The Interview for Two
Chapter 16 - The Interview for Two
The firm was called Common Ground Engineering.
It designed affordable housing, community centers, and disaster recovery projects.
Its founder, Dr. Maya Ellis, was a Westbridge graduate.
She shook Noah’s hand.
Then she shook Henry’s.
“I saw the graduation video,” she said.
Henry groaned softly.
“I was afraid of that.”
Maya laughed.
“That isn’t why you’re here.”
She placed one of Noah’s university design projects on the table.
A low-cost modular housing plan.
“I’ve been reading your work.”
Noah blinked.
“You found this?”
“Dean Mercer sent it.”
She tapped the page.
“You designed the foundation system differently from the standard model.”
“My father suggested it.”
Maya looked at Henry.
Henry shifted uncomfortably.
“I didn’t design anything.”
Noah smiled.
“You said the original layout would trap water under the east footing.”
“I’ve seen that happen.”
Maya leaned forward.
“How many years in construction?”
“Thirty-seven.”
“What roles?”
Henry shrugged.
“Whatever they paid me to do.”
Noah answered for him.
“Concrete. Framing. Site safety. Masonry. Heavy equipment. He trained half the crews he worked on.”
Henry frowned.
“That’s enough.”
“No,” Maya said. “It isn’t.”
She opened another folder.
Common Ground had just received funding for a housing rehabilitation program.
They needed a junior civil engineer.
They also needed an experienced field coordinator who understood how buildings failed in the real world.
Noah stared at her.
“You’re offering us both jobs?”
“I’m offering you a job.”
She turned to Henry.
“And I’m asking him to interview for one.”
Henry laughed nervously.
“I didn’t finish high school.”
“I didn’t ask about school.”
Henry’s smile disappeared.
Maya continued.
“I asked what you know.”
For the next hour, she asked Henry questions about drainage, concrete curing, framing errors, worker safety, and scheduling.
He answered every one.
When they left, Henry held an employment packet.
The starting salary was more than he had ever earned.
With benefits.
With retirement contributions.
With paid leave.
He read the offer three times in the parking lot.
Then he handed it back to Noah.
“I can’t take this.”
Noah stared at him.
“Why?”
Henry looked ashamed.
“I don’t have a diploma.”
Noah thought of the graduation cap.
May you like
Then he smiled.
“Not yet.”
