Chapter Two

   I am running behind Mr. Harrison on the way to his apartment.

"Come on Mr. Harrison I promise I will have the rest of the rent next week!" I said, voice rising with frustration.

Mr. Harrison was my landlord. He tried to be tough, but he was a sweet old man. He was slightly thin, and his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. His skin probably never saw the sun, because it was as pale as a cotton ball.

   It's to early for this! I think, hands on hip. Hailey is getting ready for school, and I didn't want her to know we were behind on the rent again. He sighs. "I'm sorry Yamina, but this is the fifth time you have gotten behind, and you still owe me from last time."

   I could tell he felt sorrow at the prospect of evicting me, but his supervisors were strict. More like evil. I think tapping my foot. Then it hit me.

   I run up to meet Mr. Harrison and put out my hands to stop him. "I have an interview today, it's with Mendelev Enterprises, if you just give me some more time I promise I will pay the rest of this rent, and next months rent early." I put emphasis on that last word, and let my hands rest at my side.

   Eyebrow raised, and curiosity peeked, he looks at me with wheels turning in his head. I smile for good measure. He starts chuckling. "What's so funny?" I ask, crossing my arms.

   "With a smile like that, and that attitude I can't see how you wouldn't get the job." He says grinning. I squeal, and hug him to my chest. His eyes widen, must have been a long time since a woman hugged him. "Thank you!"

   He tries to grunt with displeasure, but I can see in his eyes he's loving this. I finally let go, then something dawns on me. "Mr. Harrison where's your wife? Children? Surely a sweet old man like you has someone that loves him dearly."

   He blushes, and I think it's cute. A little old man blushing. He was still handsome after all. "My wife has been gone for years  and my son is at college, and my daughter well I never got to see her much." He says a sad note passing in his voice.

   I give him a kiss on the cheek, he blushes once again. "You better get going, I hear Mr. Mendelev hates when people are late." I thank him one more time, and run back upstairs to get Hailey to the bus stop.

-------

   I am done, and now I am getting ready. I have showered, shaved, primed, and pressed everything to death. Hailey was at school, and I was making good timing. Report to 4745 Boulevard Lane at 9:30 pm, it said.

   I looked in the mirror. Oh I look good. Almost like my modeling days. My hair was pressed from it's kinky curls into sleek, straight, shiny perfection, and went down my back a little ways.

   I wore a floor length black skirt with a slit up the side, and a white blouse  a black rose at the front. I decided on white stiletto pumps, it made sense.

  Gold glitter was pressed over my lids, eye liner lined my eyes, and my final touch was this black lipstick I had found during the move. I checked the me on my cell. It said 8:30 am. I better get going, I think. It would take me thirty minutes to get there.

***

   The bus ride there was surprisingly calming. For the first time I looked, like really looked out at the city. It was beautiful. Towering over the city were skyscrapers, and apartment buildings. The windows glistened as if sending out a signal to the world that said "Come join the big city!"

   We passed by beautiful lush green Parks, the streets were busy, I could see people laughing, squealing, even scowling. So many people in one place. We passed by several exotic restaurants, food stands, clothing stores, and finally after awhile I found myself at my stop.

   I pulled the wire, and the bus halted. I hadn't noticed, but I was getting several scowls from women who's husband's openly stared. I hurried off the bus and stood in front of the building.

   It was a skyscraper of epic proportions, it looked entirely brand new, and pristine. At the top it said "Mendelev Enterprises" In an almost cursive font. I admired the fountain on my way in.

   Once inside the lobby I become breathless. It is beautiful, and has a classic vintage look with a modern twist. A giant chandelier adorned the ceiling, with crystals so clear it looked like rain was frozen midair. Sofas lined almost every wall, and this place had everything from escalades to elevators.

   The carpet was a deep red, and the lobby was filled with people milling around. There were chairs to lounge in, and there was even a food court. A food court in a building! I saw a waterfall of water coming from the wall, and gathering inside some kind of basin, or fountain I presume.

   Strangely I see races of all kind, but only a few African American women here and there. If I thought I was a model I was clearly mistaken. These women were stunning. I never thought myself beautiful, only average or cute, the only reason I modeled is because my mom made me.

   Walking to the front desk, I get the information I need.

"Excuse me, I'm here for the interview." I say, looking at a blonde woman

. She smiles, "Of course! Just go to the elevators to the right and his office will be on floor twenty nine."

I politely say thanks, and head over to the elevators. I press the button, admiring the golden gleaming elevator doors.

