25- The Interview - Part I

I entered the room where the interview was going to take place. Editor Trish hadn't arrived yet. I looked at the room's decor, which matched the entrance hall. The walls were the same shade of brown, with hanging paintings from previous administrations, but the painting from the current administration was missing. That fact didn't bother me. I checked the central round table, with comfortable armchairs matching the walls, and in the background, there was a magnificent view overlooking the city center.

One thing I didn't tell you, dear reader, is that I moved from my old apartment. I now live closer to the city center, in a smaller apartment, I must say, but equally cozy. I didn't move because I wanted to; the owner of the apartment passed away (I adored her; she was like a mother to me while I lived there). I cried so much, and her daughter asked me to vacate the place. Since it was 6 months after Dante and I broke up, I couldn't share an apartment with anyone (especially since João and Lucy were with their boyfriends, and I didn't want to intrude). That's when I found my current apartment in a classified ad in the newspaper.

Who would've thought that people still use this method to advertise real estate, cars, lost pets, and even rentals? Over time, I managed to save enough money to buy the apartment and made an offer to the previous owner, who accepted at the time. I was immensely happy; I celebrated with my friends in an epic pajama party (well, with plenty of chocolate, beer, and romance movies). I hadn't completely gotten over Dante, but as the days went by, the pain lessened.

Back to my interview: I approached to see the view, my mind wandered, and I daydreamed about some moments from my past. I confess I missed some of them. I stood there lost in thought for 20 long minutes, and still, no sign of the editor. I snapped out of my reverie, decided to sit down, and noticed some papers on the table. Since I was alone, I decided to read them and find out what they were about (yes, I'm quite curious). The documents were related to writing, how the author should present themselves, convey feelings to the reader, and even interact with fans and readers.

I found the material incredible; I took out my notepad from my bag, made some notes, and decided to create a plot for my next story. Since I love romantic comedies, it's only natural that I'll write about them. I imagined how the characters would be, their tastes, personalities, and habits. I'm not a big fan of cliché romances, but comedy is the definition of my life, and I understand it quite well. When I realized the time, more than an hour had passed, and the editor still hadn't shown up. My stomach started to rumble; it was close to noon, and I didn't know what to do.

"Should I call the reception?" - I thought.

I decided to call the reception and see if I could go out for lunch and come back afterward.

— Editora Vadema, good afternoon!

— Good afternoon, Carol. This is Kyra; I'm here in the room waiting for the editor, and I wanted to know if I can go out for lunch and come back later?

— I'd advise you to stay in the room until Ms. Trish arrives. I know it's tough, but since I like you, I'll give you a tip.

— Thank you so much for the help, Carol.

— No problem. I'll bring you some cookies and a little coffee.

— Seriously? I don't want to trouble you. — I said, concerned on the other end of the line.

— No worries. I know how bad it is to miss lunch. I'm on my way. Take care. — With that, she hung up.

I was moved, I didn't expect this kind of treatment. I was used to rudeness, people trying to undermine each other, trying to take credit for achievements, and so on. Rarely did people even ask if I was okay, let alone bring me food because of the lunchtime.

I heard two knocks on the door, and it was Carol who opened it, coming towards me with a tray in her hands.

— You're so kind to be concerned about me. — I said, helping her with the tray.

— Oh, not at all, Miss Kyra. I'm just doing my job. — She said, blushing.

— I'm not used to this kind of treatment, and I was really happy about your concern.

— Oh, you're different, Miss. You've treated me with respect since you arrived. I know you've been waiting here for a while. I didn't come to warn you about the delay Trish had because she just called me a little while ago to apologize.

— Ah, I understand. Is she okay? If you'd like, I can come back another day.

— Oh no, she asked you to wait. She's fine, but her car broke down, and she's been at the repair shop for over 3 hours. She told me they're finishing up the repairs, and she'll be here in no more than an hour.

— Perfect! Thank you so much for being my angel today. I'm truly grateful.

— It's my pleasure! I'm heading out for lunch and will be back in an hour. If you need anything, just look for me when I return.

— Thank you so much, and enjoy your lunch. — I said, smiling at her.

— I'm off then. See you later. — Carol said as she left the room.

I went to the tray, and my eyes lit up with everything on it. I didn't expect her to bring such a feast. There was warm milk and black coffee in two bottles, different types of biscuits, including savory ones, and even a chocolate with a note wishing me luck. The feeling I had was inexplicable; I felt so well received, even though I hadn't had the interview yet. I felt a bit of that family feeling I had only felt with Lucy and João. This was a surprise to me. I smiled because it was a wonderful feeling. I helped myself to milk and coffee (my taste hasn't changed hehe), a savory biscuit with strawberry jam, and had lunch. Now, my stomach stopped hurting, but it was still making some strange noises.

Since there was an hour left until Ms. Trish arrived, I decided to find a restroom to brush my teeth and "freshen up" (if you know what I mean). I left the room, went to the reception, chatted with Janine, and asked where the restroom was. She explained perfectly that I had to go to the end of the corridor, turn left, and continue straight until I reached the restroom, which was also on the left. I thanked her and headed towards the restroom somewhat hastily because the noises were getting louder, and I was starting to worry. When I turned left, I bumped into a tall silhouette and fell to the ground.

— Are you okay? — Asked a familiar voice.

I heard that voice, and I was in shock. It would be too much of a coincidence to meet him after five years, and at the same time, it was almost comical due to the fall I took. I didn't have the courage to face him, afraid that my sixth sense might be right. I refused to believe that fate would play such a big trick on me; it would be like finding a needle in a haystack, a one-in-a-million chance. We could call it instant bad luck. But since it was my life we were talking about, anything could happen because I'm Kyra, right?

— Are you okay, Miss? — The tall silhouette asked again, extending a hand for me to take.