Title: Meant To Be
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these Characters, just borrowed them and wish I did own them.
Summary: AU – Willow is graduating from college at UC Sunnydale and has accepted a job with a company that is new in town. One night, while out with friends Willow sees an attractive blonde who turns her life upside down. (No Vamps, No Hellmouth, No Magic...)
Feedback: Pretty please…it helps me improve
Authors Notes: Thank you to Willara4ever for all your help with this story. I appreciate your reading it and helping me with the idea.
Chapter 1
Willow walked along the beach staring out at the sunset she was lost in thought.
"I can't believe I am graduating from college in a week. I really can't believe that Buffy is graduating with me," she thought to herself as a smile crept across her face.
Both girls had gone to Sunnydale High School and then UC Sunnydale for college. They had been roommates all four years. Buffy had dated several guys, but none of them were "the one" she admitted. Willow on the other hand had dated Oz when she started college, but after he cheated on her Willow decided to focus on her schooling instead of setting herself up for that kind of pain again. She told herself she wasn't against love, she was against the pain that inevitably comes with falling in love.
"Hey Will," called a voice from behind her. Turning Willow saw it was Buffy.
"Hey Buffy. What brings you out to the beach?"
"I was trying to find you actually."
"I just wanted to get out and clear my head for a bit. Was there something you needed?" asked Willow.
"You got a call from that new company that just moved their headquarters here. That one you were drooling over last week. I thought you would want to know."
"Really? Did they say what they wanted?"
"No, they just said that they had heard about you and are interested in talking to you about your plans after graduation. I got the number to the guy who called and assured him you would call tomorrow."
"Wow, I wonder what they want with me though?"
"Seriously Willow, you have somehow managed to get a better than 4.0 GPA in both high school and college. You know that techy stuff better than anyone here including the teachers. I bet they want to offer you some cushy high paying job."
"Buffy, no matter how good you are in companies like that never start you out in the good jobs, you have to work your way up," laughed Willow.
"What about in that movie we saw last week, she got hired in as a high level manager right away."
"Yeah, that was a movie not reality. Come on, lets head back to the room and you can help me get my résumé together."
The two walked back to the dorms in silence, both lost in thought. Once they arrived at Stevenson Hall they ran into Dawn, Buffy's sister and her best friend Janice. Dawn was just out of High School and set to start at UC Sunnydale in the fall, her friend Janice was going out-of-state for college so the pair were trying to spend as much time together as they could.
"Hey Dawnie," said Willow as they reached the pair.
"Hey Willow," smiled Dawn.
"What brings you to our neck of the woods?" asked Buffy.
"Janice and I were hoping we could talk you two into going to a party tomorrow night at the beach with us."
"What's the catch," Buffy asked cautiously.
"There is no catch. We just thought it might be fun for us all to go out. We aren't going to have many more opportunities to do that with Janice abandoning me at the end of summer."
"No guilt right Dawn?" laughed Janice.
"None, just bitterness and maybe jealousy," replied Dawn.
"Can we get back to you tomorrow? Willow has to call a potential job place back and once she does that we'll know if she has an interview or not. That way we know how much partying we can do."
"Sure," Dawn and Janice said in unison.
"What company?" asked Janice.
"It is that new one that just opened its headquarters here in Sunnydale, TDM Enterprise. And they were hunting her down, she never applied with them," said Buffy.
"Way to go Willow," exclaimed Dawn. "Call me tomorrow and let me know how the call goes and about the party then. We're headed to that movie Travis said we just had to see."
"Well, be careful there are a lot of freaks out near there," said Willow.
"We will be," said Dawn as her and Janice headed off.
Willow and Buffy made their way up to their box-infested room. The pair had been packing since they had to move out before graduation. Willow and Buffy decided that they were going to continue to live together once they got out of school since neither of them had a significant other and they had grown used to the others odd quirks and habits.
Willow and sat down at the desk and opened her laptop to make sure that her résumé was in order. Buffy decided that the best way she could help the redhead would be to do some more packing and try not to interrupt Willow.
Morning came quick for the residents of Stevenson Hall room 214. Buffy, who was always an early riser and had gotten up and already had her morning run, showered, dressed, and then went and got mocha's for both her and Willow.
Willow smelled the mocha, slowly sat up, and looked over at the perky blonde grinning widely at her.
"Buffy, do you really need to be so cheery in the morning?" she asked.
"Come on Willow, it is a great day out," laughed Buffy at her friends aversion to early mornings. "You know that any job you get is going to start in the morning, right?"
"Yeah, I know, but that doesn't mean I have to like it," Willow said downing the mocha.
