Chapter 3 The interview

she reentered the hotel waiting room, the grandeur of the space seemed less inviting than before. Autumn's mind was preoccupied with thoughts of the gallery incident, and she struggled to focus on the upcoming interview. The manager's unanticipated presence had cast a shadow over what should have been a pleasant interlude.

Eventually, a young woman with a clipboard approached her. "Miss Smith?" she asked, her voice crisp and professional. "I'm here to take you to your interview. If you'll follow me, please."

Autumn stood up, her nerves fluttering again. She followed the woman through a series of corridors until they reached a door marked "Interviews." With a nod of encouragement, the woman opened the door and gestured for Autumn to enter. The room was elegantly appointed, with a large mahogany table and high-backed chairs arranged around it. Sunlight filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow over the room. Autumn took a deep breath as she entered, trying to calm her racing heart.

Seated at the head of the table was Alex Maxwell, the hotel manager who had so abruptly interrupted her earlier. He looked up as she entered, his expression unreadable. Autumn's heart skipped a beat when she realized he would be conducting her interview. The encounter in the gallery had left her feeling apprehensive, and she couldn't help but worry that her comment about him being a "jerk" might have reached his ears.

"Ms. Smith, please have a seat," Alex said, his voice professional but with an undercurrent of familiarity. Autumn took the chair opposite him, trying to maintain her composure despite the uneasy feeling in her stomach.

As she settled into the chair, Alex leaned back in his own seat and regarded her with a calm, measured expression. "Before we begin, I want to acknowledge our earlier encounter in the gallery. I understand that it may have been a bit unsettling, and I apologize if I came across as abrupt. The gallery is indeed a restricted area, and I needed to ensure that all visitors adhere to our policies."

Autumn's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she cast her eyes downward, avoiding direct eye contact. "I'm really sorry about that," she said softly. "I didn't realize it was a restricted area. I didn't mean to cause any trouble."

Alex's demeanor remained steady. "It's quite alright, Ms. Smith. We all make mistakes, and I appreciate your understanding. Let's move on to the interview, shall we?"

Autumn nodded, feeling a mix of relief and continued anxiety. Alex's calm and professional approach eased some of her tension, though she still couldn't shake the lingering worry about whether her earlier comment had affected her chances of getting the job.

During the interview, Alex's demeanor was as polished as his appearance. He questioned Autumn about her skills and experiences, his tone professional yet detached. She spoke about her background, her ambitions, and her determination to succeed. Although she was nervous, Autumn felt a sense of purpose as she shared her passion for hospitality and her desire to help others.

"Why do you want to work at Grey's Hotel?" Alex asked, leaning forward slightly as he scrutinized her response.

Autumn hesitated for a moment, the weight of the question settling in. "I've always admired the reputation of Grey's Hotel," she began, choosing her words carefully. "It's not just about luxury; it's about creating memorable experiences for guests. I want to be part of a team that makes people feel valued and welcome, and I believe this is the perfect place to do that."

Alex nodded, a flicker of interest crossing his face. "That's a commendable goal. We pride ourselves on our service, and it's essential that our staff share that vision. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer."

As she recounted a challenging experience from her previous job, where she had managed to turn a disgruntled guest's day around, Autumn felt her confidence growing. She could see Alex's expression soften slightly, and for the first time, she felt a glimmer of connection between them.

The interview continued, each question bringing a mix of anxiety and determination. Autumn did her best to present herself confidently, though the undercurrent of anxiety was difficult to mask. She focused on her strengths and experiences, determined to prove that she was the right fit for the job.

As the interview drew to a close, Alex extended a hand to Autumn, his tone professional. "Thank you for coming in today, Ms. Smith. We'll be in touch soon regarding the next steps in the hiring process."

Autumn shook his hand, feeling a mixture of relief and anticipation. "Thank you for the opportunity and for understanding earlier. I appreciate it."

After leaving the conference room, Autumn took a deep breath to compose herself. The interview had been challenging but fair, and she felt that she had done her best. Despite the initial awkwardness with Alex, she was hopeful that the encounter would not hinder her chances.

As she exited the hotel, she couldn't help but reflect on the day's events. Her early morning encounter in the art gallery had turned into a significant and unexpected part of her journey toward potentially securing the job at Grey's Hotel. The interaction with Alex had been unsettling at first, but it had ultimately provided her with an opportunity to demonstrate her suitability for the role. She couldn't help but think about what this job could mean for her. It was more than just a position-it was a chance to change her life and prove her worth and probably gain her mother's love. With a hopeful heart, she left the Grey's Hotel and headed back into the bustling New York City, ready to face whatever came next.

Suddenly, she spotted Jack from earlier, leaning against a lamppost, scrolling through his phone. Their eyes met, and he pushed off the post with a grin. "How did it go?" he asked, genuine curiosity lighting up his features.

Autumn hesitated for a moment. "I think it went well, but I'm not sure." She felt a sense of camaraderie with Jack; he had been a brief but comforting presence in an otherwise nerve-wracking day.

"Hey, you'll do great. Just remember, confidence is key," he encouraged, his enthusiasm infectious.

"Thank you she replied" She replied as she turned to leave.

The city's energy pulsed around her as she navigated the crowded streets, each step feeling both purposeful and anxious. The dimming light painted the buildings in soft hues of orange and pink, but Autumn was focused on the weight of her responsibilities. She pulled out her phone to check messages, hoping for any news from her mother, but found only silence.

With each block she walked, her thoughts spiraled. What would her mother think of her interview? Would she be proud, or would she dismiss it as just another attempt? Autumn quickened her pace, the familiar route home seeming longer than usual.

As she approached the Smith Mansion, the reality of her situation settled heavily on her shoulders. She was trying to break free from the patterns of her past, to carve out a space for herself in a world that often felt unwelcoming. The job at Grey's Hotel represented more than employment; it symbolized a turning point in her life.