The building in front of me was massive. Not only was it quite tall, but it basically covered the entire block. There were posters lined on the walls showing models in the company's underwear doing poses and looking seductively, as you would expect of them. This being in the middle of downtown, there were multiple people walking around, talking with others, entering and exiting the building, what you would expect from the area. I was standing right in front of it wearing the best suit and tie I owned as I mentally prepared myself to enter.
After my, ahem, event with Gor, we contacted each other and set up an appointment so that I can get an interview with his company, Pureign. Since I'm a freelancer, I would sign a contract if they were to hire me, which suits me just fine. I just need to make a good impression on the hiring manager.
I took a deep breath before entering the building. Passing the doors, I was greeted with the main lobby, and it was huge. So much space that I'm sure a thousand people can walk here just fine. While there definitely wasn't a thousand people, there were still many walking about and interacting. A lot of them had folders and suitcases and walked with poised as they headed to what I assumed were meeting rooms. There were many chairs and tables around the area as well, which the majority were occupied. I continued walking forward until I was able to see the reception desk. Apparently, the company decided to have the desk all the way in the back. Interesting choice.
I walked towards it and took a deep breath before going to talk to the woman behind the desk. And it was by no means a small reception desk either. Don't know why they got one that big when I only saw one person behind it, but maybe they got it for the visual? It even had a giant wooden back panel with the company's name on it. The woman herself was a feline beastfolk, a puma if I were to estimate. She wore a really nice blouse and had jewelry from earrings to bracelets. I'm sure she had more than I could see but they were the ones that were noticeable. As I got closer, I saw a name plate in front of her that said "Silvia."
She saw me walk up towards her and gave me a smile, "Hello, welcome to Pureign! How can I help you?"
I smiled back at her, "Hi! My name is Javier. I have an appointment that was endorsed by Gor?"
She did a double take and gave me a look of shock, "Gor endorsed someone? That's a first. He tends to just focus on selling than recruiting."
"In his defense, I'm fluent in sales language too so I got his attention."
She let out a good-natured laugh and began typing in her computer, "You must have given him one hell of a sales pitch then." (Hell yeah, I did.) "The most you can get out of him is work, work, work. Ah! Here you are! Seems like your interview will be waiting for you on the 30th floor. You can take one of the elevators on your left and it will take you right to there."
"Oh, thank you! Have a nice day!"
"You too! And good luck!"
Waving goodbye to Silvia, I made my way to the elevators, which were all in a collective hall, and pressed one of the MANY buttons that were placed. Thankfully, one of them opened a couple seconds later and I was able to get in. The elevator ride was uneventful as I just waited to get on my floor. (Guess I got lucky.) When it hit the 30th floor, I got out and gave a quick scan.
The entire place was what you would expect of an office space. Tables with computers, stacks of papers, and many other office supplies in every corner I looked. People were either sitting on their desks working on the computer or walking to whatever place they need to be with papers in their hands. And it looked a little hectic. Maybe not "I have many things to do and I must hurry" busy but everything had a task they were working on.
Not knowing who to look for (I forgot to ask Silvia, rookie mistake), I scanned the office until I saw a familiar face. Gor was there talking to a couple of people, who looked like a male elf and a female human. He wore a similar suit from the last time I saw him, but this time he left out the coat. He turned his head a little and was able to notice me. He gave a smile, told the two people a couple of things, and walked towards me.
"You're here! And not a moment too soon! How have you been?"
I smiled back at him, "Pretty good. Nice to see you too, Gor. The receptionist told me to come to this floor for my interview?"
"Yes, it will be in this floor. Don't worry. The hiring manager can be a little strict, but she's also fair. I think she's currently helping a new employee but she should be done in a few minutes."
I shrugged, "It's fine. I have nothing planned for today other than this anyway. And it's good to see your handsome face again."
Gor blushed and scratched the back of his head, "T-thanks, it's, uh, good to see you again too."
He leaned a little close and whispered to my ear, "Truth be told, I'm having a very hard time not getting...you know, when I saw you."
I giggled at that, "I'm flattered. Whenever you're free, come find me. We can have some fun together."
I winked at him, which made him make a bashful chuckle.
"I-I'll be sure to remember that." He separated from me and gave a cough. "Anyway! Um, can I get you something while you wait? We have coffee but-"
"That won't be necessary, Gor."
A deep, groveling voice interrupted and we both turned to look at its owner.
