Straight To The Top

Emily thought carefully. She wanted to work her way up the company ladder as quickly as possible. With this goal in mind, could she forgo the opportunity to meet the department head on her first day? Of course, in her mind, this would not be a typical interview.

On the other hand, it would be risky to be too assertive with such an influential person who could have her fired on the spot. But no chicken dinner!

“Talking to the boss would be a great opportunity for me, David. He's certainly a busy man, and an opportunity like this won't come around again anytime soon. Please book the appointment for me right away.”

With these words, she stepped close to him. Very close. David's fingers trembled as they swiped across the touchscreen of his notebook, and he had to start over several times to get the calendar entry right. Her closeness, almost a touch. Her body heat, which he could feel, and her perfume, which enveloped him like a delicate spider's web. All of this chipped away at the carefully maintained facade of indifference he wore. He didn't know exactly what he wanted to do with this young, provocative intern. But just standing next to her and pretending she was a normal colleague had nothing to do with the images that involuntarily swirled through his mind.

He had finally done it. David shook his head to clear his thoughts.

“Let's go upstairs!”

In the department head's anteroom, he introduced her to the executive secretary.

“This is our new intern. I've arranged an interview for her with Mr. Barmüller.”

With a sideways glance at the screen and a barely perceptible nod, the assistant confirmed the appointment and turned directly to Emily.

“You can go in now. Mr. Barmüller will be back in a few minutes and will have time for you.”

“Thank you, that's very kind,” Emily replied more formally than usual, resisting the temptation to curtsey. The woman behind the desk exuded such pure authority that you simply had to listen to her. It would probably be impossible, or at least very difficult, to cheat your way past her.

She entered the spacious corner office with large windows in two directions. Opposite the massive workstation with its wide leather executive chair were two visitor chairs. In the windowless corner, a seating area consisting of two armchairs and a couch invited more informal conversations.

Behind her, the door closed with a rich, muffled click. Emily stopped and looked around. Where should she sit? Or would it be better to remain standing?