Bound by the Summer Intern

“So, Dave, you’re on the university rugby team?”

I squint, reading the fine print of his resume.

“That’s right, sir. I’m the team captain.” The young man’s voice rumbles, sending vibrations through the air.

I look up, examining his appearance. I’m an excellent judge of character, and I can get a read on job candidates just by looking at them. Physical presentation is important—this is an advertising agency after all. I built it from the ground up, and my success isn’t the result of chance.

This guy has the right look. Short, tidy brown hair, bright green eyes, tan skin, and a powerful, square jawline. Yeah…he seems like a rugby team captain. He’s interviewing for a role in the marketing division, but he might be a better fit as a model or a product ambassador…

“Why do you want this summer internship?” I cock my head to the side.

“I’ve always been a competitive person—that’s how I got involved in rugby.” He smiles, flashing a set of glistening white teeth. “But that mentality translates into all areas of my life. When I step into a room, I have to be the best. My long-term goal is to start my own marketing firm, so working under someone as accomplished as you would be the ideal way to learn. The skills I’d gain here would help me rise to the top of the field.”

“Hm…I respect the ambition.” I smirk. “If you get this role, you’ll be working directly under me. You’ll attend corporate meetings and take notes. You’ll listen to client calls. It’ll be a great opportunity for you to absorb information and understand the industry.”

“Exactly!” His eyes narrow. “And I’ll get to apply everything I’ve learned in school. Rugby has taught me how to be a leader. I know how to influence and inspire people. I can get a read on them and understand what they need.”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.” I laugh. “As an intern, you’ll be a follower. Think you can handle that?”

“Yes, sir.”

We continue the interview, discussing his technical knowledge of the marketing industry. His answers are sharp, and he has a charismatic presence. He’s better than the other candidates I’ve interviewed. I’m impressed.

“Dave, thanks for coming.” I rise from my desk and give a firm handshake. “My secretary will be in touch if we decide to extend an offer.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Please, call me Keith.”

“Alright, Keith.” He flashes a cocky smile. “Keep up the good work.”

I hesitate for a moment before leading him to my office door. That’s a strange thing for him to say. Maybe he just admires my firm?

He departs, and I sit back at my desk. Interviews continue throughout the afternoon, but nobody strikes me the way Dave did. He’s got a vibe that works with this office. I’m sure he’d be a hard worker, and to be honest, I wouldn’t mind bringing him to client meetings. He has that authoritative, masculine look that puts clients at ease. Image is important in this industry.

“Sir, have you decided on the internship candidates?” My secretary steps into my office at the end of the day.

Her name is Sarah—she’s a busty blond who used to work as one of my models. She’s been my secretary for years, and she’s still got the same glamorous, charming aura as when I first hired her.

“Yeah—Dave Rogers.” I hold up his resume. “Give him a call.”

“Certainly, sir. I’ll get it taken care of.”

“And this is the copy room. Office supplies are in the cupboards.”

“Noted.” Dave smiles and nods.

I continue the office tour, introducing him to the CFO and VP of Finance. Dave wears a calm, relaxed expression that seems at odds with what’s going on. It’s his first day on the job, but he’s already acting like he’s worked here for years. Back when I was in his shoes, I was a bundle of nerves.

Maybe he has an executive in his family who’s coached him for this. He’s dressed impeccably—a slim suit that hugs his fit chest, accentuating the narrowness of his waist. His rugby biceps bulge from the sleeves, stretching them taut. It’s a bit intimidating. He’s a few inches taller than I am, and he’s significantly bulkier.

“This will be your desk.” I stop at an empty workspace outside my office. “You’ll work next to my secretary.”

“Nice to meet you, Dave. I’m Sarah, we talked on the phone.” She steps forward and shakes his hand.

“Of course. Nice to meet you as well.”

“I’ll let you get settled in. Sarah, help him if he needs anything.” I nod before entering my office.

The morning passes, and lunchtime soon arrives. I figure taking Dave to lunch will be a good way to show he’s welcome here. I leave my office to see him leaning up against Sarah’s desk, chatting while she stares up at him with flushed cheeks.

Huh…I guess she likes college jocks.

But who doesn’t? I was never athletic or sociable back in school, and I used to look up to the athletes, jealous of how they’d get girls. I’m still unmarried. These days, I joke that I’m married to my job. All my time is spent in the office working.

Sometimes I wonder though…is that really how I want to live?

“Hey, Dave.” I approach. “Sorry to interrupt, but do you want to grab lunch together?”

“Oh, sure thing! I’ll talk to you later, Sarah.” He flashes her that pearly smile.

“Looks like you’re getting settled in,” I say as we leave the office and walk down the street.

“Yeah. Your secretary is nice. We don’t have many girls like that back at the university.”

“What do you mean?” My brows furrow.

“You know…older. Tall. Fit.”

“Um, well, she did used to be a model.” I give an awkward chuckle.

“Oh, c’mon, Keith. That means you were the one who hired her. You know what I’m talking about.” He nudges my arm.

“I suppose so.” My pulse accelerates as we enter a nearby restaurant and sit at a booth in the corner.

I fully understand what he means, but we shouldn’t be talking about this. Maybe hiring this guy was a mistake. This is his first internship, but surely he knows that some topics are off-limits. This type of talk should never leave the rugby locker room.