Chapter 9 Mr. Know-it-all

DEMI

The hottest thing I've seen today is Gavin in that black suit. The coffee I had earlier can't even compare. I find it hard to tear my gaze from him.

Yesterday's Gavin and today's Gavin look like two completely different people. If I were to choose, I'd be confused as hell, because all of them look hot.

While he was being casual the previous night, today everything about him is official.

It takes a while before my mind comes to reality.

But what is he doing here?

Silly of me.

Of course this is his company, he can be anywhere he wants.

Laila quickly walks towards him and stretches a hand. "Good morning, sir."

In response, Gavin looks at the hand and then back at her. The unsaid words are evident, making Laila retract her hand awkwardly.

"We're just here for an interview," she goes on speaking, while Ernest and I watch.

"Who do you think is in charge of the interview?" he reveals, making my eyeballs almost pop out.

Was I too drunk or do I recall him saying he had nothing to do with this interview? He mischievously steals a glance at me, and I see the smirk on his face.

Yeah, he knows exactly what he's doing.

"Oh, I didn't know, sir. It's such a pleasure..." Laila goes on but is cut off again.

"Your determination amuses me, Miss Wilson," he says.

"You know my name?" The excitement in Laila's voice is undeniably annoying.

Gavin sighs and walks past her.

He approaches me with a smile that sends sparks to my insides.

Come on it's just a smile, don't get ahead of yourself. I scold myself.

"Good morning, Miss Perez," he offers a hand, "You look lovely," he adds.

What is he doing?

I slowly shake his hand with a smile. "Thank you, Mr Morgan." We lock eyes for a short while until we suddenly remember we're not alone.

Gavin turns to Ernest and cocks a brow.

"Didn't you get the memo?"

Ernest barely pats his lips when Gavin speaks again.

"Oh, you didn't get the memo at all. Let me be kind today and repeat this. Only two candidates qualified for the interview," he gestures with his index and middle finger.

"I'm not here for the interview," says Ernest.

"I know," Gavin responds, rendering Ernest confused.

"Why are you here?" Gavin asks with furrowed brows.

Ernest sighs and pulls Laila to his side. For a moment I see the awkwardness in Laila's eyes. I might not know what's going on with her, but she didn't suddenly start feeling guilty. Especially since she was proudly yapping five seconds ago.

"I brought my overqualified girlfriend for the interview. And...man to man? To save you some time, I don't think you should waste your time on an interview."

Gavin puts his hands in his pockets and narrows his eyes at Ernest.

"And why is that? Mr. know-it-all?"

Ernest's lips curve into a smile. "Let's just say, I've known both of them for years. I can tell you who's the best." He nudges Laila close to him.

I look at the man I've known for a long time in disbelief. The man I considered the love of my life. It only dawns on me that their relationship must have started much earlier than I thought.

Just five seconds ago, he was telling me how he didn't mean to hurt me and now he says that in front of my potential boss? It feels like I'm a stranger to him. Like he never cared about me at all?

Gavin moves closer to him, they are almost the same height, so they look eye to eye on the same level.

"In case you haven't noticed, it's my name in this building. So Mr. Know-it-all, you can apply that rule to a building with your name on it."

I feel like clapping. At the same time, I can't control the chortle that escapes my lips. My heart melts with every word coming off Gavin's mouth.

"He didn't mean to offend you, sir," Laila cuts in. "I promise, he means well."

"Well, he can mean well in his own company."

I could laugh for the whole day. Did karma come too soon?

It's the fact that Ernest doesn't even have a company that makes it even more hilarious.

"Now, if you excuse me, I have an interview to conduct, according to my rules."

There's silence in the air for a few seconds.

"I was just trying to help," Ernest says, flashing a fake smile.

"I don't need your help." Gavin counters with another fake smile.

"Do you have a problem with me?" Ernest asks.

Which gets me thinking. Does Gavin know who he is? I don't recall showing him even his picture. All I did was narrate the heartbreaking story.

"Let's just say I have a problem with idlers in my workplace. And you're wasting my time."

"Okay," Ernest raises his palms and turns to Laila.

"Good luck, babe." He kisses her forehead, shamelessly, and leaves.

"Please don't mind him, he was just trying to help me," Laila says as soon as Ernest disappears.

"I can do better with my time...follow me," Gavin orders and we both walk behind him, as awkward as it is. This was the guy I had drinks with yesterday. And if I got this job, he's probably going to be my boss?

The thought of my words yesterday makes me want to crawl to the floor and disappear.

I asked him if he wanted to fuck me, and now he's going to interview me?

Gavin leads us to an office on the same floor.

I step into the biggest office I've seen since I became aware of my existence.

The glass walls give a beautiful view of the city. There's a large desk almost at the center, with everything in it neat in place. To the left, there's a white couch large enough that I would spend the night on it without the fear of rolling to the floor.

There's a small cellar at the corner, which makes me wonder. Who'd have a mini bar in his place of work?

"What's wrong, Demi?" Laila taps my shoulder as she whispers. "Never seen an office this big?"

The shock on my face must have been evident.

"Well, are you sure you'd manage to work here? You wouldn't last a day." She adds.

Gavin turns around. "I've never seen a match as perfect as you and your boyfriend. How long have you two been together?....Don't answer that," Gavin says, and then circles his desk before ushering us to take the seats opposite him.

"Are we getting interviewed at the same time?" Laila asks.

"As a matter of fact, yes." He nods.

He switches glances between us and says, "There's a reason why you both qualified to the last round. My own reasons." The last statement is said with his eyes boring into Laila's.

I've been quiet for most of the time, trying to process everything. In twenty-four hours, my life has taken quite a number of turns. To add on that, I'm trying to control the anger boiling in my blood every time Laila opens her mouth. Because if I spoke, I might end up doing and saying things that could cost my potential job. So, I've been maintaining my cool.

"Well, that's good to hear," Laila says leaning forward with a smile that makes me want to kill her.

Is she trying to use seduction?

"Now," Gavin begins, as he leans backwards in his chair. "There's one thing I value the most. And that's loyalty." He looks at Laila and asks,

"Miss Wilson, can you affirm that you're loyal enough to work for me?"