"Well, I'm sure as long as they have coffee or mocha's you will be fine."
"I hope so!"
"So, what time are you going to call about that job?"
"Buffy, I've been up for maybe six minutes, give me some time to let the coffee kick in," said Willow glancing at the clock. "Hell, it isn't even 8 yet."
"Fine, why is it that I seem more excited about this job prospect than you do?"
"It isn't that I'm not excited, I'm nervous. A nervous Willow is a spazzy Willow and I don't want to have that happen when I'm on the phone with them."
"OK that I understand. Do you want me in the room or to leave the room when you call?"
"You can stay, it might be easier for me if you're here to keep me calm," Willow smiled sheepishly.
"Whatever is best for you?"
"Thanks Buffy! I knew there was a reason you were still my best friend," Willow said as she tossed a pillow at the blonde.
"HEY!"
Finally, at 8:30 Willow knew she had to call, knew that calling early is one of the best ways to make a good impression.
"TDM Enterprise, how may I direct your call," came the voice on the other end of the phone.
"I'm returning a call from Donald Maclay," said Willow.
"May I tell him who is calling?"
"Willow Rosenberg," said the redhead as she felt Buffy's hand on her shoulder for support.
"One moment please Ms. Rosenberg."
After about a minute Willow heard the clicking of the call being transferred and then it started to ring.
"Hello Ms. Rosenberg, thank you so much for calling me back," said the confident and deep voice from the other end of the phone.
"H-Hello Mr. Maclay," Willow stammered out.
"Please call me Donnie, Mr. Maclay is my father and I know that is a cliché joke, but it is true as well," said Donnie hoping to diffuse some of the girl on the other end of the phones nerves.
"Thank you, Donnie."
"I'm sure you are wondering why I called you yesterday."
"Yes, it definitely intrigued me."
"Well, when we open a division or office we look to the local community for talent and in doing our research in the Sunnydale area your name came up. We, ok, I am hoping that I can convince you to come in and meet with me to discuss you joining TDM Enterprise in our IT-Security and Web Design department."
"I see, well, I don't see what it would hurt for us to talk," said Willow as a smirk started to play across her face.
"Fantastic. I am willing to work around your schedule, as I know you have finals and graduation to contend with, I remember how hectic that was for me."
"I actually only have one final left and that isn't for another couple of days. I am free to meet any time that works for you."
"That is fantastic Ms. Rosenberg," said Donnie.
"Please call me Willow."
"Ok, Willow how would 1 pm today work for you? Is that too soon?"
"That works fine for me."
"Great, when you get here just tell the receptionist you are here to meet with me and she will show you up to my office. I look forward to speaking with you."
"Thank you, I will see you at 1 pm today."
"Oh, Willow, would it be possible for you to email me a copy of your résumé before you come in?"
"I'll send it now," said the redhead as she attached the résumé to an email. "What is your email address?"
"That may help, my email address is ."
"Great, thank you and I will see you at 1 pm."
Donnie hung up the phone, pressed the intercom, and advised his secretary to call and have his sister come to his office when she was free. He then sat back and contemplated his conversation with Willow and the information that he had heard about her. After receiving her résumé he printed a copy and read through all her accomplishments.
A knock at the door brought Donnie out of his thoughts.
"Hey big brother, you wanted to see me?" said Tara as she poked her head into his office.
"Yeah, I wanted to get your thoughts on someone who I'm interviewing this afternoon."
"Sure, what do we know about the person and where do you want them to go?" asked Tara as she took the printed copy of Willow's resume and read it.
"Well, she graduating from UC Sunnydale next week. She has had a 4.0 GPA since she was in Kindergarten."
"Seriously?" asked Tara wondering if her brother was joking with her.
"Yes, I am serious."
"I'm not sure if that is impressive or creepy."
"I had the same thought."
"Have you talked to her at all?"
"I got off the phone with her about fifteen minutes ago. She has a professional demeanor and I really think she will fit into the IT-Security and Web Design are perfectly."
"Well, from reading her resume I would agree with you."
"I was hoping that is what you would say. If it goes well I think I may offer her the job, if that is OK with you."
"Hey, you run the technology side of this company, I do the marketing."
"Yes, but I trust your gut on making decisions like this," he smiled warmly at his sister.
"Well, if she interviews as well as she looks on paper I say hire her without a second guess. Let me know how it goes, I have a meeting with dad and the board on our next campaign in a few minutes."
"How did you get that unlucky?"
"I have thoughts on it, but nothing that I can confirm," said Tara laughing
"Well, good luck. I'll let you know how it goes with Willow," said Donnie. "Do you have plans tonight?"
"Nope, what did you have in mind?"
