Hello everyone and welcome to my blog! For the ENTIRE month of December, we'll be seeing content like this from both myself, and from the Featured Authors (going all the way back to the beginning!). Along with each of us sharing first chapters from our novels (all on, or soon to be on, Wattpad!), we'll also be getting an inside look into everyone's writing process, book reviews, and even better - getting to know the contestants trying for Featured Author of The Year 2019! Stick around for the fun!
Now over to Sophi:
Hey, I'm Sophi (xoxSophixox on Wattpad). I thought I'd share a rewrite for the first chapter of my book Living With My Boss which features a poor individual named Sophia who receives the opportunity of a lifetime in the form of a job at the biggest newspaper company in New York (and meets a handsome but arrogant man...her Boss). This book has been my entire life for about 2 years now and I've just moved onto writing the second instalment, I have to say that it's been a hell of a journey getting from the original first chapter (which can be found on my Wattpad profile written in 2016) to this which I rewrote in early May of this year. It's been sitting on my computer for a while along with some other rewrites so I thought there's no better time to share than this.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity and I hope you enjoy!
© xoxSophixox. All Rights Reserved.
Living With My Boss
Chapter 1
I stood gazing upon a beautiful sunset overlooking the enchanting city of New York wondering how my life became all I could have ever dreamed of. Standing to my right was my brother, my dearest brother Ethan who was my entire life and soul.
"Sophia...wake up and get that lazy ass of yours in the shower otherwise we'll be late."
I groaned swinging my legs out of bed and slipping my feet into my old, but still comfortable pink fluffy slippers. I still hadn't opened my eyes but I could feel my best friend's glued to my every move, moreover, I could hear the infuriating sound of her foot tapping on the hardwood floor.
"I've already run the shower for you so it should be nice and hot if you would just hurry up..." I opened my eyes to the sight of Jasmine pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration. I still don't understand why though, we go through this every morning before we have to leave to get to work. I guess this is a tradition I don't intend on voluntarily breaking any time soon.
"We aren't going to be late Jas so please just calm down," I huffed as I stretched before heading into the bathroom and locking the door behind me. I took a quick shower- fully knowing that if I took any longer than 5 minutes Jas would be in here regardless whether I'm decent or not and drag me out the door.
Soon after we left our shabby apartment on the rundown outskirts of Brooklyn New York we walked to work at a small diner called Joey's. Joey is a rather large man who took over the diner from his father when he turned 30 and hired me on the spot thanks to Jasmine who gave a great recommendation.
After putting on my apron and tying my hair I got straight to work serving coffee and clearing tables. Even though I started working here 6 months ago Joey still treats me as if I am new and need to be shown the ropes. Of course, I don't mind since I need the money and this job pays a little over minimum wage but I still am not paid an equal amount to Jasmine.
Secretly though I think Joey has a thing for her, hence her $1 more an hour. Then again who am I to complain at least I have a job in this ever competing city. I'm pretty lucky to have had a job since I was 16 years old so I suppose I don't really know any different. It feels like I've been in adulthood forever when in reality it's only been around 6 years.
From the age of 15 when my mother died, my father fell into depression and turned to alcohol and gambling so it has always been up to me to prepare dinner, clean our home and even buy groceries. But that still didn't make me into a responsible adult as I can't even get up by myself in the morning.
"Sophia," Vinny called from behind the counter with his thick Brooklyn accent holding two plates in each hand. "Marleen ain't in again, so do me a favour and give em to those four guys over there, and get em some coffee would ya."
"Sure Vinny," I took the plates from him and handed them to the customers as he asked, at least I'll get tips. Tips I desperately need. I'm not broke but I'm close to it, the amount of debt I'm in thanks to my father's gambling addiction drives me further and further into poverty. Somehow I managed to organise a routine payment accounting to all of my father's debt. It doesn't work that way usually so I guess I'm lucky that they took pity on an 18-year-old orphan.
Once I've taken the plates over I resume the job I was hired for, cleaning tables and pouring coffee. I notice a petite woman sitting alone in a booth in the far corner of the diner. Her hand rises and her eyes lock with mine as she gestures for me to come over. As I approach I watch her continue the conversation she is having through her earpiece, she taps the rim of her mug for a refill.
I gladly pour her another cup of coffee and continue with my work, but not before overhearing part of her conversation. "We need qualified cleaners, Kenny! Mr McKenzie only accepts the best form of work. You know what! I'll do it myself."
I begin to walk away to clear the tables. I work fast stacking the plates, cups and cutlery carrying them in one hand while I wipe down the table and place new cutlery all within about 1 minute.
I walk back to the kitchen to place the dirty dishes into the sink but feel compelled to turn around and glance around the diner. As if I could feel her eyes on me I caught sight of the woman sitting in the corner booth. She gestures for me to come over once again. I pick up a small notebook to write orders down on and walk over to the auburn haired woman.
"Sophia is it?" She begins obviously reading my name tag on my shirt.
"Yes Ma'am," I reply.
