Hot Coffee (The Hollens)

Emma's POV

I woke before my alarm. I wanted to wake up early so I could iron my clothes and look extra sharp. I looked through my suitcase underneath the tiny bed. I pulled out a black skirt that dropped below my knees, along with a white shirt with black buttons down the middle. I placed them on the bed and hurried downstairs to the laundry mart to borrow the iron since I didn't own one. Mrs. Lee, who worked in the laundry rooms, always lent it to me whenever I asked her.

I ironed my clothes carefully then hung it up above the bed. I combed out my thick, curly black hair that dropped right at my shoulder, which I always dreaded. I had broken countless combs and brushes due to this uncontrollable hair of mine.

When I was finished, I opened a tin of sausage and a packet of bread rolls and made myself a cup of tea. Once I was through eating the alarm on my phone went off. I smiled at myself, knowing that time was in my favor today. It was 6:45 a.m. when I left the apartment. I took the seven o' clock bus, which carried me for an hour-and-a-half further down New York.

I was finally standing in front of Hollen Tower when I got off the bus. The building was a huge skyscraper with an exterior of gold glass. I entered through the main entrance and walked up to the front desk receptionist. She was a slim, blonde woman with flawless makeup who was dressed sharply in a formal, women's business suit. She wore a warm smile on her face as I approached.

"Good morning ma'am. I'm Emma Cole. I'm here for an interview," I said in the best manner I possibly could.

"Good morning, Miss Cole. Interviews are being held on the fifteenth floor. This way to the elevator."

I had never been in one before nor did I wanted to be in one by myself. I panicked as the doors slide open. I walked in and thank her with a nod, too scared to speak up. The elevator started beeping and I almost jumped out of my skin when the door opened again and another woman came in. She wore a badge that read:

Linda Steele

Chief Operating Officer

Hollen Tower

"Good morning," I greeted and she gave a warm smile, similar to the receptionist.

"Good morning, what floor are you going to?"

"Fifteenth."

She pressed the digits that were lit, there was a swoosh movement, and I knew we were going up. I felt dizzy. I held onto the bar as I concentrated on not screaming to get out and take the stairs instead.

"We're here," she said, snapping me out of my regrets.

"Thank you," I managed to reply as we stepped out together. 

There was another receptionist as I stepped onto the floor. "May I help you?" she greeted.

Ms. Steele had already gone in another direction.

Cole. I'm here for an interview for the personal

looked at me from

doing what everyone else has done!

impolite stare. Her look made me look at myself too. I wanted to ask if there was

over there. We'll call

"Thank you."

I saw six beautiful women also waiting. I assumed they were here for the same reason I was, and I was a ragamuffin compared to these perfectly groomed, well-dressed ladies; even though what I was wearing were the best professional pieces I

the receptionist

followed her through

at my phone; it was 11:00. I had been waiting for two hours. Nevertheless, I followed her through the same glass door when she finally called my name. She knocked, opened the

leather couch on the side. There were plants in large pots which added a forest-like green vibe to the room. The cool air calmed

could live here. I just need a bed, I

and wasting our time, you may have a seat," a voice said firmly, erasing my pondering

sir, I'm Emm....

a seat Miss. Cole." His voice was

a pointed nose, perfectly structured face, and small lips. His hair was pitch black and styled neatly on his head. His shoulders curved from his sharp suit, and his

you

"Huh?"

asked you for

me? I was so lost in his looks that I didn't

handed it to him

yanked it away and

a cafe?" he asked

lowered my head; I had

high school, how is it that you only

college, sir. I've been on my own since I was eighteen, right after high school. I

"Where were your parents?"

don't know of

grew up in a

homes," I corrected.

wouldn't

to my toes. I wanted to beg for anything else available so I began to but he cut me off

don't have any money to support myself. I will get evicted soon if I don't pay my rent. Is there anything