CHAPTER 3
Veronica was awoken by the sound of Calvin’s alarm going off. She opened her eyes groggily, unused to having to actually wake up at that sound. She grumbled and turned onto her side as Calvin flipped on a lamp.
“Good morning,” Calvin said, his voice cheery, as he turned onto his side and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Veronica, a little surprised by his sudden show of affection, turned to face him.
“You too,” she mumbled, offering him a smile.
“Hurry, get out of bed!” Calvin said hastily, nudging her a little in the side. “You need to make sure you look appropriate for your interview!”
Veronica groaned a little at the idea of having to interact with people at such an hour as this. Then again, she would probably have to get used to it at some point, and now was just as good a time as any. With a sigh, she rolled out of bed and headed into the bathroom to relieve the pressure in her bladder and freshen up.
Veronica went through her normal routine, though having Calvin rustle around alongside her was certainly something that would take getting used to. She felt her eyes on him as she selected a very professional- looking pants suit for the interview. She cast him a warning look before he could say anything. She loved this particular outfit, and she would not be deterred from wearing it.
Eventually, they both made themselves ready, and Calvin held the door for her as they made their way out of the apartment. Veronica blinked sleepily as they made their way toward the elevator.
“Wake up!” Calvin said excitedly beside her. “This is going to be a great day for you, I can already tell.”
Veronica could only grumble. She was less than excited to even be awake, much less facing an interview. In her hand, she held a small briefcase that held her resume and a few reviews from her previous customers. She was too tired to be experiencing any real emotion at all, but she felt relatively neutral about the whole ordeal.
After all, Calvin wanted this more than she did. If it was up to her, she would have still been in bed. However, she figured she could at least do this small thing to appease him. So, she would give it her all and if she could then Calvin would leave her alone, at least for a little while.
It did not take them long to arrive at Calvin’s building, and she could feel him becoming more and more worked up the closer they got to their destination.
“Okay, now his office is on the top floor,” he explained as they went. “There will be a secretary there named Lynn who will be waiting for you, so you will just check in with her at the desk.”
Veronica nodded and gave a grunt to signify that she had heard him.
“You may have to wait, we’re a little early,” he said, looking fidgety. “But not too early, I don’t think.”
“I’m sure we’re just punctual enough,” Veronica offered easily, wanting him to just calm down for one second.
The two got on the elevator with a few other people, and Calvin pressed the button for his floor, and then hers.
“Just be sure to be calm and relaxed,” Calvin instructed her, his tone embodying neither of those traits. “Just be natural, you’re sure to get the job after my personal recommendation, and if you show him what I know you’re like.”
“I will do my best,” Veronica said, some of her annoyance becoming evident in her tone.
“Sorry,” Calvin released in a sigh. “I just really want this to go over well.”
Veronica felt a soft surge of guilt at her own impatience.
“I know,” she sighed, and gently squeezed Calvin’s free hand. “I know this means a lot to me, and I don’t want you to think I’m just going through the motions. This is important to me, too, and I am going to conduct myself in a way that will be sure to reflect very highly upon you.”
Calvin smiled and leaned down to press a kiss to her forehead.
“I’m glad to hear that,” he said.
The elevator let out a soft chime, and the doors slid open.
“Here I am,” Calvin sighed, and Veronica heard a bit of tension creep back into his voice. “You know what to do?”
Veronica nodded and gave him a smile.
“I’ll be fine,” she assured him. “Have a good day at work.”
“I will,” he said. “Give me a call when you finish the interview! I want to hear all about it.”
“I will,” Veronica nodded. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” Calvin smiled, and disembarked from the elevator.
Veronica let out a soft sigh of relief that Calvin was gone. She did love him, but he certainly was a little oppressive when it came to relying on her to do just about anything. A part of her wished he would just trust her to be an adult and stop hovering over her. But another part of her recognized that he was probably only acting this way because he cared.
Still, Veronica couldn’t dwell on these thoughts, as she had to begin to mentally prepare for her interview. As the elevator headed up to the top floor, she focused her mind and went through all the possible questions he could ask her, and created a set of potential answers for them.
With another soft ding, the elevator doors opened, letting her out into a small foyer area, with a large reception desk and a row of soft chairs and a couch. Veronica felt a flutter of nerves as she approached the desk. As she drew nearer, the woman behind the desk, presumably Lynn, looked up and smiled at her.
“Good morning,” the woman, a brunette in her middle ages, smiled at her. “How can I help you?”
“Hello,” Veronica greeted her politely. “I’m Veronica Lawrence, I have a meeting with Mr. Davenport at nine.”
“Oh, of course,” Lynn gave her a smile. “You’re right on schedule. Mr. Davenport just got in. Let me tell him you’re here, and you can probably get started with your interview a little early. Just have a seat and I’ll be right back with you in just a moment.”
“Thank you,” Veronica smiled, a little surprised by the courtesy that the secretary had displayed. She took a seat on the edge of a nearby chair and took a breath to calm the nerves that had begun to flutter in her stomach. She wrung her hands a little on the edge of her briefcase and closed her eyes.
“Miss Lawrence?” Veronica heard Lynn’s voice, and she immediately looked up. “Mr. Davenport will see you now.”
Veronica gave her a nod and a smile, and she stood to approach the door.
She moved over to where Lynn stood, holding the door for her, a pleasant smile on her face.
“Just relax and stick to your guns,” Lynn advised her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Be yourself- if there’s one thing he can’t stand, its people trying to fake him out.”
Veronica blinked, more than a little surprised by genuineness that this complete stranger was displaying. It was altogether very comforting, and Veronica felt much more confident.
“Thank you so much,” Veronica said, her appreciation very evident in her tone.
“Of course,” Lynn smiled. “Ready?”
Veronica took another breath and then nodded. Lynn opened the door, and Veronica stepped inside.