Chapter 3 Test the water

"Sis, these two companies are accepting undergraduate employees for some positions, try your luck," Riley, my sixteen-year-old sister informed me, turning the laptop towards me. 

"Apply to all of them, I'm going to try them all." 

“Alright! I am going to put your CV with graduation completion in the qualification field, though you still have six months left on your online degree. We can explore the vacancies.” She grinned, already hunting through them.

I ignored her as my mind was still cornered on today’s incident. Was Britney telling the truth about those men being in the Mafia?

It seemed true to some extent. When we were about to call the police and emergency services to hospitalise the injured man, his buddy stopped us and warned us not to tell anyone about this incident and took his injured friend to his car. He even compensated us for the loss. 

I told Kevin about the scene but he didn't believe that McMillians could be involved in any fight. I wasn't sure either because I didn't see anything with my eyes. 

And the strangest thing was that our CCTV couldn't capture any moment when Kelvin tried to check the footage. Like someone had deliberately deleted that part. This thing put me on high alert. But Kelvin had suggested that I forget everything. 

“Oh my Jesus! Why are they posting the online vacancies? The McMillians are also looking for emergency staff.” Riley’s exclamation grabbed my attention as I saw her punching buttons on her laptop. I looked at the screen to see what she was doing.

“Alright! Let's see if they hire you or not!” She sang before punching the buttons. I looked at her stunned. 

“What?”

And that little thing turned to me with a delighted smile and wiggled her eyebrows.

“I'm betting on something. Let's see if you get your birthday gift next week because you have to go for the interview on the same day at the Mcmillians.” She told me excitedly and clapped. 

“What the hell did you do? I don't want to work there and who the hell asked you to apply there?” I berated my little sister. She rolled her eyes, closed the laptop and looked at me.

“Are you on your periods? Why are you annoyed today? Though we are proud of you for kicking the ass of that motherfuck…

“Language!” I reprimanded her. 

She cleared her throat and continued,“I mean… MF and get rid of that tiresome job but why are you changing your moods today? And why don't you work at the Mcmillians? Don't you know their reputation and annual earnings? Just imagine your salary if you got the job there even if it's a cleaning servant  job!” 

I rolled my eyes. “I'm not going there. Moreover they will only hire qualified candidates.”

“But they didn't mention any particular qualifications in these vacancies….”

“Still No.” I snapped. Riley shut her mouth and moved her lips in annoyance as she usually does. 

“Dinner is ready, come down, girls!” Just then Mom called for dinner from downstairs. 

"I am telling you, don't skip this opportunity!” Riley suggested before walking ahead of me. 

My whole week went by working in the Cafe and giving my interview at different companies I applied for but everyone rejected me after seeing my Qualification and lack of experience in respective fields. Though two of them offered me the job but the pay was low compared to my full time work at the cafe. 

.

.

“Mom, why did you agree to it?” I scowled at my mom who informed me about today’s dinner at Jordan's home. 

“Raya, Martha invited us for dinner. Now it would be rude to deny them. We will come back early. Now go and get dressed.”

I sighed knowing very well why Martha was doing this. She wants me to hook up with her grandson. Jordan and I had been friends for years. But I never saw him in any way other than a brother. 

I wore my usual black pent shirt but my Mother insisted I wear a decent dress. Riley gave me an incredulous look. “At least behave like a woman today!” She exclaimed.

“If you guys want to take me there, fine. Otherwise, I’m perfectly happy staying home.”

“Just get your lazy bums out of the house now!” Mom shouted from the main door. I looked at Riley. She let out a growl and walked past me. I sighed and followed her. 

"Raya dear, did you like the cookies I made?" Martha asked me, once we were all seated. She was such a kind lady and her husband, Frank, had always looked after us like a father figure during the ugliest times of our lives. They had raised Jordan for years after his parents died in an accident.

“Yes, Martha. They’re delicious. Thank you so much.” I smiled at her.

"Martha, Frank, Sis loves them the most. We know Jordan must have asked you to make it." Riley smirked at Jordan who rubbed his nape. Martha and Tom chuckled along with my mother. Riley awed at him while I just wanted to slap my sister’s bum. 

“Did you get the job?” Jordan asked me during dinner. 

“She got rejected from all sides so I suggested to her try Mcmillians as they have their vacancies open. Tomorrow is the interview. Who knows her luck might shine.” Riley said. 

"Really! That's great. Raya, If you want, I can help to reserve your post with my reference to my manager. He will surely help.” 

"Jordan, I already tried a few companies but they disqualified me, seeing my undergraduate status. So why would an eminent Company hire me on the basis of just a reference," I raised my brows at him.

“Why didn't you inform me beforehand? I can refer you to the HR department.”

I stayed silent. I didn’t want anyone’s reference. Especially not Jordan’s.

“That would be great if you could help her with this, Jorden!” my Mom answered on my behalf. I signed in frustration at my family’s interference. 

“Exactly, Jordan. Help Raya to get a job.” Frank nodded. 

After dinner, Jordan proposed to me to stroll in the park. My mother and sister left us happily. 

“Raya, as I’ve always said, please don’t hesitate to ask for my help. I know how hard your life has been. You’ve been managing everything alone. I know you are strong but I want to help you as much as I can. With anything.” I looked at his features adorned with admiration for me.

“Jordan, I appreciate your help. But please don't go overboard with anything for me.” I warned him, passing my message through my gaze. 

He stopped walking before turning to me. “For you, I can do anything. And you know why.” His eyes were speaking volumes of his emotions. 

“But I don't want you to do anything for me, Jordan. Please don't make it hard for me. I would never see you as more than a friend.” I said, sighing and walking ahead.

“Raya…” He called me from behind. I sighed and turned to him. 

“Happy birthday!” He gave me a small smile. I blinked at him. 

Is it the next day already? 

I sighed, realising I only have five hours to sleep. And tomorrow I was going to interview at the Mcmillians. Yes, I decided to test the water. 

Because I didn't want to take Jordan’s favor. 

I nodded. “Thanks, Jordan.” 

“No matter what you say, I will try my best to win you.” His eyes burned with determination. 

Silently, I turned around leaving him there. I knew I was being. Maybe heartless but I refused to give anyone false hope.

Jordan was simply too good for me.

My family and my career were two important things left for me. 

I didn't want any more men to come and ruin our lives after Him.