Page 6 of Blazing Joysticks

“Are you all right?” Keir’s voice held a mix of concern and amusement.

Cat took a deep breath, willing her racing heart to slow down. “Yes, sorry about that. You, uh, caught me by surprise. How can I help you, Mr. Sharpe?”

“Please, call me Keir,” he said smoothly. “I’m calling because I find myself in need of a new lead engineer, and your name came highly recommended. I was wondering if you might be interested in interviewing for the position?”

Cat blinked, sure she must have misheard. “I’m sorry, what? But I didn’t apply for any position at Sharpe Drakon. I know you don’t usually accept outside applications...”

Keir chuckled, the sound sending an unexpected shiver down Cat’s spine. “You’re right, we don’t. But sometimes exceptional talent catches our attention through other means. Would you be available to come in for an interview this afternoon?”

Cat’s mind raced. An interview? Today? With Keir Sharpe? “I... yes, I suppose I could make that work,” she heard herself saying.

“Excellent,” Keir replied, sounding pleased. “I’ll have my assistant send you the details. Looking forward to meeting you, Catrina.”

As the call ended, Cat sat in stunned silence, her cereal forgotten. She glanced down at her anime pajamas, then at the clock. “Oh my god,” she muttered, jumping to her feet. “What am I going to wear?”

In a flurry of panic, Cat called the one person she knew could help her navigate this unexpected situation – her sister-in-law, Laura.

“Laura, I need help,” Cat blurted out as soon as the call connected. “Can we meet for lunch? I have an interview with Keir Sharpe this afternoon and I’m freaking out.”

Laura’s calm voice was a balm to Cat’s frazzled nerves. “Deep breaths, Cat. Of course, we can meet. Come over to our place – it’s closer to the Sharpe Drakon building anyway. We’ll get you sorted out.”

A few hours later, Cat found herself in Michael and Laura’s penthouse, pacing nervously as Laura laid out several outfit options on the bed.

“I don’t know why I’m so nervous,” Cat admitted, running a hand through her hair. “I’ve had plenty of job interviews before.”

Laura gave her a knowing look. “But none with a CEO who looks like he just stepped off the cover of GQ, right?”

Cat flushed. “That’s not – I mean, yes, he’s attractive, but that’s not the point. This is a huge opportunity, Laura. Sharpe Drakon is at the cutting edge of gaming technology. Working there could be incredible for my career.”

“Exactly,” Laura said, holding up a smart blazer. “So focus on that. You’re an expert in your field, Cat. Multiple advanced degrees, successful projects under your belt – you have nothing to be nervous about. Just be yourself and let your expertise shine through.”

Cat took a deep breath, nodding. “You’re right. I can do this. It’s just a job interview, not a date.”

Laura grinned mischievously. “Besides, isn’t he supposed to have like three girlfriends or something? Pretty sure a guy who looks like that isn’t hurting for company.”

Cat laughed, feeling some of the tension leave her shoulders. “Good point. Okay, help me pick an outfit that says ‘competent professional’ and not ‘nervous wreck.’”

As Cat paced nervously in Michael and Laura’s penthouse, Laura rummaged through the closet, pulling out various options. Finally, she emerged with a triumphant smile, holding up a sleek, professional black-trimmed, beige skirt suit.

“This is perfect. Nobody wears plain black anymore,” Laura declared, eyeing Cat critically. “The tailored jacket will emphasize your waist, and the skirt will show off your curves without being too provocative. You’ll look competent and confident.”

Cat eyed the outfit dubiously. “Are you sure it’s not too... much?”

Laura shook her head firmly. “Trust me, Cat. You’ve got a fantastic figure, and there’s nothing wrong with dressing in a way that makes you feel good about yourself. Besides, the cut is completely professional. You’ll knock ’em dead. Just one question, I know you hate heels, but this is an interview…”

“Bring out whatever heels you want me to wear. I hate them if I’m just going to walk around the city, but I’ve had to wear heels for multiple presentations during my last contract, so I got used to them.”

Laura smiled brightly. “Excellent. These black peek-a-boo pumps will look amazing with your skirt suit.”

Cat eyed the shoes. “They’re a little high.”

Laura raised her brows. “They’ll make your legs look longer.”

She was short enough on her own and could use all the help she could get. Not like she’d be wearing them on a regular basis. “Sure, why not? May as well go for the full look.”

Reluctantly, Cat tried on the suit and the heels. As she looked in the mirror, her eyes widened in surprise. The jacket hugged her curves in all the right places while the skirt fell a little above her knees, striking the perfect balance between professional and stylish. The heels really made her legs look good.

“Now, let’s do something with your hair and makeup,” Laura said, guiding Cat to the vanity. “Nothing too drastic, just enough to enhance your natural beauty.”

---