The Intern

[justabrick]

(Closed for DeepBlue89)

Jack Collins sighed, putting his head in his hands. Having just said goodbye to his fifth interviewee of the day, his body and mind ached. These were all top candidates, from top-tier schools, and with the economy as it was, even an internship at his Fortune-500 company was a fierce competition.

His phone beeped, interrupting the silence in his corner office. "Your 6:00 interview is here, Mr. Collins," squaked the receptionist. Jack straightened his tie, "Great, send her in." This one would have to dazzle.

 

[DeepBlue89]

I was extremely nervous, to say the least, as I entered the office. I guessed that many of my rivals here came from some pretty well-off families, and probably some really top-notch schools too. I wasn't holding my breath for this job, as instead of going to Harvard or Yale, I went to your ordinary, out-of-the-mill publicly funded state school.

What I really wanted to do, was to go back surfing. I hated these clothes on me right; my closed white blouse and long black skirt with heels. I wanted to go out in my bikini and enjoy the waves as I've always done. Unfortunately, however, my passion wouldn't ever be able to pay my rent.

As I was sent in, I nervously spoke "Hello, I'm Natalie Washington."

 

[justabrick]

"Ms. Washington," Jack smiled at the stunning woman across the table from him, shaking her hand, "Welcome. Hope the weather didn't prove to be a challenge. Now, to start- I realize resumes don't exactly give a full picture. Tell me a little bit about yourself."

 

[DeepBlue89]

I shook his hand and once directed, I took my seat.

The question was a bit tricky, as I didn't know where to begin. "Well, I double majored in psychology and business administration. I loved to get involved in extra-curriculars and won a few trophies from local competitions." I began talking, though figured that 'local competitions' sounded more professional than outright saying that all I did outside from school was surf. I hope that he wouldn't catch on to that.

 

[justabrick]

Jack was quick to pick up on details- you don't get to be head of a major corporation without that skill. "Competitions? What sort?" With the GPA on her resume, he assumed they would be some high-level academic distinctions. As she spoke, he couldn't help noticing her soft lips, and long legs. Still, he tried to concentrate on the content of the conversation.

 

[DeepBlue89]

"Oh, mostly athletics." I said, hoping that I could make this seem more impressive to a business leader than it should "Aquatics especially, if that matters any."

"Oh please, please, please let this slide..." I thought to myself, hoping to my dear life that I could get this job. Luckily for me, no matter how nervous I got, I could keep a calm exterior.

 

[justabrick]

He smiled, content with her answer. The rest of the interview went smoothly, and after reviewing the applicants with his management team, Natalie was chosen. Jack made the call himself later that week, and arranged for Natalie's first day. There was lots to be done, and he wanted to make sure he had her in place immediately.

He stopped by her desk that morning to check up on her. "How are things? Settling in ok?" he smiled, again taking note of her long, toned legs. His mind wandered to what might be under her smart, sharp clothes, but he remained professional.

 

[DeepBlue89]

As you could imagine, once I returned back home with the job under my belt, I was ecstatic - if a little exhausted at that, as after any tense situation with a drained adrenaline rush, I lose quite a bit of energy. The simple fact that I now had means of paying my rent helped me rest easily.

The next day, I eagerly went back to the office. I was surprised as I was being greeted by Mr. Collins, from the day before.

"How are things? Settling in ok?" he said with a smile.

"Oh, perfect Mr. Collins." I said, now being settled to my cubicle "Thank you so much for this opportunity."

 

[justabrick]

"It's my pleasure," he said, putting a hand on Natalie's slender shoulder, "We're lucky to have you on the Shipley Penn team. Oh, hey- a few of us are going out for drinks later, you interested?" Jack figured it would be a good opportunity to get to know his new hire- professionally, and... well... otherwise.

 

[DeepBlue89]

I was surprised, to say the least when I felt his hand on my shoulder. It seemed rather affectionate of him and he didn't really strike me as that kind of guy. That said, when he said:

"We're lucky to have you on the Shipley Penn team. Oh, hey- a few of us are going out for drinks later, you interested?"

I figured that this would be the perfect opportunity to keep him as my friend. So, I replied with:

"Oh thank you. And yes, I'd love to go out for drinks later. Sounds fun!"

 

[justabrick]

"Great- we're leaving the office around 7. I'll stop by then and we'll head out," he said with a smile. "Now get back to work," he said, his face mockingly serious. He wanted to set the right tone- in the office, he needed his employees to keep their noses to the grindstone. He hoped she had that attitude, too. On their own time, however, he didn't give a shit what his employees did. And if her time became their time every once in a while, so much the better.

 

[DeepBlue89]

"Now get back to work,"

I laughed, seeing as I thought that he was just tryin to make a joke. "Aye aye sir." I replied, before getting back to the files that were on my desk. It seemed like a bit much, but nothing that I couldn't handle. At the very least, I could look forward to hanging out with my fellow co-workers. I wondered how they behaved outside of the workplace.

 

[justabrick]

He gave a playful salute and smile, following along with her 'sailor' banter, and returned to his office, continuing to smile.

Natalie stayed in the corner of his mind throughout his workday, and when it came time to go, he walked briskly to her cubicle, a smile on his face. "Ready?" he asked, smiling.

They walked together to the bar, and found themselves without the coworkers he was expecting. Looking at his watch, he realized they were a bit early; the others would be here shortly. "What can I get you?" he smiled, touching her arm lightly.