SHORTS: The Interview

Billy had been waiting for this for so long, the interview that would make or break him. Get the job and he would be set up for life, money would not be an issue anymore. Failure was not an option, he did not just want this job he needed it, I mean really needed it.

This was one of the biggest company’s in the industry; Billy could be one of the big boys by the end of the week.

The post had come up three months ago, the moment he saw it his heart skipped a beat. The next day he quit his job, it was quiet exhilarating actual, being able to tell his boss what he really thought of him, gloating about how he would be earning more than he does in a year. Everyone watched as he danced around the office singing ‘The only way is up…’

Everything had to be right, breakfast, filling but not too heavy. Hair, sleek and under control. Clothes, tailor-made at Saville Rowe. Shoes, Italian. Billy looked in the mirror and gave himself the wink and the gun, “Perfect.”

At 9am he left his house, the sun was out and the sky was clear. Rays of sun reflected off the midnight blue Mercedes he had rented for the day; this car was the finishing touch.

The drive there made him feel like a celebrity, no better than a celebrity, he felt like a million dollar man. Everyone watched him cruise up to the traffic lights, their envious stares made Billy warm up inside. What would they say if they knew that he had to clear out his savings just to look this good, well Billy didn’t care, it was worth it.

At 9:35am he pulled into the car park and found a spot a few yards from the main entrance, he turned off the ignition and sat just there. Billy wanted to gather his thoughts and go over his flash cards. Each one had the perfect answer to practically any question he could be asked. He looked in the rear view mirror, and watched himself, every smile; tilt of the head and laugh had been practiced to perfection. There was no reason why they would not want to take him on board.

9:45am it was time to go in. Billy took his time as he approached the reception desk, wanting to keep cool at all times. The receptionist looked up and smiled,

“Hi can I help you?”
“Yes my name is Billy Sax I have an interview at 10am with Peter Faulks”
“You have an interview today?”
“Yes”
“With Mr. Faulks?”
“Yes,” said Billy “10am on the 11th”
“Ok,” the reception tapped at her keyboard, then glanced up at Billy. “You said your name was Billy Sax right?”
“Yes, is there a problem?”
“I’m afraid so Mr. Sax, it seems your interview was for the 11am on the 10th, yesterday.”