   Once inside I find any available spot, crowded by other people I press the button for the twenty ninth floor. As I am humming, waiting to get off someone gropes my behind. I snap my head in the direction. I scowl, an older man with large glasses grinning at me. If it wasn't for the fact that I was going to an interview, he would get a piece of my mind and foot.

   Finally I am at my stop, and I step off the elevator. If I thought the lobby was beautiful, it was nothing compared to this. There were statues of angels, and fountains everywhere. There were several desks in the area. Once done staring in wonder I walk to the nearest desk. Greeted by a beautiful Italian looking woman. "I'm here for the interview. " I say.

   She looks up, and smiles the brightest, and bubbliest smile I have ever seen. Her auburn hair in a pony tail, and brown eyes looking back at me. She was one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen.

   She practically skips out of her seat. Wow, I could get to know her.

"Come on!" She says excitedly pulling me towards a door. She knocks twice, and barges in.

   What caught me off guard was not the black and white patterned office. Black sofas, white leather chairs, black book case, and desk. It was the man behind the desk. One side of his face was burned, and there was a scar over his left eye. It was only in the cheek area as far as I could see. His face looked blank, no smile, just an almost scowl.

   He recognized me, but apparently someone was a complete asshole.

"State your business." He says flatly.

  I pause "I'm here for the interview." Asshole. I think in my head, plastering a smile on my face.

   "Ah, yes Mrs...?"

"London. Yamina London." I say still standing.

He tells me to have a seat. Immediately the questions begin, but what was bothering me the most was that with each passing minute his face became more attractive. I was nervous, but I wouldn't show it. If this didn't end quick, I'd have to admit this man was gorgeous, not just gorgeous, beautiful.

***

   I looked this woman dead in the eyes. I didn't expect her to come, not after chewing my head off at The Burger Shack. I'm sure she didn't know she was speaking to me. I would not go easy on her.

   "Ah yes, the one who called me a bastard I remember." She looked ashamed at this.

"I'm sorry." She says quietly.

"I assure you I will not tolerate such disrespect here." I bark at her, in a loud voice. Her eyes widen. Very good. I think.

   I peer at her face, did she just roll her eyes?

"Sorry, sir it won't happen again." She says, trying to push the sarcasm out of her voice.

"Very well, tell me what skills do you have?"

   "I have a degree in counseling, and previously I worked for a market research team. What exactly am I interviewing for?" She asks curiously. 

"Excuse me I will be asking the questions here."

   Her face has pure rage written all over it.

"Well excuse me Mr. High and mighty. I don't need this." She says standing.

"Sit down." I say voice booming.

She hesitates then sits down. I could tell she needed this job, and she was at my mercy.

   Unlike other women she was not throwing herself at me. This intrigued me.

"We have gotten off on the wrong foot. Shall we continue the interview?" She nods, although begrudingly.

   I automatically drone off questions, not really hearing the answers, but seeing her head tilt in thought, or a small smile at times. I studied her from head to toe.

   I started with her piercing green eyes, then I moved to her luscious lips, and long lashes. She was beautiful indeed, her skin color reminded me of an almond, rich and brown. Her blouse had popped open her cleavage spilling out the cups. What is that a B cup or C?

   Her waist was thin, but the hips of her petite frame spread like an hour glass, and her legs were long and silky smooth. Her cheek bones beautifully sculpted. Her hair falling down her back, and over her shoulders. I nodded ever so often, and my member twitched under the desk. Down you monster.

   I could play on her need for my mercy, and emotions but I imagine she isn't like other women. Giving me a blow job was obviously not one of her dreams as with these other women.

   I imagined the ordeal. Me locking the door, and me expertly undoing my pants. Only this would end with a knee to the groin, and a slap to the face. She was.... fiesty.

   "Ok Mrs. London I thank you for answering my questions. Please wait outside with everyone else while I make a final decision." 

   She smiled politely though still on edge, and I watched as she left the room. It twitched again. Oh hiring her would be a bad idea. A very bad idea. I sat back in my chair. After this I'm going to need to have some fun tonight.

   I smoothed my tie and began to review the candidates. I press my desk buzzer.

"Audrey report to my office immediately." I saw her red head pop in the door. I scowl. Sisters, why did I hire her again?

   "Well come in I don't have all day!"

She frowned her usual frown.

"What Orion I do have a job."

I glare at her, and she throws her hands up in surrender. I fold my hands together.

"Tell me what you think of the candidates."