Page 7 of Blazing Joysticks

With deft hands, Laura applied a light touch of makeup, just enough to bring out Cat’s brown eyes and give her a healthy glow. Then, she gently brushed out Cat’s long brunette locks, letting them fall in soft waves around her shoulders.

“There,” Laura said, stepping back to admire her work. “Leave your hair down. It softens your look and will help you feel more like yourself.”

Cat turned to the mirror, barely recognizing the confident, professional woman staring back at her. “Wow,” she breathed. “I look...”

“Gorgeous and totally capable of acing this interview,” Laura finished for her, squeezing her shoulders encouragingly.

For the first time since receiving Keir’s call, Cat felt a surge of genuine confidence. She straightened her shoulders, a determined smile spreading across her face. “You’re right. I can do this.”

As Cat left the penthouse, she felt transformed. The skirt suit moved with her, reminding her of her own strength and capability. Her loose hair brushed against her shoulders, a comforting sensation that grounded her.

As Cat left the penthouse, dressed in a stylish yet professional ensemble that Laura had put together, she felt a renewed sense of confidence. This was her chance to be part of something groundbreaking, to push the boundaries of what technology could do.

Walking toward the imposing Sharpe Drakon building, Cat ran through key points about her skills and past projects in her head. She was more than qualified for this position. All she had to do was show Keir Sharpe that she was the best person for the job.

THREE

Keir Sharpe stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows of his spacious office, gazing out at the New York City skyline. The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the bustling metropolis, but Keir barely noticed the view. His mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming interview, his fingers absentmindedly adjusting the cuffs of his tailored suit.

A soft knock on the door pulled him from his reverie. “Mr. Sharpe? Your four o’clock appointment is here,” his assistant’s voice called through the intercom.

Keir took a deep breath, centering himself. “Send her in, please.”

He turned to the door, ready to greet the candidate his mother had so enthusiastically recommended. But as Catrina Reeves stepped into his office, Keir found himself momentarily stunned.

The woman before him exuded an aura of quiet confidence, her curvy figure accentuated by a stylish skirt suit that spoke of professionalism and subtle elegance. But it was her face that truly caught Keir off guard – warm brown eyes that sparkled with intelligence, framed by loose waves of chestnut hair that softened her features.

Keir blinked, realizing he’d been staring. He quickly stepped forward, extending his hand. “Ms. Reeves, welcome. I’m Keir Sharpe.”

Her hand met his in a firm handshake, and Keir’s skin tingled at the contact. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Sharpe,” she replied, her voice warm and melodious. “Please, call me Cat.”

“Cat,” Keir repeated, the informal name rolling off his tongue. He gestured to the sitting area near the windows. “Please, make yourself comfortable.”

As they settled into the plush leather chairs, Keir found himself uncharacteristically flustered. He’d conducted countless interviews over the centuries, yet something about this woman left him feeling off-balance.

“So, Cat,” he began, clearing his throat, “your resume is quite impressive. Multiple advanced degrees, a string of successful projects... What made you interested in the position here at Sharpe Drakon?”

Cat’s eyes lit up, and Keir found himself leaning in, captivated by her enthusiasm. “Well, to be honest, I was surprised to receive your call. Sharpe Drakon has always been at the forefront of gaming innovation, and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects like Guardian AI is incredibly exciting.”

As Cat delved into her background, describing her education and past experiences, Keir found himself hanging on her every word. It wasn’t just the content of her speech – though her qualifications were undoubtedly impressive – but the way she spoke about her work. Her eyes danced with passion, her hands moving animatedly as she described complex problem-solving scenarios.

“...and then, would you believe it, the solution was right there all along.” Cat giggled, recounting how she’d cracked a particularly challenging piece of code. “Sometimes you just need to look at things from a different angle.”

Keir couldn’t help but smile, charmed by her laughter and the genuine joy she seemed to take in her work. He leaned back in his chair, studying her. “You certainly have a unique approach to problem-solving. Tell me, how do you think you’d handle the challenges we’re facing with Guardian AI?”

Cat’s brow furrowed slightly in concentration, and Keir found the expression oddly endearing. “Well, from what I understand of the project, the key is integrating the AI’s protective instincts seamlessly into the user experience, right? I’d start by...”

As Cat launched into a detailed analysis, Keir found his mind wandering. He should be focused on her technical expertise – and part of him was, noting the innovative solutions she proposed – but he couldn’t ignore the way her presence affected him. There was something about her, an inexplicable pull that he’d never experienced before.

Shaking himself mentally, Keir refocused on the conversation. “That’s an intriguing approach,” he said, genuinely impressed. “But I have to ask – the lead engineer position can be demanding. Long hours, high pressure. How would that impact your personal life?”

It was a standard question, but Keir found himself holding his breath, oddly anxious about her answer.

Cat laughed, the sound light and carefree. “Oh, that’s not a problem at all. I’m used to long days – when I’m working on an exciting project, I often lose track of time. And as for personal commitments...” She shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. “I don’t even have pets because of my allergies, so no worries there.”

Keir felt an inexplicable sense of relief wash over him. He leaned forward, suddenly eager to know more about her beyond her professional qualifications. “Speaking of personal lives, what were you up to when I called you this morning? I hope I didn’t interrupt anything important.”

A faint blush colored Cat’s cheeks, and Keir found the sight utterly charming. “Oh, um... I was actually eating cereal and watching anime,” she admitted with a sheepish grin.

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