The Doctor's Plaything

Chapter 2: The Job Interview

I could not believe that of all the people who could have interviewed me, it had to be Lance, the good-looking guy whom I made a fool of myself in front of earlier. He seemed nice, and he’s smiling from ear to ear as I took his hand and shook it.

Valerie: “Hello, sir. It’s nice to meet you too.”

Lance: “You can call me Lance. No need for sir. I’m not that old.”

Valerie: “O-okay, I will.”

Lance: “Please take a seat.”

Valerie: “T-thank you.”

Lance: “I can tell right away that you’re nervous. Let me guess, this is your first time applying for a BPO job, right?”

Valerie: “Y-yes sir-I mean Lance. How do you know?”

Lance: “Well, I see that you’re 19 years old. You’ve worked in fast food chains before.”

Valerie: “Yes I did. I believe my experience working in fast food chains will help me in becoming a successful customer service agent. As a crew, we were involved in dealing with customers all the time. We also do upselling and make sure the customer’s needs are met all the time. I’ve learned to deal with difficult customers as well.”

Lance: “Sounds good. I have no doubt that your previous work experience will definitely be useful in this job. I used to work as a service crew, too?”

Valerie: “You did?”

Lance: “Yeah. Every summer in high school. See, I didn’t want to waste my time just hanging out with my friends and I wanted to have spending money that I didn’t have to ask my parents for, so I decided to just work.”

Valerie: “That’s admirable. Not a lot of young people nowadays think like that.”

Lance: “I know. Saying it like that makes you sound older than you are.”

This made both of us chuckle, and I felt more comfortable than I already was. Suddenly, it didn’t feel like an interview, but more like a conversation between friends. Every now and then, I feel myself blushing when I have looked at his handsome face too long.

Lance: “So Valerie, how do you see yourself in five years?”

Valerie: “Honestly, I’ve always wanted to become a doctor. My mom is currently battling breast cancer, and I have dealt enough with doctors to know how noble their work is. I wasn’t fortunate enough to continue my studies, but I plan to save up enough to finish my bachelor’s degree, and eventually go to medical school.”

Lance: “Wow, that sounds amazing.”

Valerie: “Thank you.”

Lance: “The company always encourages undergrads to continue their studies. We allow schedule adjustments just so it would fit into your class schedules.”

Valerie: “That’s very good to know. That’s actually one of the reasons why I decided to apply here. I know how supportive you are when it comes to working students. I hope I get the opportunity to work for you.”

Lance: “Well, you may stop hoping. You’re hired.”

Valerie: “Really? Thank you so much, Lance.”

I wanted so much to hug him, but I know that it would be inappropriate since he’s technically my boss now that I am hired. I can’t contain my happiness as a tear fell on my cheek. I wiped it right away, but not before Lance noticed it. He walked towards me and squatted in front of me.

Lance: “Hey, what’s wrong?”

Valerie: “Oh, nothing. I’m so sorry. I’m just so happy. You have no idea how much I needed this job. Thank you so so much, Lance.”

Lance: “Don’t worry about it.”

I almost flinched as Lance wiped another tear that fell on my cheek. I couldn’t help but smile. His hands feel so nice on my face and I had to stop myself from closing the gap between our faces. But then again, maybe that’s what he wanted? Gina and Marie talked about him being a womanizer. Maybe this is how he gets his girls. 

I silently scolded myself as I pulled away from Lance. I have no plans of becoming one of my boss’ women. I came here for work and nothing else. I came here to help my mom out and to save up for school.

Valerie: “Thank you again. I should probably head out. You must still have plenty of interviews to finish.”

Lance stood up as I did and sighed.

Lance: “Yes, I do. Please keep the interview results hush hush for now. You’re not supposed to know that you have been hired yet.”

Valerie: “Don’t worry, Lance. I won’t tell anyone.”

Lance: “I’ll see you around, Valerie.”

Valerie: “See you. Bye, Lance.”

I moved towards the door and waved lightly as I left. I leaned on the door momentarily and let out a huge breath before walking back to the waiting area. I had to stop myself from smiling to hide the fact that I was just hired. Gina and Marie started asking me questions as soon as I sat down next to him.

Gina: “What happened, girl? Was it the operations manager who did your interview? Is he as handsome as advertised?”

This time, I couldn’t hold my smile in as I nodded vigorously confirming that Lance is indeed as handsome as advertised, and more. He also has an awesome body and sexy dimples. I’m not sure how that’s possible, but he looks hotter when he smiles.