"I heard of this place called The Bronze, want to check it out with me?" asked Donnie.
"I'd love to big brother. I'll text you when I get done with work and we'll go from there."
"OK, have a great day Sis," Donnie said as he gave his younger sister a hug.
"You know hugging me isn't very professional," she joked.
"No, it isn't but then again I'm not the poster child for professionalism that is all you."
"I'll talk to you later," said Tara as she walked out of her brothers' office and headed to her meeting.
Willow hung up the phone and let out a giddy squeal.
"So, does that mean it went well?" asked Buffy.
"I have an interview at 1 pm today."
"OK, so was he nice?"
"Donnie was really nice; I actually think that this will be the first time that I'm not nervous, well not overly nervous going into an interview."
"Donnie huh?"
"Well, he said that I should call him that. Buffy, what should I wear?"
"Well, you have that one deep green business suit, or you can borrow my black one."
"Do you think the green one would be ok?" asked Willow.
"I think it will be perfect Will, plus it shows off your eyes too."
"Yes, because I'm going hoping to find someone to date Buffy. I don't care if it shows off my eyes or not, I just need to make sure that it will look professional."
"Yes, it looks professional and there is nothing wrong with keeping your eyes open for a date."
"I gave love and dating a shot, it wasn't for me," said the redhead thinking back to her relationship with Oz.
"Willow that was one experience, albeit a bad one, but how do you know that the right person isn't out there for you?"
"The right person for me is out there, yes, but I'm not looking for that part of my life right now. I'm graduating next week, I want to put some of that knowledge to work before I go and become all domesticated."
"I don't think that you ever have to worry about being domesticated Will. You burn water without trying," laughed the blonde.
"Keep it up missy, we both know who will be doing the cooking when we move into our apartment."
"Crap," mumbled Buffy as Willow laughed.
"OK, what do you say we go get a couple more mocha's and then come back, I'll print out my résumé and then you can laugh at me while I get ready for my interview?"
"Sounds like a plan to me," said Buffy and the two-headed out of the dorms to get more coffee.
"Hey Faith," Donnie said peeking his head into the corner office.
"What's up Donnie," asked the brunette.
"Well, I have someone coming in to interview today at 1pm and I have a feeling that I'm going to want to hire them on the spot. I was wondering if I could get the blessing of the head of HR to do so ahead of time."
"Is she hot?"
"What? No, well, I actually don't know and that isn't why I would be hiring her. I was simply going off her résumé."
"Hey, can't blame a girl for asking," laughed Faith.
"Except if that girl is the head of HR, and then you have to question some things," Donnie said raising an eyebrow.
"Oh come on, you know I never let anything other than what is best for the business guide my decisions. Now, hand over the résumé that I know you have in your hands so that I can see if I will give my blessing or not."
Donnie smiled and handed over a copy of the résumé that Willow had emailed him. He watched as Faith read it over and raised an eyebrow.
"Is she for real?"
"Yeah, I pursued her, and all the people I've talked to have said that if we don't grab her the company that does is going to demolish us."
"Where are you thinking of putting her?"
"Well, I'd like to put her in IT-Security and Web Design and maybe as an Analyst or Specialist."
"See if you can start her as a Security & Design Analyst and see if starting in the mid to a bit higher than mid-range for the salary. She is fresh out of college and I don't want to have her break the bank right out of the gates."
"OK, I can do that. Thanks for taking the time to take a look at this and for giving me the HR blessing."
"Hey, she looks like she'd be amazing for the company; I would be an idiot not to give my blessing," laughed Faith.
Willow arrived at the newly constructed glass building. She had watched them building it, but she hadn't seen it close up. She was in shock at how massive it felt when you were standing at the base of the building. She entered the doors and headed towards the reception desk.
"Hi, Willow Rosenberg, I have a 1 pm meeting with Donnie Maclay," she said.
"Yes, welcome Ms. Rosenberg. Let me show you up to Mr. Maclay's office," said the receptionist coming from behind the counter and heading over to a cluster of elevators.
"This place is huge," Willow said with a smile.
"Wait until you see the view from upstairs," said the receptionist as they boarded the elevator and went up to the 8th floor.
"Wow," said Willow under her breath.
"I agree," said the receptionist as she led Willow down the hall to a waiting room. "Please have a seat and Mr. Maclay with be right with you."
"OK, thank you," said Willow.
Willow sat down, took in the elegant decor of the room and of the building, she admired that the company cared about the impression they made.
She saw a man with honey blonde hair and a brunette woman walking her way.
"I'll catch up with you later," said the brunette as she smiled in Willow's direction.