"I watched you clear that table in under a minute, that's quite impressive. How would you like to earn more than 7 dollars an hour?" She asks removing a white sheet of paper from a folder that was placed in front of her and hands it to me. "My employer Mr McKenzie is in need of a new maid who will clean his offices and house. After some unfortunate circumstances, the previous maid is longer with us. I assure you that there is excellent pay involved and Mr McKenzie will be more than willing to negotiate for your expertise, after all, a man of his status expects only the best."
The way that the woman- whose name I still do not know- is proposing this job opportunity makes it sound far more dangerous and high staked than it is, especially as it is just a cleaning job, but a high paid job at that.
"Thank you so much, Ms..."
"Roberts,"
"Well thank you for this opportunity, Ms Roberts, I would love to come for an interview," I answered truthfully. Any job with a higher pay than what I am currently at has to be better than this. Well maybe apart from staring in adult movies- I definitely don't think I'd be cut out for that lifestyle.
"Take my card. It has the address on the back. Show it at the front desk when you get there and they'll send you up to me." She stood and placed $20 on the table, she was about to leave but I managed to stop her.
"Sorry, but when did you say the interview was?" I asked.
"2 pm," she spoke and my heart sank. There's no way Joey will let me have the afternoon off. "Is something the matter?"
"I may not be able to get the afternoon off, that's usually the time we are the busiest." I admitted, "sorry for any inconvenience, I hope you find someone else." I tried to hand her card back.
"Nonsense," she shook her head, "I'm sure you'll be able to get the afternoon off, and if you can't then never mind. I'll just have to work my magic and hope I don't get fired again." She laughed and I couldn't help but smile.
The way she talked about being fired was as if she didn't even need to work. There was a hint of peculiarity within her speech, it was as if she's been threatened with being fired many, many times before but her boss has never gone through with it. Strange.
It was soon time for my lunch break which also happened to be my only chance to speak to Joey about having the afternoon off. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't nervous about it, it's the first time I have ever asked for anything from this job. I've been working at this diner for about 6 months and I've not even had one day off.
Even when I was sick I had to work, the money I have to bring in to pay for the rent of our apartment is more important than staying in bed wrapped up in 3 blankets drinking soup.
I took a deep breath and knocked lightly on Joey's office door. I heard a quiet almost inaudible 'come in' from the other side of the door. I entered and saw Joey, glasses on his head sitting behind his desk studying some paperwork.
"You okay sweetheart?" He asked innocently. In other situation, I would feel uncomfortable being called 'sweetheart' but I know Joey doesn't mean anything by it. I've met his daughters before and that's what he calls them. It kind of makes me feel loved and part of a family- even if that is just this diner family.
"Yeah, I just wondered if I could have the afternoon off. It's just I have an interview and it's really important." I waffled on trying to make excuses for wanting a more stable career than cleaning tables.
"You know I need at least a days notice Sophia..."
"I know, but I've never had a day off before in the 6 months that I've been here and this is a really big deal, Joey."
"How long do you need?" He asked.
"Well the interview is at 2, but I'm not sure how long I'll be," I admitted.
He scratched his chin briefly and then placed his hands back on the desk, "you know what, take the evening off as well. I've seen so many girls pass through this diner and I can't hold you back from this opportunity. If it were my daughters I hope someone would do the same for them." He smiled at me, it was a genuine smile, a warm one.
I thanked him hurriedly and headed out of the door straight for home. I needed to find the perfect interview outfit. Not too worn or trampy, but also not too slutty. I had to make the right first impression. But looking at the clothing in my wardrobe I think I'll have to go with the latter of the two, and definitely not out of choice.
In my wardrobe to the far right are the clothes I never wear, the clothes I've had since high school. I picked a navy skirt and slipped it on. Turning to face the small mirror I assessed the situation that was my behind.
I am definitely not fat, but also not a size 4 either. The skirt barely fit and the fabric looked as if it were straining against my curvaceous bottom.
After trying on a couple more outfits, I realised that I had no option but to turn to plan B- Jasmine’s closet. If there are no suitable clothes to wear I guess I’ll have to take my chances with the size 4 navy skirt I could last fit into when I was 18 and in high school.
My eyes fell upon a black pencil skirt and white blouse combination hanging from the left side of the closet. I admired the outfit and its formal qualities and quickly slipped it on after checking the time. I haven’t got long until I have to catch the bus to the interview building.
Once again I checked my appearance, the skirt still didn’t fit to perfection but what could I do? There’s no time to take a trip to a cheap store and buy one. This will have to do, I thought to myself as I gathered my things together- and by that I mean my 10-year-old flip phone, wallet, and a bottle of water and rushed out of the door.
I arrived just in time to be 15 minutes early for the interview (as I’ve always been told to) and pulled the business card from my pocket checking the address. I was definitely in the right place. If all goes well this is where I’ll be working from 9 till 5, 6 days a week.
Taking a deep breath while standing outside the gigantic glass revolving door I looked up and the tall skyscraper. I warily pressed forward into the building.
With the authors from 2016, and a few from 2017, we were all so close when they won their contest and it's been SO cool to see them grown as writers. Caroline - you have come so far and I could not be prouder of you! This was an incredible read and I'm dying to see more from you <3
Let's give a round of applause to Caroline!
We'll be seeing more from her throughout the month of December!
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