Episode 3

Enzo Jr.

I woke up with the sun streaming through the curtains, lying down, and the hangover pulsed in my head like a relentless drum.

The smell of alcohol still lingered in the air, mixed with Suzana's perfume, the woman I spent last night with.

I stretched, trying to shake off the remnants of the previous night, but reality soon hit me: I need to look for a job and must be prepared for several job interviews.

With considerable effort, I got out of bed and went to the bathroom. My reflection in the mirror revealed a tired face, deep dark circles, and a countenance that bore the signs of a life with hectic nights.

I did my personal hygiene, took a quick shower, trying to revitalize myself and hide the marks of the previous night.

"It's just an interview!" I murmured to myself, trying to convince myself that I had a chance.

If my family thinks I'm going to get married, they are sorely mistaken. I'm going to prove that I'm very capable, and I'm sure they'll soon regret it, and I'll be able to return to my position in the company.

I put on a well-cut suit, without any wrinkles, as appearance is fundamental to leaving a good impression.

I went down to the living room, greeted my parents and Joice, and had a quick breakfast.

We didn't talk; I want to make it clear that I'm hurt by what they're doing to me.

As I left the house, I felt anxiety growing in my stomach, something I had never felt before. The drive to the first interview was spent in silence, only with the cutting sound of my powerful car's engine.

I tried to focus on the questions I might face and the positive points I wanted to highlight about my career; I know exactly what will be asked, after all, I work with this.

Arriving at the location of the first interview, I was greeted by a friendly receptionist, and I returned her smile with a seductive smirk.

Upon entering the interview room, I was greeted by a panel of interviewers who exchanged significant glances among themselves. The conversation began, and I tried to project confidence, but I soon realized that their gazes were not just professional; there was an implicit criticism in their expressions.

"You have an impressive career!" one of the interviewers began. "However, we have some concerns about your reputation!"

The words weighed like lead, and I felt my heart sink. I tried to argue about my skills and previous experiences, but the answers were evasive and cold. The feeling of being judged for my personal life made everything even more difficult.

After that frustrating interview, I went through a few more during the day, each one bringing up the same concerns: my reputation as a womanizer and irresponsible always seemed to overshadow my professional achievements. In every interview room, the same questions arose: "How can you guarantee that your behavior will not affect our team?" or "We are concerned about your dedication to work."

With each rejection received, whether through disapproving looks or direct words, I confess that my confidence diminished a little.

I never thought I would go through something like this, and when I realized it, I was driving around the streets after the interviews, feeling more and more like a stranger among the other professionals who seemed to have found their place in the corporate world.

Finally, exhausted and defeated, I entered a cafe and sat at one of the tables.

With my head down, hands wrapped around a cup of hot coffee, I reflected on my life and what I would do. The women and parties may have brought momentary pleasure, but now they seemed to be chains that bound me to a negative image.

… Maybe I went too far! … I thought as I watched people hurry past me.

My cell phone rang; it was an unknown number, but when I answered, a glimmer of hope arose when it turned out to be Suzana. However, my hopes vanished when she said the same thing as all the other interviewers.

"But maybe we can do something different, that will help you!"

"What would that be?" I inquired, with one eyebrow arched.

"You know I've always liked you, even though you dumped me because of... you know! The thing is, we can pick up where we left off, and then I'm sure my father would give you a chance, and together we can change this reputation..."