The Offer

“Damn it Miles! If you’re going to be like that then just leave!” The door slammed in my face and I was left outside in the downpour. I turned to walk but still a part of me wanted to go back and apologize. I started walking.

I shivered with each step, the only heat I felt came from the streetlights I passed under. And since I left my jacket inside her apartment, all I had was my shirt and jeans to protect me from the freezing elements.

A bus stop with an overhang came into view so I headed to that to warm up. I only lived a few blocks away from my girlfriend, but this weather made it feel like eternity.

Rumble, rumble.

I felt my phone vibrating from my pocket and pulled it out to see who was calling me at this hour. Andrew. I answered, “Hey man, it really isn’t the best time…” Andrew disregarded what I was saying, “Bro, I know it’s late but I have something that can really help you out with the job searching!” I sighed, “Well this better be good…”

“Well if you wanna know more about it then you have to meet me at the coffee shop tomorrow morning at nine. Got it?” I shuttered and said, “Alright man, I’ll see you tomorrow.” He hung up.

“Well… I guess I really… I guess I might as well get some sleep.” I thought to myself as I left the overhang.

I awoke the following morning to the unrelenting screams of my alarm clock. I slammed my hand down onto the clock to stop it’s constant rampaging. My eyes opened sluggishly and saw that it was slightly past eight. “Crap…” I yawned, “I need to get dressed to meet with Andrew.” I pressed my hands against the bed and lifted myself out onto the stiff wood floor.

My room was a cluttered mess from last night, I hardly even remember anything past the fourth bottle. My mind was still spinning, “Had we broken up? Was it all a dream or was it a real fight?” I kept questioning myself with every article of clothing I put on. Finally, I slung one of my many leather jackets over my shoulder that I have accumulated through the years and walked out of my apartment.

The sun pierced my eyes as I took my time to stumble down the steps clinging to a guardrail. “The Coffee Shop?” I thought to myself, “I’m assuming Andrew was referring to the one that we’ve been to the most… so that would be The Morning Dream.” I turned my head in the direction of the shop and checked my phone. Luckily it was only eight thirty-seven so I had time.

I stepped into the coffee shop, but Andrew was not in line or at any of the tables. “Might as well order something.” I thought as I approached the counter. The line dispersed by the time I had reached the barista, “What can I get you this lovely morning, sir?” I glanced over the menu for a brief moment, “I’ll have the cappuccino, since I’m unsure on what to expect out of today.” The girl nodded, “I know what you mean, I wasn’t even supposed to come in today… but life happens I guess. Anyways, what’s the name for the order?”

“Miles.” I stated as I inserted my card into the chip reader. She walked away and I did the same. The Morning Dream was a pleasant hidden gem a little ways from the center of town. In fact, this was the place I met Andrew at back when he worked here. “Miles! Your cappuccino is ready!”

I took a sip of the cappuccino and instantly tasted the bold bitterness. “Yo Miles!” Andrew slapped my back. I choked on my drink, “A little less abrasive would be nice.” Andrew walked me over to a table, “So… I know things have been rough since losing your job at the publishing firm… but I found something for you!” I simply stared at him, “Which is?”

Andrew screamed, “A job with a crazy sign-on bonus at Tailored Books Publishing!” I sighed and took another sip of my drink, “I already told you, I won’t be able to get into anywhere that high up.” Andrew snickered, “But! That’s where you’re wrong! I spoke with one of the executives after bumping into him in an elevator. I told him about your skills and expertise and he said he would like to hear more about you so I brought him to that fancy steakhouse down the street and we practically talked the night away about you!”

I slid in my chair in embarrassment. “Why would you do that?” I mumbled as I finished off my cappuccino. Andrew slapped his hands on the table, “Because! He wants to meet you! He said he wants to offer you a job!” I glared at him, “Tailored Books Publishing… wants me?” Andrew pulled out his phone, “Yeppers! And he wants to meet you tonight at the same steakhouse at seven!” I felt my heart starting to beat faster, “And this sign-on bonus? How much and what’s the catch?”

