Chapter 7: Getting Fired

Danielle started the day with a cup of brewed coffee because her excitement kept her up all night.

She came up with the best plan after all!

Every time she thinks of him, she could only think of danger! It’s like he’s wearing that danger sign on top of his head.

Both of her brothers were frozen when she was grinning in front of the coffee maker. Daryl stood next to her as he sips from his coffee. “Are you ready for your interview?”

Her grin turned into an evil smile. “I’m born ready, Daryl.”

She was dropped off by Dylan as usual. “Break a leg!” He smiled at her and waved goodbye. She forced a smile as watched his car driving away.

Reina immediately went to her desk when she arrived. She noticed that she's not herself when she came in. “I think you need more of this! You look terrible!" Reina puts a mug of brewed coffee on her desk.

"Thank you." She answered before she takes a sip. She wore her classic white long sleeve shirt with the sleeves she folded up to her elbows, had it partly tucked on her blue torn jeans and paired it with her black loafer flats. She had her red hair pulled up in a messy bun.

"You know you have an interview with the new Mr. Neumann today, right?”

She nodded. "I prayed hard last night."

Reina narrowed her eyes and with a grin on her face. "Oh! But I prayed harder, babe!"

Her eyes wide and slumped her head on her desk. ”Geez! I wish this day ends now!"

"Did you see your schedule for the interview?" Reina pointed on their announcement board, ignoring her statement.

"I don't even want to look at it." She rolled her eyes.

"You're at the last hour of the day." Reina informed her.

That means I have to feel miserable the whole day. Did he do this intentionally?!

”You know Reina, you're a good friend and colleague.” She feels frustrated. “I don’t want to go. Reinaaaa! Help me.” She grabbed her friends arm.

Reina smiled widely. “I’m your good friend and I think working for someone like Parker Neumann is not a bad idea. You can do it! I’m rooting for you.”

They stopped talking when Mrs. Jacobs came out of her office and called the first intern going to Mr. Neumann’s office floor. She also instructed that the next intern should just head up right after the first one’s done.

“You have the whole day to prepare for the interview! Save the best for last as they say.” Reina winked at her.

“Stop rooting for me. It’s not helping!” She feels so anxious now.

"You're welcome, babe!" Reina went back to her desk, with a big smile on her lips.

Danielle decided to leave for her interview five minutes after the other guy finished his. The time going up to the suite floor would probably take another five or ten minutes.

She got off the lift when it reached the 125th floor using the exclusive elevators for Mr. Neumann/s office. She was greeted by a decent looking guy wearing a black suit. He reminded her of that bodyguard looking guy with the young Mr. Neumann the first time she saw him, only this guy is younger.

He escorted her silently to the elegant two-door entrance of the CEO's office suite. She thanked him before he left.

She pushed the door open and saw the man in his crisp navy slim fit suit and black cap toe oxfords, standing close to the glass wall overlooking New York City’s business district with his hands inside his pockets.

”Have a seat." He demanded coldly as he turned around and walked towards his grey high back executive swivel chair.

She felt scared thinking he might fire her for being late. She only realized the consequences of her rebellious actions now that he's acting cold towards her.

She bites her lower lip as she take the seat on the chair in front of his desk. She met his piercing grey eyes. She nervously clasped her hands together on her lap, unable to meet his eyes. But she felt like his staring at her, perhaps studying her. “You took your time coming up here.” He finally breaks the silence embracing them.

She nodded apologetically, still looking away.

“I’m ready to hear your excuse for being late, Miss Summers.” He continued, his deep voice making her more nervous.

She lowered her head and kept quiet.

"You don't look like you’ve dressed yourself appropriately for this interview, too.” He noticed. His eyes travelled from her face down to her simple shirt, torn jeans, loafer flats and her messy bun.

She clasped her hands. "I'm sorry. I have problems being on time." She lied. She's always early coming in to work.

Part of her plan is to make herself look bad among the rest of the interns to get a lesser chance of landing the job. Although her sane self is telling her that Parker Neumann sure have reviewed her performance and attendance record for the last month, she still went ahead with her ultimate plan, holding on to that last sliver of hope.

You're stupid, Dee! He wouldn't miss that part on your file!

“A—And dressing appropriately." She continued, slightly biting her lower lip for lying again.

He eyed her seriously. "We can work on that."

She looked up, meeting his gaze after hearing those words. ”I’m sorry?" She felt cold, panic started to consume her. What does he mean? He should tell me to get out and do better, right?

He smirked. "I'm not stupid, Miss Summers. You didn't think I would notice? How differently you've dressed up today compared to your regular office hours?" He paused and leaned back on his chair as he smiled even wider, amusement evident on his face. "You hated getting this opportunity so much you would risk losing your internship.” He stated.

She can’t believe he’s got it all figured out. Her mouth dropped and lost her voice.

I’m going to lose my internship at Neumann’s just because of this?

She saw him took a deep breath before standing up. "You can leave, Miss Summers." His face gleamed with excitement.

She looked at him, confused. He's not firing me?

"Mrs. Jacobs will talk to you." He dismissed her. She nodded despite feeling confused. She clicked her tongue as she closed the door behind her.

He’s not firing me. Probably Mrs. Jacobs will.