The Interview

Nothing spectacular seems to happen in the little cafe on the end of Burbank Road. In this small town everyone knows everyone, but the faces walking in on this Tuesday lunch shift weren’t regulars.

The usual cacophony of cackled laughter and rambunctious chatter seemed absent today. An elderly woman with a worn face sat by the window reading her usual romance novel. All to be heard was the whistle of the kettle, the occasional clanging of dishes, and the chimes softly ringing every time the waitress walked by.

A breeze entered the room and brushed the toes of those already settled as they opened the door. In walks a man, about fifty-five, dressed in a nice gray suit with a salmon handkerchief in his left-breast pocket. Alongside him is a young woman, no more than nineteen. She is dressed very professional, with a stiffness to her shoulders and a twitch in her hands. Her body displays confidence but her mind perhaps worried.

They are seated by Maggie, the daughter of the cafe owner. She guides them to their quaint, little table by the windowsill. She takes their drink order, a glass of wine for him, a coke for her. I am further assured she is no more than nineteen.

Maggie brings them their drinks and finishes taking their order. She stops by my table to fill my glass, but I am too focused on the newcomers to summon up a thank you.

They begin the interview talking about her prior experiences. He asks about her background, education level, and schedule. He presents himself with exaggerated confidence and arrogance. Pretty much a total dick. They talk some about beliefs and politics, but always come back to the business side of things. Satisfied with her answers so far, he takes a gulp of wine and thumps it back down on the table. Now they’re talking money.

He asks her what she wants, and it seems to be more than he was planning. He compromises with a counter offer, one that will equal the same pay but would mean she’d have to put in more time. She rejects his offer, and explains to him why she’s worth it. I can’t tell if he is convinced, but he’s definitely intrigued by her persistence. I am sure on the other hand, she isn’t convinced herself. He decides to think on it, and he waves the check for Maggie to pick up.

I was absolutely positive the man would end up calling her soon for her hire, she seemed quite qualified for the position. What I still wasn’t sure of is whether or not she’d accept his offer.

We never did see their faces again, and often I stay up wondering what happened to the young girl. I hope for her sake she received a better job; anything is better than working for a dick.

Prostitution is frowned upon these days.