Gina and Marie wanted to ask more questions but they were called in for an interview as well. Surprisingly, the rest of the interviews were conducted by twos. Mine was the only one on one interview Lance did. I wonder why.

When Hope called in those who passed the final interview, I was elated that Gina and Marie also passed. We went through the contract signing and a little bit of orientation. I still couldn’t believe that all of this is happening. It seemed surreal and I was a little scared that I might suddenly wake up and find out this was all just a dream.

We were all in the orientation room and waiting to submit our signed contracts when Lance came in. Some of the ladies including Gina giggled as they saw the handsome man confidently striding in while some of the gentlemen sat up straight.

Lance looked around the room and smiled when our eyes met. I was suddenly stunned and eventually smiled back. Gina must have noticed us exchanging smiles and she looked at me and then at Lance back and forth. She looked at me with questioning looks. She wanted to ask something but Marie shushed her and pointed to Lance who was about to start talking.

Lance: “Hello, everyone. It’s nice to see your beautiful and handsome faces today. I would like to officially welcome you to the company, and thank you for taking the leap and applying. Do you have any questions about your contract, or anything else?”

A voluptuous girl whose plunging neckline was noticed by Gina earlier raised her hand up. Lance pointed to her and said “Yes, Miss--”

Plunging Neckline Girl: “Dianne, I’m sure you remember me.”

Lance: “Of course, Dianne. What’s your question?”

Dianne: “I was wondering if you were single.”

She was fluttering her eyes and is obviously giving him flirtatious looks as she asked her question. I swear her neckline plunged a little more when she stood up. Chuckles and giggle could be heard as she spoke. The other ladies and some of the men were probably curious too.

Lance: “Well, that’s not work-related, but I don’t mind answering. Yes, I am single.”

As he said this, his eyes went to me as if he’s telling just me that he is single. Gina noticed this again as she looked at me. I avoided her stare and pretended that I was focusing on the orientation. I was focused, but more on the speaker than on anything else.

A few more questions were asked, mostly about Lance and his love life, his ideal type, his age and even what’s his favorite food. He patiently entertained the questions before he had to go and pass the floor to Hope. Before leaving, Lance nodded and smiled at me lightly as if he’s saying goodbye to me personally. I couldn’t help but acknowledge it with a smile and a slight nod as well. I felt myself blushing so I bowed my head down to hide the redness of my face.

This time, Gina couldn’t contain herself and started her inquisition.

Gina: “What is going on between you and the boss?”

Valerie: “What do you mean? Nothing is going on between us.”

Gina: “He was looking and smiling at you the whole time. He looked at you when he said he’s single. When he described his ideal type, I swear he was talking about you.”

Valerie: “Of course he wasn’t talking about me. He doesn’t even know me.”

Gina: “How about this, when he left, he nodded and smiled at you as if saying goodbye and I’ll see you later.”

Valerie: “He was just being polite.”

Gina: “Polite my ass. That’s how men start wooing you when they want to get into your pants.”

Marie: “Come on Gina, leave the poor girl alone. Maybe the boss has set her sights on her, but she doesn’t know it yet because she’s an innocent virgin.”

Valerie: “Oh come on, I’m not as innocent as you think.”

Gina: “Have you ever been kissed?”

Valerie: “Yes, of course.”

Gina: “By a man who’s romantically interested in you?”

The answer is no, but I didn’t want to validate their claims by answering it. I just bowed my head and didn’t speak anymore.

Marie: “Come on, let’s get out of here. Let’s head to the coffee shop next door. My treat.”

I was about to say no since I didn’t have any money to buy coffee, but since Marie said it was her treat, I went with them. Gina still couldn’t stop teasing me and Lance. She was convinced that he liked me and that he might make a move on me as soon as he could. They both warned me to be careful and to not give in too soon. I don’t have plans to give in at all. I plan to keep my virginity until I get married.

I was so thankful to have met Gina and Marie. I needed a support system like them if I’m going to get through working in the BPO industry. Telling me about their experiences has been helpful in setting my expectations so I did not have that much of a culture shock. I hope to stay friends with them as long as I can.

We’ve already gotten out of the coffee shop, and they have both gone their separate ways. I still have to walk towards the bus station. I wanted to familiarize myself with the easiest and cheapest route I could take to travel to and from the office, to home, and even to the hospital.

I was walking when I almost jumped when I heard a car horn right next to me. I stopped walking and wanted to give the driver of the car a few words but was stunned when I saw the driver. He put the passenger side window down and I saw the smiling face of my hot boss, complete with dimples.

Lance: “Hey, Valerie. Where are you headed? Let me give you a ride.”

To ride or not to ride? That is the question.