed by...Same routine...same people.

Why am I still in misery.? When, Where can I be happy?

It's Friday morning I don't have a class today. I've decided to go shopping and have lunch outside.

While driving, my phone rang. I stopped in the side of road before I answered the call.

"Hello? Cathelyn Hart speaking" ...

"Hi yes, this is Natalia of Vexana head hunters,

I saw your updated profile." She said

We would like to ask if you will be interested to work for a chain of hotel as a Corporate Executive Chef?" Natalia inquired hastily.

" Uhhmmm Oh well am I qualified?" I asked

"Certainly you are! Ms. Hart, you have been already shortlisted by our client along with another prospect candidate. If you are available can you attend the intial screening on March 15? She discussed.

" Alright it is just 3 days from now can you send me the details and will be there then. Thanks Natalia."I said

" Thank you too and Good luck! " She replied.

This news has left me flabbergasted.

I went on and shopped some pair of business suit. Hadn't gone shopping for quite a while and with the good news am able to enjoy the rest of my day.

A text from Natalia popped my phone it says

" Please go straight to Queens Hotel HQ 85th floor Broadway St.,Manhattan, NYC at 11am.

Just look for Ms. Ruby. Thank you and Goodluck!"

Still I can't believe this! am considered by Queens chain of hotels this is such a dream come true. I exclaimed ro myself.

In my excitement I called my family in facetime.

"Hi guys! I greeted as Thunter, mom and Edward answered my call. Not long after Chaze also appeared."

"Hey whats up? Thunter asked.

" I got shortlisted for Queens chain of hotels as Corporate Executive Chef!" I announced excitedly.

" As in the Queens there in Manhattan? Chaze inquired.

" Wow that's great news It is your dream!"Mom said

" Yes and am so dumbfounded to be considered coz I didn't applied for it nor I was aware that there is a vacancy. I just got a call from a head hunter days ago." I uttered.

" But Ofcourse you are honey! you are one of the best Chefs in NYC!" Thunter exclaimed.

Taking a deep breath and let my shoulders down," I just hope I can make it in the interview." I said.

" Wear you best suit Cathelyn and please apply some make up. You dress to impress!" Chaze instigated.

My family knew I am not into flashy clothes and fond of heavy make up. Am more comfortable with basic clothing tank tops, jeans and snickers. But for this, I will go with Chaze's suggestion. I'll dress to impress.

At the Queens Hotel HQ lobby,...

Ready for today's interview. I wore a red top in black suit with a black pencil skirt and red heels. It's been ages when I wore this kind of attire.

I approached the front desk of Queens Hotel to inquire about my scheduled interview.

"Good morning welcome to Queens Hotel how may I help you mam?" The front desk clerk inquired.

"Hi am sent here by Vexana for an interview I have an appointment with Ms. Ruby." I said.

The front desk staff dialed the phone and told the other line about my arrival. She then hang up the phone as she raised her hand arms length and gestured for me to take the elevator going to the HQ. "Please take the last elevator from your left and pls go up to the 85th floor. Ms. Ruby is waiting for you. She said.

I just said" thanks"

I headed straight to the elevator and pressed the button going to the 85th floor. As I arrived a petite middle aged lady greeted me.

"You must be Ms. Hart. She said." I am Ruby please follow me" she added.

I was brought in a waiting room I saw another person in the room he is quite older than me but I know we have the same profession. "You will be called in a minute so please have seat I will get back to you. Ruby mentioned. I then smiled and take my seat.

After several minutes. The guy I was within the room was called. Mr. Reeves your turn, Ruby announced.

I felt very nervous knowing that I was next and didn't have any idea of what do they expect with me. I placed my clasped hand in my lap and have a breath in breath out exercise.

"You can do it Cathelyn" I whispered.

Ruby returned in the room after 20 minutes.

She called me and ask to follow her in the next room.

When Mr. Reeves went out of the door he was so pale and a bit sweaty. It was obvious that the interview didn't went well.

It made me more nervous. He seems so confident when we were in the waiting room. It give me cold sweats in my hands.

As I entered the room Ruby announced, "Mr. Thompson, Ms. Lesley, Ms. Cathelyn Hart is here. "

I saw a man maybe about his 50's and a lady around her late 30's sitting in a conference table. They were accompanied by 2 more ladies sitting accross them looks like they were their assistants.

I greeted good morning to all of them and introduced myself and offered my handsake.

I was lead to my seat afterwards, but before I could seat Ms. Lesley looked at me from head to toe.

Mr. Thompson opened a folder and looked at me. "You seemed to look young in person Ms. Hart he complimented. " But you see we are not looking here for a beauty. " he scoffed.

It made me a bit confused of what's going to happened. I just sat firm looking confident.

Mr. Thompson cleared his throat." Ahmm...

" You are a Michellin Star chef? Ms. Lesley inquired.

"Yes mam I got my first award when I was in Canada 5 years ago and the rest was when I worked here in New York. I discussed.

I can't read their expression in their faces. They've asked some questions which I knew I answered very well.

I sat up straight and placed my hands in my lap, I get more anxious in the situation am into.

It's not that I don't want this job. But I didn't applied for this in the first place, I was called upon. I reminded myself.

"I lifted my face a bit and said to them in a soft tone. I was called by Vexana head hunters to be here and I believe that your company is the one interested of my service."

The expression of the two changed as I retorted back to them.

"Very well, Ms. Hart can you please wait a little longer will just have a quick deliberation, since our CEO also wants to interview you can proceed again first to the waiting room Ruby will guide you. Ms. Lesley instructed.

I stood up feeling a little numb. But I was hoping that it will be fine. I went out with Ruby. She offered me a cup of coffee wish I delightfully received.

I was hoping that meeting the CEO today is far from worse.

Few minutes later, I was called back by Ms. Lesley herself. "Ms. Hart, you are now requested by our CEO. He will decide if you are selected so Goodluck."

I simply nodded and walk with her onto the other room.

She knocked on the door,

I heard a male voice said " Come in"

She pushed the door and we entered to a huge office space almost as big as my whole living room.

A tall silhouette of a man facing his huge office window stands in front of us. As he turns around I thought I was going to collapse on the spot looking at his face. The CEO of Queens chain of hotels...

No other than Robert Stevenson...