Meeting Nicolae
"Buck, I'm not so sure I can do this. I mean, its Nicolae Carpathia we're talking about here." I could already feel the butterflies building up in my stomach.
"Hattie," Buck said confidently, "you worry too much. Carpathia would be very stupid not to hire you." I still had my doubts. What if he didn't like me? Why would a man like him want with someone like me?
"I don't know. What if he thinks I'm too young, or too inexperienced, or too –''
"Hattie!" Buck was growing impatient with my whining. "Listen to me. You. Will. Do. Fine."
"Whatever," I said, leaning back into my seat and pouting a little. It felt good to act a little immature before going into the biggest job interview of my life. As Buck pulled into the parking space, I felt the butterflies multiply. It was time.
A few minutes later, we were in front of the door to Mr. Carpathia's office. I was a nervous wreck, but I hid it well under my phony sophisticated calm look. Then the door opened. Out came the most handsome, gorgeous man I had ever seen. He was tall, at least six feet, with neat blonde hair and a strong nose and jaw. His profile was amazing.
"Ah, Mr. Williams," said Carpathia in an adorable Romanian accent, "I am so glad to see you. And who is this?" He turned to me, and I noticed his crystal-clear blue eyes, so warm and inviting, and I felt compelled to pour out my heart to him, to tell him all my fears and worries, to confess all my faults.
"Nicolae, this is Hattie Durham. Hattie, this is Nicolae Carpathia." said Buck.
"Ah, Miss Durham, how nice to meet you," Nicolae shook my hand gently, but firmly. I smiled the best I could and returned his greeting. He then grinned to show perfect white teeth and a twinkle in his eye. I lost my breath for a moment, and then I concentrated on keeping calm under the gaze of the Secretary-General, my potential boss. "Would you care to visit me in my office, Miss Durham?" Nicolae gently. I followed obediently. I'm not one to pray much, but at the time, inside me, I was praying fervently that I would get to be in the service of Nicolae Carpathia.