Page 14 of Perfect Strangers

Our hands let go of one another and I follow him toward his office. He motions me in. “Have a seat Miss Gellar.”

I sit, crossing my ankles together. “Thank you, sir.”

Mr. Paxton takes his seat as I slip him a copy of my resume. He glances at it for a few moments and I stay silent, waiting for him to initiate the discussion.

He turns my resume face down and relaxes in his chair. “So, Miss Gellar. I noticed there was a significant gap in your education. What happened there?”

Of course, he decided to drop this bomb on me.

I wiggle in the chair uncomfortably before responding. “Well, I had a child so I took time off school to raise my son. But, as you can see, I returned a couple of years ago and graduated with honors.”

He sits there quietly for a moment. “So, I see you’re currently at the local station in Connecticut. Have you ever done a story ‘live on air’?”

“As a matter of fact, I have and I brought a tape of my story, if you’d like to see it.” I motion through my bag before he stops me.

“No need. So, you’re currently in Connecticut. Do you plan on relocating to the city if the position is offered to you?”

His question catches me off guard and I decide to respond honestly. “Well, I thought I’d commute on the metro. An apartment in the city is a little out of my price range and the schools are better up north.”

His lips press against one another and my heart sinks into my stomach. He lets out a deep sigh. “Look, Miss Gellar. I’ll be honest. This is the kind of position that if there’s a story, we need you here within ten, fifteen minutes top. Having to take an hour-long train ride into the city is too long for our standards.

All of the employees live in the city. There’s lots of long nights in the office and some work weekends. We expect the perfect candidate to be on call at a moment’s notice.

I interrupt him before it gets worse. “I understand your concern but I can assure you that I will give 100% to this job. I’ve worked so hard to get where I am and I’ve always wanted to work here, ever since I was a little girl.”

He pinches the brim of his nose. “Yes, I award your dedication but there are other candidates our there with more experience and let’s face it, you’ve only been at one news station. Most of our new hires, have years under their belts. Right now, I don’t think this may be the best option for you. Perhaps, you’ll find something a little closer to home.”

I decide to stay quiet and accept defeat. “I understand sir. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.”

I stand, holding my hand out for his. He shakes mine and offers one last piece of advice. “Get some more experience and move into the city. That’s the only way you’ll move up.”

I nod with a smile. “Thank you. Have a nice day.”

“It was nice meeting you Miss Gellar.”

I exit his office, rushing toward the elevator, holding back the tears. As soon as I step inside, the tears flow and sobs of deep despair escape my lungs

. I envision my dream of being a world-renowned journalist crashing before my eyes just as the elevator reaches the ground floor.

Tears spill down my face as I exit the elevator, hurling past a group of riders and out the building. I glance at my phone to see the time and know I have to meet Juliette in twenty minutes.

Walking toward the curb, I hail a cab and give him the address of the restaurant where we are meeting. I sit in silence as the cab drives past the crowds of New Yorkers living their life in the city. I should have prepared myself for this a little better. I knew getting this job was a hell of a chance, but it still hurts.

Before I know it, the cab pulls up at the destination and I pay him his fee. I wipe my face of any tears, glancing at my reflection in the window of the cab. Hoping I don’t have any hidden snot anywhere, I take a deep breath and step inside the restaurant.

Juliette calls me from a seat by the window. “Dylan! Over here!”

I catch her waving at me from the corner table and I smile at the sight of one of my dearest friends. She stands up and we greet one another in a tender hug. I put my bag down and take a seat across from her. I can’t believe it’s been so long since we’ve gotten together.

“It’s been too long.”

She smiles, “I know! Let’s not lose contact ever again. I’ve missed you. So, tell me how was the interview? Did you get the job?”

I shrug with a frown. “Unfortunately, I’m not what they need at the moment.”

A hint of pain hits my chest as I fight the tears from spilling again. Juliette gasps and holds my hand. “Oh shit. I’m so sorry Dylan.”

“It is what it is. I’ll just continue to work at the station and maybe I’ll work my way up there. Who knows, maybe one day, I’ll anchor the evening news.”

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