"OK, thanks again Faith," said the man before turning to her. "Hi, I'm Donnie Maclay, you must be Willow Rosenberg."
"Yes, it is a pleasure to meet you," said Willow as she stood and took the hand that he was offering her.
"Please, follow me into my office and we can talk," said Donnie.
The pair walked down two offices and entered into a room that would have easily fit two of Willows dorm rooms in it.
"Have a seat. May I get you something to drink?" asked Donnie.
"No, thank you," said Willow.
"Then I guess we should get this interview underway."
"Yes, sir," said Willow as she handed over a copy of her résumé printed on expensive looking paper.
"You have a very impressive résumé, I'm curious on what made you choose Computer Science," asked Donnie.
"It was something that honestly excited me and allowed me freedom and creativity. I'm not good with art, or music, but I can create just about anything with a computer."
"That is the most honest answer I've ever gotten on that question. Willow, I'm going to save us both a lot of time. TDM wants and needs your kind of talent to remain secure and competitive in the market today and going forward. I'm not going to tell you that we are the best place to work or that we don't ever make mistakes, that just isn't possible. We do strive to make the company the best we can. My dad created this company in our basement when my sister and I were little. He has nurtured it, nurtured us, and made this company what it is today. I hope someday when he turns this company over to my sister and I that we can make him proud. The one way I know to do that is to hire extraordinary people and you fit that bill. The woman you saw me walking with was the head of our HR department. I was meeting with her to get her blessing to offer you a Security & Design Analyst position with us today, here and now."
"Wow, I'm not sure what to say," said Willow.
"Well, if I might offer a suggestion, please say yes, you'll take the job."
Willow and Donnie laughed as he offered her the paperwork showing the salary, benefits, and job description. Willow read it and looked up at him with a smile.
"Yes," she said with a smile.
"Great, I know that we can take this company far as a team. Would two weeks be too soon for us to look for you to start?"
"I think that would be perfect. I will be able to go through graduation and then move into my new place."
"Well, I just need for you to sign and date the offer letter here and it will be official."
Willow took the pen that Donnie was offering her and signed the paperwork. Once that was complete Donnie shook her hand and welcomed her to the company.
"I forgot to ask, do you have any questions for me?"
"I just have one and I'm a bit embarrassed to ask it, but what does the TDM stand for in TDM Enterprise?" asked Willow.
"You have nothing to be embarrassed about, most people have no clue what it stands for," laughed Donnie.
Willow noticed he had a warm, genuine and comforting laugh.
"It stands for Tara Donnie Maclay. It is my sister and I. Dad was really creative at the time."
"I think it is a great idea and way for him to honor you both and the legacy he wants to leave you," said Willow realizing she was probably reading more into this than needed.
"I never thought about it like that, and I think you are correct, it is a very great honor," smiled Donnie. "Are there any other questions?"
"Not that I can think of at the moment," said Willow.
"Well, it looks like a gorgeous day out, so let me walk you out and you can enjoy the rest of your day. If you come up with any other questions, please call me or drop me an email. We'll be in touch before your start date and we'll get your first day details squared away," said Donnie handing Willow a copy of the offer letter and his business card.
"Thank you," said Willow.
"Hey Dawn," Buffy said as her sister answered the phone.
"Hey Buffy!"
"I told you I would give you a call and let you know about the party tonight. I figured I'd do it now instead of pacing while Willow is at her interview."
"So, are you guys coming tonight?"
"Yep, we just need to know where to meet you two and what time."
"How about we swing by your dorm at 6:30 and then we can grab a bite before heading down to the beach?"
"Sounds like a plan."
"Do you think that Willow is going to get the job she is interviewing for?"
"They would be stupid not to hire her," said Buffy.
"Well, I have to go; I'll see you and Willow tonight then."
"OK, we'll see you then."
Buffy and Dawn hung up and Buffy went back to pacing and waiting for her best friend and roommate to return from her interview.
Donnie escorted her to the entrance, they shook hands again, Willow left, and Donnie turned to see Faith standing there with a smirk on her face.
"What is that smirk about Faith?"
"Not a thing Donnie. Do we have a new hire?"
"Yes we do, and I have to say that I think she is going to go pretty far with this company."
"Well, that is good because we are going to need some good strong ones in the future," said Faith.
"I agree. Have you seen Tara recently?"
"I think she is still in that meeting with your dad and the board," Faith said with a grimace.
"That isn't good. She and I discussed going out tonight; I bet she will be too tired to go out with me tonight."
"Well, if she bails on you, give me a call and I'll go out with you."
"I just may take you up on that. Oh and here is the signed offer letter for you," Donnie said as he handed the signed paperwork to Faith.
TBC…