DATE → June 2018 WORD COUNT → 804 MENTIONS → @elizabethecholls SUMMARY → BStew returns from a trip home and ponders his future while prepping for an interview. TRIGGER WARNINGS → N/A
He was staying. Damn. He never thought he’d make it to a decision on what to do after graduating. Staying definitely had seemed like a far off idea. There wasn’t as big business opportunities in California--not like the east coast. However he’d made a life here. It was home to him. Of course after over two weeks home with family, Braydon nearly changed his mind. His mother had a skillset with guilting her children into doing what she wanted.
Especially since his sister was going off to school as well, there was a great mother’s want to keep her son around home. That didn’t stop him from returning to his new home, one that was all his own, and had nothing to do with his parents’ legacies.
It was ultimately freeing to make the first big decision as a college graduate. What wasn’t so freeing, however, were all the interviews he had to schedule or attempt to get. While he could get by just doing grad school, Braydon knew that wouldn’t last forever.
It was an interview that had him tentatively walking into a harshly reflective building. Porter Incorporated had been the first to call him and he was hopeful that the position would be worth the starting salary. The shining floor and mirrors lining the foyer of the building gave him hope.
As soon as he sat in the conference room awaiting his interviewer, Braydon settled in the anxious nerves flying around him. His eyes stared out at the city below him. There was an odd loneliness aching in his heart and BStew wasn’t sure what to do with it. Rubbing a hand against his chin, he noted how empty he felt without some stubble. His mind wandered to Elizabeth, he’d yet to see her since he was back. Thoughts of their reunion that evening brought a smile to his face. He was grateful to have her in his life. There was a lot of changes happening in his life and it was nice to have her as a constant. Looking around the room, he noted the pictures lining the walls. He presumed they were employees, and the smiling faces made excitement outweigh the nerves.
He could work for a company that valued more modern internal company policies. Instead of focusing on the nerves, he brought out his most charming smile as the interviewer entered the room. She seemed slightly disheveled and apologized for the delay.
“We’re undergoing some renovations and they blocked off the main hall. I apologize for the delay.”
“No worries,” he smiled and sat down once more across from her. “I didn’t mind the view.” He motioned to the windows and she nodded.
“Shall we get started?” She pulled out a notebook and he barely itched to look over his resume once more.
“Absolutely.”
“Well my name is Vanessa Vanderben. I’m the Manager for Paid Marketing here at Porter Incorporated. Let’s jump right into it. As Marketing Coordinator you may be required to work odd hours, are you able to do so?”
“Definitely. I’ve had to do a similar schedule during my internship my freshman year with Strang & Associates.”
“You must have been there during their...scandal.”
“Unfortunately I was but I think it prepared me for the unexpected that can come within the business industry.”
“Very interesting.” Vanessa paused a moment to write notes on her pad before moving on. “It’s an overused question but I must ask it, what is your greatest weakness?”
Braydon didn’t hesitate to answer, “I overwork myself by taking on work that stretches my limitations. That’s not to say I don’t get the work done, it just means I’ll end up needing a long nap after a project’s done.”
She gave a light laugh before moving on, “We’re aware of your previous experiences but we have to say we’re surprised someone with your caliber is sticking around California instead of heading back to the east coast after graduation. What led you to staying and continuing your education?”
It wasn’t a completely unexpected question, but it did make Braydon pause to figure out how to word his answer. “I’ve begun a life here over the years. It didn’t feel right for me to go back to DC when I know I can make my own success and future here in California. As for continuing my education? I still feel like I have more to learn.” He gave a small smile, “Plus I couldn’t leave my fraternity house without supervision. They need some more of my guidance, at least for another year or two.”
Vanessa seemed to like his response and wrote down more notes. He took the time to breathe and settle himself. As she looked up at him, Bradyon could tell Porter Incorporated would be considering him a strong candidate for the job.
