Richard stood outside the doors of the B.E.E.S. building and looked ahead in the distance. He breathed in and out, calming down his senses and releasing tension from his muscles before opening the doors. Richard walked along the golden carpet and glared at the receptionist from across the halls, doing paperwork.

Oh great, I never thought I’d see her again. Richard marched over to the desk and rang the bell.

The same blonde woman from before looked up and gasped. “What are you doing here?”

“Hello again.” Richard greeted. “See my new outfit?”

“Yeah, you look more professional now. But, so what? Do you have work experience?”

“As a matter of fact, I do. I’m here to apply for this job again. Contact the boss, now.”

“I can’t do that though, she’s in a meeting.”

“Oh? You’re just saying that because you don’t want me around, do you?”

“I never said that? I’m just doing my job.”

“You said I wasn’t good enough the first time, remember?”

“We can’t just let anyone in, they need to be certified and qualified.”

Richard clenched his fist, but stayed quiet. He had to consider what to say next. Snapping and causing a scene wouldn’t help his chances of getting in. Richard was already at a disadvantage, and had to think of a way to get back in their good graces, if he could. The first course was obvious.

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“Sorry for my rude behavior the first time we met.” Richard bowed his head before her.

The woman shook her head and lowered hers as well. “I don’t blame you. Looking back, I was a jerk. I won’t sugarcoat it, and I’m sorry. I had to follow the rules here.”

“It’s ok, I wasn’t dressed for the job, anyway. But now I am, and ready to try again.” He leaned over, making sure not to touch the desk by mistake. “If that’s alright with you...” He squinted his eyes, trying to read her name tag. “Chrissy?”

“Christy, for the record.”

“Sorry, but will you let me see the boss, at least? Please?”

“So you really want to do this.” Christy sighed. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to check. Hold up, I’ll see if she’s available.” She dialed her number from the intercom. “Miss, I don’t mean to interrupt, but if you’re done with your meeting, you have a visitor wanting to apply. Please let me know in advance when you’re available.”

She let go of the button and told him to wait for a response. Not long after, the phone rang, prompting Christy to pick it up and answer the call.

“Yes, hello? Oh, you’re already done. Is that so? Well, alright, we’ll be waiting for you in your usual room. See you then.” She hung up and turned to Richard. “If you could, please follow me.”

“Alright.”

The two headed toward an elevator and rode up to one of the highest floors in the building. Richard twiddled his thumbs and stared at the wallpaper to keep his mind off things. The silence that embodied the entire area unnerved him to no end. He looked over and noticed Christy’s calm stance, like her mind wandered somewhere.

Both of their palms get sweaty from the surrounding humidity. He wasn’t sure if it was for the same reasons, though. Still, Richard had one thought in particular, and wanted to get something off his chest while he still had the chance.

“Hey, Christy? Can I ask you something?”

“Don’t mention my name so casually in this business establishment,” Christy stated. “I don’t want the boss to think we know each other, that could be bad for me.” She glanced over at him. “Now, what did you want to ask me?”

“Well, I heard from some...” Richard paused, scratching the back of his head. “Sources that your boss is apparently a cold-hearted monster. Is that true?”

“Look, I make it clear to never talk about my boss.”

“Oh, ok.” I should be cautious, just to be on the safe side.