Chapter 33: Chapter 33

Carlos Zack came back home very late, he went into his room. Triffany was already sleeping on the couch, he sat down on the sofa and looked at her as she turned uncomfortably in her sleep.

He remembered the words he heard Kelsey said, make Triffany miserable, make her lonely and depressed, he runs his hands through his hair.

How come he did not realize this earlier. He carried her from the couch and lay her down on the bed, he pulled the quilt over her and tucked her loose strained hair behind her ear.

He showered and change his clothing before walking out of the room, he went downstairs, poured himself a glass of whiskey and started drinking.

Gabby came out to see him awake by eleven-fifty eight. “Carlos.” She walked over to him. “You’re still awake, are you just coming back?”

Carlos looked at her. “Not quite long, and I’m not yet feeling sleepy.”

Gabby looked at the whiskey he was drinking. “Carlos, you only drink whiskey when you’re feeling hurt.” She sat beside him. “What’s wrong?”

“I will be fine Gabby.” He sipped his drink gently.

“You’re not fine at all.” She looked at him, she knows her brother because she had been with him for years now.

“I will be fine.” Carlos's voice was hoarse and his voice was distant.

“Carlos you’re looking pale.” She stretched her hands to touch him but he stood up.

“I will head inside now. Goodnight.” He took his whiskey and glass and left for his room.

Gabby looked up at the stairs. “He looks sick. What happened? I wonder who he met.” She exhaled softly and went to her room.

…

Triffany woke up the next morning to find herself on the bed, she was surprised and sat up immediately. She turned to see Carlos dressed for work, holding a newspaper while sitting on the sofa.

He turned to look at her and close the newspaper. “You’re awake.”

Triffany stood up from the bed. “Sorry for sleeping here, I must have thought it was my bed, I’m so sorry.” She apologized.

“It’s okay, just know your place next time.” He said softly and turned to the newspaper again.

Triffany looked at him, he was acting strange. “Are you feeling well?” She asked as she walked close to him.

“I’m fine.” Carlos got up from the sofa slowly and walked over to the mirror to straighten his crooked tie. He noticed Triffany was still staring at him. “You should get dressed, it’s late, you don’t want to miss your interview today.”

Triffany’s turned her eyes to the wall clock. “Shit.” She grabbed her towel and ran into the bathroom, she brushed her teeth, took her bath, got dressed in black plain trousers and a white shirt, tied her hair in a ponytail and came out.

She applied light makeup, she smiled at the mirror satisfied with her looks. She picked up her bag and phone. “I got to go now.”

“Breakfast.” Carlos pointed at the table and she looked at him in surprise.

“You made that?”

“No the maids did.”

“Oh.” She looked a little disappointed. “There’s no time to eat.”

“Eat up. I will give you a ride.” Carlos said softly.

Triffany halt and looked at him, this was another surprise. “Why the change of attitude today?” She asked.

“I would change my mind if you don’t eat.” He stared at her.

Triffany sat down and started eating, she would be glad if she gives her a ride. She looked at him again. “Are you sure you’re okay, you look pale?”

“Just eat, I’m fine, mind your business.” He frowned.

Triffany signed. “Sorry for asking.” She eats hurriedly.

“Slow down, the food isn’t running.” He stares at her as she shoves the food into her mouth.

“Yes, you’re right, but the time is.” She continued eating her food.

“You might have indigestion.”

Triffany smiled. “Thanks for your concern, but I will be fine.” She finished her meal and took the dishes downstairs to the kitchen.

“Good morning Triffany.” Gabby came out of her room and saw her.

“Morning, Gabby.”

“You look pretty today.”

“Thank you.” Carlos came downstairs as he called Shanne who was ready to leave with them.

“Morning, Carlos.” Gabby greeted him as she saw him.

“Morning Gabby.” He flashed her a weak smile.

“You don’t look good Carlos. Take a day off.” Gabby told him after observing her brother for a while, Triffany looked at Carlos.

“I’m fine, let’s go.” He walked out of the house.

Gabby looked at Triffany puzzled. “Was he talking to me?”

Triffany shakes her head. “It was me, he offered to give me a ride.”

“Really?” Gabby smiled happily. “Awesome, go on before he changes his mind.” Triffany smiled and walked out of the house. “He’s nice to her now, this looks like a fairytale.” She said to herself.

Shanne first drove to the company Triffany was going to do her final interview. “We are here sir,” Shanne told them.

Carlos looked at Triffany. “Get off.”

Triffany took off her seat belt.” Thanks for the ride.” She turned to open the door.

“Good luck,” Carlos said and she paused.

“Huh!” she looked up at him, in surprise, this was the third time he was making her surprised by his words, now she wonders if he is actually alright.”

