Jagged Edge by Mercy Cortez Page A

clear and strong. I sat across from Patrick and Jared. Jared's office was ten times the size of mine and because he rarely used it, it only had a long table and chairs and was used as a board room.
    "Mel, as you know your six months unpaid internship ends next week, throughout your time with us,  myself and Mr. Edge have been conversing about your performance..." I stared biting my lip, and shuffled in my seat slightly, I was so nervous and I could see Jared staring at me, he looked like he knew something I didn't and I was under the impression that was true.
    "...We have some issues to take care of, your time management skills are a little off, you work nine to five, so you shouldn't stay here till six. You also have a habit of not taking your lunch break and you must take it, it is mandatory. However, you have completed every assignment asked of you, and Mr. Edge informs me that you are always easily contactable and he speaks highly of you. We just don't have a positi -" Jared interrupted him and Patrick looked slightly uneasy which I had never seen before, Jared smiled and asked me if I could relocate at all. I needed a job, I had nothing keeping me here, why not. I said that was fine.
    "Well, I haven't discussed this with Patrick but I need someone in my main offices in central London. I have just had my efficient secretary leave us and I would love for you to take her position. Would that suit you?" Central London? I had been to London twice in my life, I worked in Milton Keynes which was big enough, how would I even afford it. It seemed he read my mind.
    "Money wise, starting is twenty grand, and we would pay your apartment costs for the first year and you get any travel expenses, standard with our relocation service"
    "Well then I guess I accept, thank you so much" I smiled wide, why was he offering this to me? Crazy. But as my mother always said, don't look a gift horse in the mouth. I slide my hands over my thighs and Patrick and Jared stood.
    "I guess I should go and set up the paperwork" Patrick seemed angry and he walked out the office, his angry tone following him. It was just me and Jared, private and alone, my heart raced. He moved closer to me.
    "I'm looking forward to working closely with you, Ms. Payne. I shall contact you with all the information. I must say you have really beautiful eyes Melissa..." he took my hand as I blushed and he brought it to his lips and kissed lightly. "...until next time, Ms. Payne"

Chapter Two
     
    I walked back to my office and closed the door, my email pinged, I sat in my leather chair and thought about what just happened. I smiled so wide. My god, is this even possible? I shook my head and wiggled my mouse so my computer burst to life. Three Emails.
    Melissa.
    I am glad we got to meet today, you seem like a lovely young lady. I mean it, I look forward to working with you. I have attached some housing information and the new contract Patrick has written up for you to sign. If possible could you start next week?
    Regards,
    Mr. Jared Edge.
    Sent from my iPhone 5 .
    Wow, he works fast. I opened the housing information attachment. I read the description it was an apartment; one bedroom, balcony, newly fitted kitchen and bathroom.
    I scrolled down.
    The apartment looked nice, I could live here. I printed the contract and signed it and scanned it back. Taking note of my 'time management' it was 5.15pm so I checked the other emails, nothing important and left my office for the day.
    One week later...
    I looked up at the building I was going to be coming to everyday, the wind flowered through my hair, I smelt the pollution and fumes of London. I arrived yesterday, I didn't have the keys to my apartment yet so I stayed in the Holiday Inn nearby, I wasn't one for expense, I didn't ever have money for starters. I was in a way lucky that my family had supported me through the internship but it had been hard for me money wise and lead to a few much too large credit card bills.
    The