Chapter 5. The Interview

Emily's POV

I couldn't count how many times I thanked myself for bringing an extra outfit while in the bathroom. I hoped that this wasn't a foreboding that the interview wouldn't go well. I hoped I could land the job and avoid any other form of setbacks, especially after what happened at the bar.

After taking my clothes off, I grabbed the extra outfit I'd brought to change but was the moment I felt a draft from behind. Panic gripped me for a moment as I realised that I hadn't secured the restroom. Stall door properly. I could be nudged open without so much effort. I turned around quickly, ready to tell whoever it was that the stall was occupied, but my words caught in my throat when the door was pushed open. It was him.

The man from the bar. The one who had helped me chase the patron away and stopped him from using me. What the fuck was he doing in a woman's bathroom?! For a second, I was frozen in shock. I had no idea what to do. Then anger quickly took over.

"What do you think you're doing!" I yelled, doing my best to cover my naked body with my hands even though it wasn't enough. He didn't budge like I had just spoken to him.

"Stop looking!" I yelled as my face burned with embarrassment. I quickly locked the stall door properly before slamming my back against the door, breathing heavily. I knew I had to leave immediately.

I got back to it and finished changing in record time while still glancing back every now and then to make sure that the door was properly locked and he wasn't standing there, staring at me. It didn't stop the anger and embarrassment that had engulfed me. It was just too much for me to bear. I couldn't believe he had seen me like that and had stood there, rooted to the spot like I wasn't saying anything. Part of me wanted to confront him, but I also didn't want to make a scene. If there was anything I wanted right now, it was getting the job first, then maybe the confrontation would follow. I wasn't going to let him distract me from my top priority. When

I stepped out of the restroom, I was shocked that he was still standing there, awkwardly staring at me like he had never seen a woman before. I hurried past him and didn't stop until I reached the interview location. My heart was racing so fast and the whole time, I'd half-expected him to come chasing after me. I could only imagine how scary it would be.

Jeez!! This was one of the worst days of my existence but I had to keep my head high and keep going. I was relieved when I found out that I hadn't been called in yet and there were two names before mine. With a sigh of tiny relief, I sat in the back to wait. My mind was still troubled by the encounter in the restroom. I tried to push it aside, reminding myself why I was here. But it didn't seem to work. I kept asking myself why he would do that. Then my name was called.

I stood up immediately before straightening and grabbed my bag with me. I took a deep breath before entering the interview office. The room was simple, with a desk and few chairs. The interviewer was a middle-aged woman and I noticed how her eyes followed me until I sat. I was worried she didn't like my dress or maybe I stank like coffee. I could only hope that this went well.

"Good morning, Emily." She greeted me warmly. "I'm Mrs. Thompson. Thank you for coming in." I was surprised at how she treated me with such respect. I tried to attest it to the normal office niceties, but I reminded myself that wolves of higher ranks treated lower ones like shit.

"Thank you for having me," I replied nervously while trying to keep my voice steady. I handed her my resume immediately.

"Let's get started. You have experience in cleaning services. I see. Can you tell me about your previous job?"

"Yes, I worked at a bar. And my duties included cleaning the floors, tables and restrooms, as well as helping with inventory." She looked back at my resume again while jotting down notes.

"Very good." The words drawled out, probably not a good sign. "Why are you interested in this position?"

"I'm looking for a stable job with better conditions." I replied honestly. "I want to be part of a team where I can contribute and grow."

Mrs. Thompson smiled as she began going through the resume again. I wondered if she had seen something disturbing. Did I lie? I asked myself as my heart began to pick up pace. I was already beginning to get uncomfortable when she smiled and lifted her face from the document.

"I think you'll fit in well here. We are always looking for hardworking individuals. You can start tomorrow."

"T- thank you so much," I was shocked, to say the least. Was it that easy? Weren't they going to give me a reply later on. I was so happy that it took some effort not to express it wildly, I couldn't hold back my smiles.

As I left the interview office, I made a beeline for the entrance. I couldn't wait to get home and celebrate my success. But I halted at the lobby when I saw a man surrounded by a group of people who were no less than twenty. His height made him stand out, and when he turned in my direction, I easily recognised his face.

It was the man from the restroom!

The embarrassment, anger and confusion suddenly returned. I did not know what to think of him anymore. He had helped me a few days ago, but today he'd seen me naked. I concluded he might not have been a good person after all. I thought he was a gentle and respected person. Maybe he really was, but he could be a different person totally - a pervert that sneaked into women's bathrooms to see naked girls.