Chapter 14: Chapter 14

Liam walked into the building and he stopped at the receptionist's corner. He and Amy stared at young lady in silent shock as she kept watching a movie on the company laptop. She had a noise cancelation headphone over her ears, and she was so engrossed in the sitcom that she didn't notice anyone walk in, talk more of having people standing in front of her. She just kept laughing and snacking on the cup of popcorn and orange juice, not caring if any spilled on the ground.

She kept laughing and laughing at the sitcom before her until it finally ended. She finally sighed and took the headphones off her head.

She looked up and screamed and jumped in fear when she felt the presence of someone in the building with her. She stared for a moment and when she realized that it was her boss standing before her, alongside the woman she initially sent out of the office, she immediately jumped to her feet and comported herself, trying as fast as possible to clean the mess she'd just made from eating junks in the office.

"G... Good morning, boss! I... I didn't see you there. Good day, sir. Welcome sir', she kept saying gibberish in embarrassment.

"Ermm... Sorry boss, but how long have you been standing there?," She questioned feigning innocence.

"Long enough to know that you neither value nor need this job," he said and began heading for the elevator.

"Please sir. I swear I can explain-"

"What explanation do you want give?! What can you possibly say that would make me un-see the atrocity I just witnessed?!" He shot at her in rage.

"I'm sorry sir. Please-"

"What if it wasn't me? What if it were some investors or politicians? What if somehow, a robber had gone past security and had reached here? You wouldn't have noticed it?"

"It's not like that boss-"

"This is the most unethical behavior I've ever seen in my life! You had your legs over the counter like you were chilling in your living room. You turned this workplace to a mini movie theatre, and you messed the place up with spills of juice and drops of popcorn, and you're telling me it's not like that? How long has this been going on when I'm around?!," He questioned the lady.

"I swear sir, it's not a habit-"

"On top of that, you sent this woman out and threatened to call security on her because she came to look for a job? How dare you? Do you have the right to do that?! Since when did you become the human resource manager of this company?!!"

"I'm... I'm sorry, sir. But she didn't strike as wealthy or important...," She covered her mouth with her hand with she realized she'd just said something very stupid and judgemental.

Liam scoffed at her words and went silent for a couple of seconds.

"You know what - I don't even want to know. Don't bother me with the unnecessary details. Just pack your things and leave your office. Your last salary will be sent to you," he said and headed for the door.

"Sir, please forgive me!! I swear it will not happen again this time!! Pleas, just one more chance-"

He turned and called security. He waited for them for come. When they arrived, he ordered to throw the receptionist and her things out of the building. Amidst her pleas and begging, they duly followed his orders. When that was some and over with, he sighed and took Amy to the elevator.

They soon got to the office and he took his seat began the well-pollished, black colored ceramic table.

"I'm really sorry you had to witness that, Amy. Please forgive me," he said with another sigh.

Amy was busy admiring the spacious and sophisticated office. From the comfortable looking sofas to the leather chairs and the black polished table. The paintings on the wall complimented the whitewashed walls. There were two shelves behind him - one was occupied by different books, while other was occupied by different tech awards from all over the world.

"I must say, you've really made a name for yourself in the tech industry. It's funny how time can change one," she complimented as she took her seat across Liam who laughed lightly at her words. Though she was settled, she was still observing and admiring the office.

"Thank you for your kind words. We try. So you said you needed a job?"

"Yes, I did. Like I said before, I was to come here for an interview two weeks ago. But because of a sudden illness, I couldn't come. I came here today, hoping to get some position, but the receptionist-"

"Ex-receptionist," he corrected.

Amy nodded her head and continued.

"She told me there was nothing for me. I was about to leave for a construction gig my friend told me about when I met you," she explained.

"A construction job, you say? Isn't that too much labor for a woman?"

"Not when there is no other choice and you need to feed and pay bills," she replied with an awkward laugh.

An even more awkward silence followed, and Amy knew that was her cue to leave.

"Well, it's nice to meet you. I'm happy you're living the dream life. I'm proud of you too. I should get going before-"

"You can have the job," he cut her short.

"What?," She asked, confused.

"The job you came here to apply for - you can have it,"

"But the ex-receptionist told me-"

He raised his palm in the air to stop me from saying anymore, and tapped some numbers into the telecom on his table.

He brought the cord to his mouth when the call came alive.

"Am I speaking to the HR?... Good, that vacancy of a secretary... Yes, that one that same one we carried out an interview for... is it still available?... No? It's taken already... Well, I want you to sack the person today. I found someone more competent"