Hot Coffee (The Hollens Book 1)

Coffee Maid

Emma's POV

I woke before my alarm. I wanted to wake up early so I could iron my clothes and look extra sharp. I looked through my suitcase underneath the tiny bed. I pulled out a black skirt that dropped below my knees, along with a white shirt with black buttons down the middle. I placed them on the bed and hurried downstairs to the laundry mart to borrow the iron since I didn't own one. Mrs. Lee, who worked in the laundry rooms, always lent it to me whenever I asked her.

I ironed my clothes carefully then hung it up above the bed. I combed out my thick, curly black hair that dropped right at my shoulder, which I always dreaded. I had broken countless combs and brushes due to this uncontrollable hair of mine.

When I was finished, I opened a tin of sausage and a packet of bread rolls and made myself a cup of tea. Once I was through eating the alarm on my phone went off. I smiled at myself, knowing that time was in my favor today. It was 6:45 a.m. when I left the apartment. I took the seven o' clock bus, which carried me for an hour-and-a-half further down New York.

I was finally standing in front of Hollen Tower when I got off the bus. The building was a huge skyscraper with an exterior of gold glass. I entered through the main entrance and walked up to the front desk receptionist. She was a slim, blonde woman with flawless makeup who was dressed sharply in a formal, women's business suit. She wore a warm smile on her face as I approached.

"Good morning ma'am. I'm Emma Cole. I'm here for an interview," I said in the best manner I possibly could.

"Good morning, Miss Cole. Interviews are being held on the fifteenth floor. This way to the elevator."

I had never been in one before nor did I wanted to be in one by myself. I panicked as the doors slide open. I walked in and thank her with a nod, too scared to speak up. The elevator started beeping and I almost jumped out of my skin when the door opened again and another woman came in. She wore a badge that read:

Linda Steele
Chief Operating Officer
Hollen Tower

"Good morning," I greeted and she gave a warm smile, similar to the receptionist.

"Good morning, what floor are you going to?"

"Fifteenth."

She pressed the digits that were lit, there was a swoosh movement, and I knew we were going up. I felt dizzy. I held onto the bar as I concentrated on not screaming to get out and take the stairs instead.

"We're here," she said, snapping me out of my regrets.

"Thank you," I managed to reply as we stepped out together. 

There was another receptionist as I stepped onto the floor. "May I help you?" she greeted.

Ms. Steele had already gone in another direction.

"Yes, I'm Emma Cole. I'm here for an interview for the personal assistant position."

She looked at me from head-to-toe.

Oh no, I thought, she's already doing what everyone else has done!

I became so uncomfortable from her impolite stare. Her look made me look at myself too. I wanted to ask if there was something on me.

"Um, please have a seat over there. We'll call you when the boss is ready."

"Thank you."

I went to the waiting area and almost broke into tears when I saw six beautiful women also waiting. I assumed they were here for the same reason I was, and I was a ragamuffin compared to these perfectly groomed, well-dressed ladies; even though what I was wearing were the best professional pieces I owned.