“All he said was “a good amount”’ and that it would be at most a three year contract that you would have to work there.” I gazed at the empty cup in my hand. “There’s always something that saves you, huh?” I put the cup down, “Fine, I’ll at least meet with the guy, hopefully you didn’t talk me up too much!” Andrew laughed, “Hey man, I just want you to have a great life, so hopefully you and Mia can finally get that apartment together.”

I felt my heart stop. Andrew, puzzled, looked at me, “Hey Miles, what’s wrong?” I shook my head, “I don’t think Mia and I are doing too good. A lot of fights and less dates.” He crossed his arms, “Well she’s practically an angel! So what have you been doing to cause all this ruckus?” I leaned back in my chair, “Ever since I lost my job she’s been wanting to help me out and pay for everything! I just… I don’t want her to put so much into me when I can’t even get another job...”

Andrew stopped me, “Miles… someone once told me that just because you stumble doesn’t mean you’re lost forever. In fact, sometimes we all need a little help from time to time.” He then stood up, “Hey man I need to go, just go meet the guy, after that… you have to go apologize to Mia.”

I froze for a second, then said, “Thanks... for everything… really.” Andrew clicked his tongue and pointed finger guns at me as he walked out of the shop.

I made it back to my apartment and slammed onto my bed, “I wonder how many people wind up like me? Or how many people start being self-destructive after losing something as simple as their job…” My eyes felt heavy even after that cappuccino, so I set an alarm for six and let my thoughts fade.

I shot up as I heard my alarm ringing and clicked it off. Immediately, I ran to my closet and started getting dressed in my black suit I bought for Andrew’s wedding. I looked in the mirror and began to tie my tie. It felt like ages since the last time I wore anything fancy, but luckily it still fit rather well. I stepped into the bathroom, brushed my teeth and checked the time. It was already six thirty-three, so I threw over my blazer and immediately left my apartment.

There it was, The Everlasting Grill, I brought Mia here on our fourth date. I started to open up the door, but then immediately thought to myself, “I have no idea what this guy looks like…” After I went through the threshold and realized the place was empty, all except for a man in the center of the restaurant. “Ah! You must be Miles Pierce! I’ve heard a lot about you.” I walked over to the mysterious man and shook his hand, “Yes sir, uh… this is kind of embarrassing but my friend Andrew never mentioned your name.”

“No matter… the name’s Wayne Tailor,” he stated. I stood there stunned, “The Wayne Tailor? The head of Tailored Books Publishing?” He simply nodded. “Please, have a seat Mr. Pierce.” I fumbled to my chair and sat down.

A waiter came by and asked for our orders. Mr. Tailor ordered the famed filet mignon that costs more than I would ever want to pay for a steak. “Do you like filet mignon?” Mr. Tailor asked me and all I could do was nod. Mr. Tailor then requested, “The same for the young man here.” The waiter walked away and I instantly started apologizing, “You didn’t have to do that sir! I was going to ask for the pas…” He cut me off, “Mr. Pierce, you are fine, I am paying for our little outing.”

“Well… thank you so much sir.” I said and he just nodded.

Now Andrew told me how hard you worked at your previous job and how they just dropped you like a second rate dishwasher… I want to cut right to the chase before we get to know one another.” He waved his hand over a black book. “This is the whole contract that you need to read in order to work for my company… now with this contract it is stated that you must work for at least two years, but we are offering a fifty thousand dollar sign-on bonus because I’ve seen your work, and I know you are worth it.”

I sat there with my mouth wide open and breathed out, “Well it would be stupid not to. How long will you allow me to sign the contract Mr. Tailor?” He chuckled, “Well I know a great man when I see him, and hear about him, I would appreciate it as soon as possible but there is no time limit, just a simple no or a signature.”

I was stunned, the best known publishing firm’s CEO was offering me a job at his company, “I will definitely work for your company!” He laughed, “Very good, I will be glad to have you on board! Now let’s enjoy this meal... to the future!” We both raised our glasses and drank.

I left the steakhouse after saying goodbye and thanks to Mr. Tailor. So much had happened in one day that I couldn’t even fathom what had happened. I was so excited I didn’t even run home, I ran straight to Mia’s.