Page 16 of Keep My Secrets
“That won't be necessary.” He laughs. “There is an intern proposal due next week; you will be expected to have it in with everyone else, even though they have had two weeks to complete it.”
“Yes, sir. No problem, I would just need the client file, and I’ll have it done ASAP.” My smile reaches from ear to ear. I was ecstatic to be interviewing here for any job, but now I'm leaving with an internship at one of the most prestigious firms in the city. I did this. Theo may have gotten me an interview, but I earned this spot with my hard work. I am so glad I thought to take pictures of my recommendation letters as I received them. Those recommendations got me this job. I should send all my professors fruit baskets.
“We can get that to you today, but let's get you to HR first and get your paperwork all set up. You can start tomorrow at eight a.m.”
“I’ll be here.” We walk out of his office and into the elevator. We exit on the seventy-third floor.
He knocks on a glass door, and a young man stands up from behind his desk.
“Malcom, this is Aria Mason. She will be joining us in the internship program this year.” He looks at Mr. Castin with confusion. “Since she is starting later than the rest, we really need her paperwork completed today so she can start tomorrow.” His attention shifts to me. “Malcolm Williams is the head of HR here at Castin Construction and will get you taken care of. Once you are done here, he will shoot me a message and I will show you to your desk and have you meet the other interns.” I nod as Malcom offers me a chair.
“I take it the interview went well.” He laughs.
“You could say that.” The smile still hasn't left my face.
“Please give me just a moment. I was preparing to hire a receptionist, not an intern, so I need to adjust a few things.” He starts typing as his phone dings. He looks at the message before returning his attention to the computer screen. “I think well is an understatement.”
“What do you mean?” I ask. Now I want to know what message he received.
“Kai, I mean Mr. Castin, has sent over the offer letter, and is offering you a salary reserved for a select few interns.”
“Oh, really? Can I see?” I completely forgot I was going to get paid for this job. I was willing to accept any salary, but being told I am getting a really good offer is exciting.
“Absolutely. Let me get it printed off. If you accept these terms, I will need you to sign the letter, and we can get your contract drawn up.”
He spins his chair around and grabs a paper off the printer behind him.
He slides it over to me, and as I look down, something finally takes the smile off my face.
My jaw has hit the floor looking over the salary.
“Are you sure this is correct?” I look up to Malcom.
“Triple checked.” He smiles.
“Do you have a p—” He has a pen held out for me before I can finish asking the question. Of course he did—who in their right mind would turn down a 100k a year entry-level salary? I have heard rumors that Castin Construction pays well and takes care of its people. But this is 25k better than other junior architect jobs, and I'm only an intern. I can only go up from here. I really need to send my professors a gift basket, especially now that I can afford it. Well, I’ll still use Theo’s card, but that’s not the point.
I sign all the necessary paperwork, and Mr. Castin does as he said he would and meets me at the elevator to take me to my desk.
“Here is the intern’s section of the office. We have you all together so you can collaborate. Here is where you will be. Jonathan is to your right, and Abigail is in front of you. They should be able to get you up to speed. The client folder is on yourdesk for the proposal due next Friday. The interns should be getting out of a meeting in a few minutes, and there is only about an hour left in the work day, so if you would like to stay and meet the team, you are more than welcome. Or you can head home, and we will see you tomorrow.”
Mr. Castin leans on my desk with his hands in his pockets. I can’t help but notice how attractive he is. His tousled, brown hair, the perfect amount of scruff, the way when he looks at me, his eyes look almost black. Definitely my type, but even though he is objectively hot, he's not stirring any feelings. I think Theo has ruined me. I mean I am sitting next to an extremely attractive man, and all I want is to call Theo and tell him about my day.
I’m totally fucked.
I mean we aren’t even really officially anything other than kinky fuck buddies. I am going to be devastated when he ends things.
“I’d like to stay and meet the team.” I smile, crossing my arms and looking around the office. It's huge. I guess if you're designing a building you know you're going to be in, you're going to make it perfect.
“Sounds good.” He looks toward what I am assuming is a conference room where a door just opened. “Perfect timing. They are all headed this way.”
Several people quickly find their desks and sit down to take notes. A curly-headed blonde woman sits at the desk in front of me, I am going to assume that she is the Abigail I was told about.
“Hey, Mr. Castin, to what do we owe the pleasure?” A dirty blond haired man walks over to the desk next to me. This must be Johnathon. For some reason, I immediately want to keep my distance. I get a very mydad’s a lawyervibes from him.
All the interns' attention shoots up in our direction.
“Everyone, I would like to introduce you to Aria Mason. She is the final intern joining this year’s roster. There was an incident with her paperwork which kept her from joining us, but now that we have it squared away, she is going to play a little catch up and be a great addition to the team. Please make her feel welcome.” Some of the eyes staring at me are welcoming and approachable, others are very upset that I am here. Abigail seems happy to see me, while the only other female intern is shooting daggers at me. The guys are either smiling or indifferent. Then there is Jonathan. He is already walking towards me to introduce himself. Confidence does not seem to be something he lacks. I put my focus on Abigail and introduce myself, she seems nice. A little quiet, but nice. I can work with nice.