Carlos looked at her with penetrating eyes. “Do your best, good luck, now go on.”

“Thanks. “ She smiles as she steps out of the car.

Carlos smiled. “Let’s go Shanne.” Shanne drove off, but before they leave, Carlos looked at the side mirror and see Triffany enter the Company.

Triffany arrived inside, she met director Kammy in the hallway, he was already waiting for her, she greeted him. “Triffany, I hope you’re ready.” He asked her as they walked into the elevator.

“Yes, Director Kammy.”

“Okay, try your best not to blow this chance away.”

“I won’t.”

Ding.

The elevator door opened and they stepped out. “Get ready, you would be called in soon.” Director Kammy went into a door, while Triffany wait by the door, try heard to calm herself, this was her last shot, she doesn’t have to blow it.

Five minutes later they called her in and she sat down, putting her bag close to her side. She looked up to see the lady with glasses staring at her with an expressionless face.

She remembered what Tommy had taught her, he had told her to take a deep breath and stay calm in the interview, she has to give nothing away. She smiled gently.

“Triffany Joey.” The lady interviewing her called her name, she did not tell anyone she was married, neither was she wearing her wedding ring. “You’re lucky to have a second interview with us, I hope you don’t end up wasting our time today, director Kammy here pleaded for you.”

Triffany looked at director Kammy and she knew even if she doesn’t get this job, she would be forever grateful to him.

“We have asked you aw questions before now and you have passed the written exams, so we will go straight to some other question.” The lady looked at Triffany. “How did you hear about this job?”

Triffany sat up straight, eyes front and face with a smile, Carlos had told her to do her best today and it was the first time he had said that, so she would do just that. “I found the listing through a random job board so I decided to apply.”

She saw the lady wrote something down and looked back at her. “Why do you want to work at this company?”

Triffany smiled, Tommy had told her few things she must know and she had done few research on the company too. “I thrive in an environment that focuses on goals and the team’s tradition of setting weekly goals instead of annual goal is appealing.”

The lady smiled a little. “Why do you want this job?”

“I love customer support because I love the constant human interaction and the satisfaction that comes from helping someone solve a problem. I’ve always been passionate about education and I think you’re doing great things, so I want to be part of it.” Triffany flashed her a smile.

The lady looked at Triffany for a while, she folds her hands and leans close to her desk. “Why should we hire you?”

Triffany looked at the lady’s face and stopped smiling. She swallowed hard, this question was so intimidating and forward. She remembers when Tommy had asked her this question while teaching her, Triffany smiled. “I can not only do the work, but I can also deliver great results. I can fit in with the team and culture and I would be a better hire than any of the other candidates.”

“What is your strength?”

Triffany smiled as she inhaled. “I’m a good motivator, problem solver and I perform well under pressure, I’m loyal and I have a positive attitude, I’m also eager to learn, taking initiative and attention to detail.”

After some ton of question, the lady smiled at Triffany, flashing a white set of arranged teeth, the first smile from this lady Triffany had seen. “Congratulation Triffany Joey, you’re in.” Triffany covered her lips in joy. “You should have some time with your appointed Director, Director Kammy.” Triffany walked out of the hall.

“Congratulation.” Director Kammy came out of the hall and smiled at the happy Triffany.

“It is all thanks to you.” Triffany bowed her head slowly.

“I’m sure you put in your best effort this time.”

“Thank you, Director Kammy.”

“Follow me, you should meet someone.” Kammy walked down the hallway with Triffany behind, trying to keep up with him.

“Who’s that?” She asked curiously.

“Someone, who will be in the same team as you.”

“Team?”

“Yes, we are looking for a female who will assist him in publishing an article.” They stopped at a door and director Kammy opened it and stepped in with Triffany behind. “Meet Tommy Kyle, Tommy meet Triffany Joey.

Tommy lifts his eyes and was surprised, same as Triffany who stood watching him with wide-open lips. “Tommy.”

“Triffany.” Tommy walked close to them.

“You both know each other?” Kammy asked and they flashed him a smile. “That’s good then, there would be no long introduction. Tommy, this is the lady you will work with. I will give you both the room then.” Kammy walked out of the office.

“I’m surprised.” Tommy looked at Triffany again, like fate had brought them together again.

“You work here?” Triffany looked at the office. Tommy nods. “I can’t believe this.” She smiled and look at Tommy again.

“Congratulations on your entry.”

“This is all thanks to you.”

“Then you should treat me to dinner.” Tommy looked at her with a huge smile plastered on his face.

“How about lunch?” Triffany asked she would like to have dinner at her cousin's place and also share the good news with them.

“Okay, if you’re occupied this evening, lunch will do. But before that, let me brief you on the job.”

“Good idea.” Triffany smiled and set down her bags as they sit down.”