A hulking, handsome orc wearing a pristine tuxedo walked forward. The exact look you would expect to see in the front cover of a magazine. (He even had a chain watch attached to his vest.) I won't be surprised if that suit was worth more than my entire wardrobe. His hair was styled in a comb over with not a single hair out of place and no beard, but you could tell that he shaved. He had the face of a man who could EASILY win the "most attractive man in the world" title that certain magazines love to do. The way he carried himself was that of superiority, but still respectable. If I didn't know any better, I'd say I landed in a movie film with main male lead.
He gave me (us) the most breathtaking smile and said, "I talked with Vy and told her I could take over as hiring manager for today, so he'll come with me."
Gor's eyes widened with surprise, "Boss! Good morning! Are-are you sure!? Aren't you busy right now!?"
The orc's smile grew a little bigger as he looked at Gor, "You don't need to worry about that. I managed to finish my current appointments earlier than expected. And I really wanted to see the photographer you endorsed."
He turned to look at me, "I apologize. When I heard that someone caught my workaholic salesman's eye, I just had to know who it was." He raised his hand at me for a handshake. "My name is Roderick Blacksure, I'm the CEO of Pureign."
Wow, those hands were big. And I was able to see a couple of rings on some of his fingers. And while I couldn't really see because the sleeve was covered, I think I saw a bracelet on his wrist.
I lifted my hand and shook his, "It's a pressure to meet you, sir! I'm Javier Celencia, a freelance photographer."
Mr. Blacksure turned to Gor, "Have to say, you surprised me. Figured you'd be too busy to even notice anything or anyone else, let alone a photographer."
Gor blushed and scratched the back of his head, "Well, you know. When someone catches your attention, they catch your attention. And his work DID look great, so..."
A heavy laugh escaped Mr. Blacksure, "It's alright, Gor. I trust your judgement. I'll just interview him and see his work to see if he is a good fit for us. Alright?"
He then turned to me again, "Shall we get going? We'll take this to my office."
I nodded, "Of course."
I waved goodbye to Gor (who immediately went back to talking to some of his coworkers) and headed to the elevator with the big man himself. Once in the elevator, it rose to the upper floors with me standing side by side with him. With the now enclosed space, I was able to smell his very masculine cologne. Different from Gor's, more poignant and powerful. Made me want to submit to that man already.
He faced me as he spoke, "I trust that you have experience taking pictures of people?"
I mimicked his action, "Yes, I'm very versatile with my photography and have a website with all my work so they are easier to find."
He smiled, "Perfect. Already starting to like you."
I let out a giggle out of habit. God, why am I so weak to orcs? Oh, right. Because they're practically sex gods in their own right.
We got in our floor pretty quickly (seriously, I thought companies like this CONSTANTLY have people stop the elevators) and entered a nearly decorated hall with a big desk on the side and a pair of huge doors in the other. Behind the desk was a female tiefling who had what I can only describe as a secretary outfit. (Though she did make it look good.)
She stood up when she noticed her boss and gave a bow.
"Hello, sir."
Wow, she sounded very professional. Her voice sounded straightforward and monotone.
"Hello, Aya. I will be interviewing this fine, young gentleman here for the next 30 minutes. If anyone asks for me, tell them that I am currently busy."
She gave me a quick look when he pointed at me (with a masked expression, so I didn't know what she was thinking), but immediately looked back at him and nodded.
"Of course, sir."
He walked towards the doors of his office (which were almost comically big) with me behind him and opened them for me. I thanked him as I passed by him and took in the CEO's office.
It was almost COMICALLY large. The size can easily be a condo in terms of scale, maybe even bigger! The office was exactly what you would expect from a CEO. There were multiple sofas in the center of the room with a coffee table right in the middle, not sure what brand but they looked very expensive and comfortable. Past the sofas and tables was the big man's own desk. It was shaped in a half-circle and was just as big as its owner. (I suppose when you're an orc, you can reach farther than others.) There were a couple of chairs right in front of said desk as well. Both sides of the office had multiple closets and drawers. They were all closed (talk about keeping it nice and tidy) but I wouldn't be surprised if they had extra suits and work-related files in them.
There were some personal touches I saw; was definitely able to notice a couple degrees that were on his desk, as well as some figurines on both the desk and coffee table. And the absolute kicker? A gigantic window just behind the desk, replacing the entire wall, and giving a beautiful view. The sunlight was able to illuminate the entire room, with no need from any lights.
I thought I would only be able to see something like this on television, but this was the real deal.
Mr. Blacksure passed me and lifted his hand towards one of the chairs that was close to his desk, "Please, have a seat."
I composed myself and nodded my head, "Oh, thank you."
As I sat down, my nerves returned. It felt a little stronger compared to when I was standing in front of the building, but I was controlling it the best I could.
