Chapter 5 – 6
Better Choice: The Interview
John rubbed his eyes and yawned, only to notice a wrapped meal sitting nearby. He had been so focused on work that he hadn't realized he'd skipped breakfast. Unfortunately, he wasn't a fan of cold dishes.
He stretched and checked his phone—no new messages from Tina since he sent one earlier.
"She always answers my texts… what happened today?" he muttered, worry creeping in.
He dialed her number.
"The number you are trying to reach is currently unavailable. Please try again later."
Again, the same message. Frustrated, he dialed Tina's friend Mara. The call connected after a few rings.
"Hello?" a yawning female voice answered.
"Mara, it's John… Tina's boyfriend," he said calmly.
"Oh! Why the sudden call? You never call," she teased lightly, though a tension lingered beneath her words.
"Did you two have an argument again? If you expect me to smooth things over, after last time, you'll have to pay me double," she added, joking.
"No, it's not that. I just want to know if you know where she is," he said patiently.
"Didn't she tell you?" Mara asked, surprised.
"She went to the federal hospital. Her ex had a critical accident while filming. She said she'd inform you, but it seems she didn't," Mara explained, realizing she might have put him in a tough spot.
"She's with her ex again?" John asked, hurt creeping into his voice.
"Tina isn't like that. Maybe she had a good reason. Besides, she likes you a lot. Wait for her and let her explain," Mara advised.
John remained silent. Then he said firmly, "I'm heading there now."
Mara's voice cracked in alarm. "Don't you trust her? She loves you. Don't do anything to break that trust!"
"I'm not breaking anyone's trust. I just need confirmation. Besides, I've always been the one lied to in this relationship," he replied softly.
"Alright… wish you the best," she said, then hung up.
John called Joseph, his personal assistant. "Reschedule the interview for tomorrow."
Before he could speak further, the call ended. "So rude," he muttered.
The door burst open moments later. Joseph arrived, out of breath and bent over.
"He must've run all the way here," John observed calmly.
"You want to reschedule? What if Mrs. Madison changes her mind?" Joseph asked, eyes wide.
"She won't," John said confidently. Their company, Better Choice, was still young. Though it had a respectable name and some opportunities, it wasn't popular yet.
"Scheduling this interview was already a challenge," Joseph reminded him.
John nodded. "Joseph is right. I shouldn't let my personal life interfere with work, especially when Mrs. Madison could highlight our company name." He sighed, rubbing his temples.
Before Joseph could lecture him on breakfast, John's phone beeped twice. Joseph read the message aloud, excitement barely contained: "Mrs. Madison is already waiting downstairs."
"Please lead her to my office," John instructed. Joseph dashed out without a word.
John muttered, "It's time," feeling the nerves of the moment. Tina had promised to be here for him, but once again, she had chosen her ex over him. His mind raced with possibilities, each one bitter.
A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.
"Come in," he said. The door opened to reveal a stylish, middle-aged woman, escorted by Joseph.
"Mrs. Madison!" John greeted, standing. They shook hands firmly.
"You must be John. I've heard so much about you," she said warmly.
"And I about you. Please, have a seat," he replied. Both sat, separated by the desk. Mrs. Madison exuded calm confidence, her style cool yet subtly alluring.
"Shall we start?" she asked. John nodded, trying to settle his nerves.
Joseph's mind raced as he observed her. "She's early," he thought. Dressed in a dress that demanded attention, her lips curved into a soft smile as she chatted with an employee guiding her up the stairs.
"Joseph!" the employee called casually.
"This is Joseph. He's John's personal assistant," she introduced. Joseph nodded politely.
"I'm Madison," she added, shaking his hand.
"Mrs. Madison, we hope we didn't keep you waiting," he said.
"Of course not," she replied, waving her hands in relaxed assurance.
Joseph silently cursed John for refusing to install an elevator. His ankle throbbed, but he followed her up the stairs, noting her graceful heels and calm composure.
At the seventh floor, Joseph knocked lightly.
"Come in," John called, and Mrs. Madison entered, surveying the medium-sized office.
The office was classic and organized, the muted gray and white walls accented with tasteful decor. Sunlight poured through the windows, illuminating a small art studio in the distance.
John stood as she approached. Though not conventionally handsome, his tall frame and calm aura made him quietly magnetic. Joseph, watching, remembered how different John had always been—hobbies, personality, and even his dark brown eyes, which seemed to hold both void and spark, especially for love.
"Am Madison," she said again, smiling at John.
"Would you like some coffee?" he offered.
"Yes, and I prefer mine very sweet," she replied, eyes still on him.
"Joseph, please get our guest a cup of coffee," John instructed. Joseph exited, smirking slightly, likely eavesdropping as usual.
"So, John, I see you were about to have lunch. Hope I'm not interrupting?" she teased.
"Not at all. If you don't mind, you could join me after the interview," he offered.
Raising an eyebrow, she teased, "Are you inviting me on a date?"
"Of course not. I doubt your husband would allow it," he replied smoothly, earning laughter from both.
"Then a friendly date—you can bring your husband," he added.
She smiled, teasing further, "Or my daughter. She's introverted but truly nice."
John was slightly surprised—everyone knew how protective Madison was of her daughter.
"Was that a test?" he thought, his expression serious.
"Her beauty rivals a flower; I'm sure her daughter is blooming too. Can someone like me casually go on a date with someone like her?" he murmured, voice calm yet laced with subtle praise.
A knock interrupted them. Joseph returned with the coffee. Both took a sip, though John wasn't fond of the taste. He narrowed his eyes at Joseph, suppressing internal frustration.
"Let's start," Mrs. Madison said, her professional tone restoring the atmosphere. She placed a recording device on the table and pressed it on. Her casual charm faded, replaced by journalistic focus.
"Better Choice… the name is unusual. Can you explain why you chose it?" she asked, curiosity in her voice.
John smiled faintly. "The name doesn't have a deeper meaning. My grandmother suggested it shortly before she passed. She always wanted me to make good choices. When I told her about starting a small company, she gave me the name—Better Choice. Two days later, she passed."
He paused, eyes distant as he recalled that day.
"May I ask the date?" she inquired gently.
"October 10, 2023. My mother's birthday," he replied, voice calm, with a faint smile.
Madison's eyes softened briefly, pity flashing across her expression before vanishing.
"It must have been hard building a business under those circumstances. But with parental support, I assume you felt confident in your dreams?" she asked.
John shook his head slightly, a quiet smile on his lips, ready to dive deeper into the story of Better Choice.
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