The Art of Control

I stood in the waiting room of styles enterprises. My eyes kept shifting at every sudden movement as I thought it would be Mr. Styles coming out of his office and calling my name. I could feel the judging eyes of the receptionist at her desk, burning holes through my skull. "I don't believe you signed in" she finally spoke. I turned to her cautiously, afraid if I made a fast turn my heels would give in under me. Her blue eyes were icy as they glared into my own. Her blonde hair was pulled back tightly into a bun and her dress shirt was a size too small I believe, giving me a perfect view of her saggy cleavage. She held the chart out to me, but didn't dare smile or attempt to. Bitch.

"I didn't think I had to. My apologies" I said curtly as I walked to her at a steady pace. It felt like time stopped and the world stood still until I finally got to the receptionist desk. I took the chart from her hands shakily and wrote my name down in horrid cursive.

"Don't be nervous. He won't be too harsh on you" she smirked taking the chart back and clutching it between her long, red nails. "What job are you applying for?" She asked. I scowled at her attempt of a conversation, but nonetheless gave her one.

"The publicity department" I said proudly. All night long I had been thinking of this interview and now that it's here, my entire body is tingling with a mix of emotions.

"Must be new" she said smacking her red stained lips. The doors of Mr. Styles's office opened and the receptionist sat up and straightened her bun. "Mr. Styles, what a surprise" she feigned innocence as if she wasn't ready to claw me to shreds just moments ago. Especially with her stripper nails.

"Christa I would like for you to cancel this afternoons meeting. I will be handling a few things with Ms. Carter. Come" he said beckoning me. His professional pants were on and he was no longer the charming, cheeky, flirt he was yesterday at the gala. "I am glad you decided to take this job Ms. Carter, it will require a lot of hard work and dedication, sit" he commanded taking a seat as well. "I've picked up a few copies of your student paper and I must say I am impressed" he smiled. I sighed in relief. He was smiling, that's always good.

"Thank you, sir" I said folding my hands in my lap. "I'm really dedicated to what I do." I said just throwing that in there incase he was doubting assigning me the job.

"I won't doubt that. I believe you have excellent publicist skills. You can be very essential to my company Ms. Carter for more reasons than one" he smirked. I gulped and nodded, not asking what he meant or dwelling on the thought. More ways than one can be good or bad coming from the mouth of the man that's supposed to be hiring you. "I've heard just about everything I need to hear. Come, I will show you your office" he said standing up.

My eyes widened and I stood up as well. I didn't think the interview would come and go like this. I thought I'd have to plead my case and give valid reasons of why I'd be the best candidate for this job, I guess not. "Of course sir" I said following him. As soon as the doors opened I was met with the now familiar glare of the receptionist. She pursed her red lips and froze with a stack of papers in her hand. I smirked once I realized it was out of mere surprise. She didn't expect me to get the job. I flipped my hair and continued my walk with Mr. Styles to my new office.

The elevator doors closed and suddenly I had the overwhelming feeling of butterflies. The small box held no space and Mr. Styles and I were practically pressed against each other "you'd have to excuse me. It is a private elevator, it's not meant for much space" he said looking around. His green eyes fell on mine and I looked down quickly, dodging his piercing gaze. "You are something, Ms. Carter" he chuckled leaning against the small railing in the elevator.

I could say the same about you sir.

The doors opened and Mr. Styles and I walked out. Through the row of windows lining the side of this floor I could practically see the city below. "A beautiful view isn't it? I often like to come up here when I'm working late. It's soothing" he smiled as we kept walking. "Some days we will have the floor to ourselves" he said. My eyes widened for the tenth time today and I stopped walking.

"We?" I asked as if I didn't hear him clearly. He turned around and smiled smugly, nodding and grabbing my hand.

“We. I will be up here with you of course because this is my floor. The office downstairs is strictly for interviews and business purposes. I don't go down there often" he said. My nerves skyrocketed and I gulped. We'll be alone most days. Oh my.

We stopped at a set of glass double doors and Mr. Styles pulled out a gold key and unlocked them. "I know it's not much, come" he said letting me inside and shutting the door. "Here you will be making sure my company stays in the public eye. I don't want ridiculous stories Ms. Carter and I assume you are not into that sort of journalism" he said raising an eyebrow. He means scum journalism.

"I would never do anything to tarnish the company's name" I said truthfully. He hummed and walked over to my new desk.

"I will have a new computer in here by tomorrow. It's been so long since someone has occupied this space and I'm sure you will use it well" he said running his finger along the wood of the desk. "I just want to go over a few of the rules and I will leave you to get situated" he said shoving his hands in his pockets. No. Don’t leave!

I stayed silent as he began talking "1. the phone is not for personal pleasure. You will not contact friends or family on this phone. You can do that on your own time. 2. I don't want your friends showing up here whenever they please" he said.

"You won't have a problem with that sir" I said smiling.

"Good. Break is only 15 minutes and your shift will end at 6:00 if I don't need you to stay after" he said walking closer to me "uniform is formal. No jeans, sneakers and hoodies" he said eyeing my outfit. "Have I covered everything?" He asked himself "Ah. Yes, meetings. Meetings are held in the conference room on the 3rd floor, but I'm sure your assistant will help you locate it" he said. I gaped and nearly squealed. I have an assistant.

"An assistant?" I asked

"Yes. If you need things you're too busy to get, if you need to schedule things and you so happen to be tied up, your assistant will get them for you. Her name is Isabelle and she should be here shortly after I leave. Any questions?" He asked biting down on his lip. I shift uncomfortably and shook my head. "Good" he clapped. "Call me if you need me" he said walking towards the door. "Oh and Ms. Carter?" He said stopping.

"Yes, sir?" I asked turning around. I bit down on my lip as he eyes pierced through my own.

"Have a good day" he breathed sliding out of the door leaving me dazed and confused.

Notes

anyone going to otra? if so, where and when?
Stay beautiful xx