"Nice to meet you too," came a smattering of voices.
When I got back to the apartment I quickly changed into my night gown and robe and pulled out some of my books over California Law history. I found that reading over land mark cases made me feel inspired and excited.
Two days from now I would be walking into the first day of my life's journey.
Though the nervousness still danced around the edges, I felt confident in my focus and drive.
By the time Monday rolled around, I awoke feeling as if I couldn’t make heads or tails of my emotional state. I knew that I had worked a long time for this day and it was time to get my game face on.
I had decided to wear a black pant suit and a maroon blouse. I had the collar pulled out over the jacket, accented by a few subtle pieces of gold jewelry. My hair I had twisted into a tasteful bun.
Overall, I thought I looked very professional, but my reflection had done little to bolster my confidence.
Kelsey had done a lot to calm my nerves in the week that we had spent together. Between her auditions she had helped me put together a wardrobe that looked like that of a high profile lawyer. Dress the part, she had said. Dress like the job you want, not the job you have.
I replayed these words in my head as I arrived at the building. The elevator carried me to the law office where I would spend at least the next three months, hopefully longer.
As the doors slid open revealing the opulent lobby, my stomach twisted in circles. I knew that no matter what happened I would always remember today, either as a wonderful memory or as one that I would always regret.
The posh atmosphere welcomed me, calming my nerves just a bit, with the cream colored carpet and matching plush leather couches surrounding a large glass coffee table. A large window over looked the city, which I could clearly see the bustling activity on the tiny ribbons of the roads below.
The woman behind the desk also wore a cream colored suit which suited her dark complexion. She could have been a model out of a magazine. Her suit matched the surrounding decor.
"Good morning," she said with a warm smile. "May I help you?"
"My name is Blair Michaels. I’m supposed to meet with John Mahoney."
"Oh yes," She stood and extended her hand. "I'm Willa Martin, the administrative assistant for Mahoney and Klein."
"It's nice to meet you,” I said.
When I shook her hand I felt as if her tiny hand might be crushed by mine. She had such a delicate frame.
"Can I get you some coffee or a water?" she offered.
"No thank you," I answered.
"Please have a seat," she said, gesturing to the waiting area. "Mr. Mahoney will be with you shortly."
After a moment, a tall imposing man stepped into the waiting room, extending his hand to me. I hopped up and gave his hand a kind shake.
He was well dressed with a firm look in his eye and an easy smile. I could see instantly how he had become so successful as a lawyer as he exuded charisma and confidence. He had a small feathering of gray just at his temples and his eyes crinkled when he smiled.
"Please step back to my office. I'll go ahead and show you where you will be working before the other candidate arrives," he said. "Can I get you anything? Any kind of refreshment while we wait?"
"No thank you," I said trying my best to keep my tone polite.
We stepped into his office, which contained a large desk on one side and an even larger conference table on the other side. His office looked more like a suite.
The window along the wall spanned from the floor to the ceiling and revealed a spectacular view of the Hollywood hills, rolling on into the distance. The majestic green landscape never ceased to take my breath away.
He motioned for me to sit in one of the large wing backs in front of his desk. I hadn’t been sure what to expect, but Mr. Mahoney's office exuded lots of old world charm. A floor to ceiling book case lined the other side of the room. If I had my way I could have spent hours perusing the spines, running my fingers over the old leather bound law books. For now I was resigned to wait for the Senior Partner's lead.
"I hope you’re comfortable,” he said. "Your partner and competitor will be here shortly."
I felt a leap in my stomach but kept my face calm.
I was right to arrive early as it gave me an instant advantage over the competition.
Score one Blair, competition zero.
Whoever you’re, you're already behind, I thought to myself. I didn’t often feel cocky, but today I felt justified.
And today I needed the confidence boost.
Willa's smooth voice came over the speaker of Mr. Mahoney's phone.
"The other partner has arrived, Mr. Mahoney,” she said.
"Thank you Willa," he said. "If you will excuse me for a moment."