2. Leonardo.

                                    

                                          
"So, tell me Olivia. Why did you choose to become a nurse?" Raphael asks as he cuts into a perfectly grilled, medium-rare steak and forks the meat into his mouth.
It's the third question he's asked me, right after asking the kinds of responsibilities I handled at the hospital I worked at and how many hours a week I had to be at work. 
I pull the glass of wine I was sipping from away from my lips and set it down on the table before I answer.
"Well, when I was a kid, my mother worked in a hospital, but not as a nurse or a doctor. She was a cleaner and she used to set up patients' rooms, serve them food and clean up after them whenever they left.  Some days she took me to work with her and to be honest... it was the most beautiful and thoughtful thing I ever experienced. I know it was her job to clean after the patients and take care of them, but she also did it with...a certain joy." I say, slightly aware of the mall smile forming on my lips as the memories slowly come to mind.
"I could tell she enjoyed being there for them and in a way that inspired me. I wanted to help patients in hospitals too but also on a medical level as well. So, I decided to be a nurse." I say, realizing I was more emotional than professional in answering the question, but Raphael just smiles at me, then drops his fork and picks up a glass of water.
"That's beautiful. You said you want to help patients as in plural... but for this job, I'm the only patient. Why would you choose to leave your old job then and consider this when it will deny you the chance to take care of more patients?" he asks, and I slowly let out a breath as I carefully think of my answer.
How about the opportunity to make five figures a month?
"Excluding the obvious increase in salary, of course."' Raphael says with a knowing raise of his brow, and I let out a chuckle, amazed.
I'm beginning to think he can read my mind.
"Can I be honest?"
"Please." 
"As much as the pay wasn't very favorable at my former job, especially considering my years of experience, I really loved it. I loved my job, and I enjoyed treating and taking care of people. But it started to get a bit monotonous with the shifts and the routines, so when I got your offer, I was excited for the changed it offered. Taking care of a single person, learning a different medical routine according to your health and preferences, the change of scenery and the flexibility of being a stay-at-home nurse. It's an entirely new experience in general in this field and I'm excited to start it. Those are the reasons I took this opportunity." I admit and Raphael is nodding, unwavering eyes studying me.
"Interesting." He mutters and I return to my dinner, dragging my slice of juicy steak across the delicious gravy sauce and into my mouth.
Am I doing well or am I failing this interview?
"Your resume makes mention of a part-time job you had as an assistant chef?"
"Yes, I worked in that position for a couple of years to help with my college funds."
"That's amazing. And one of your hobbies is playing the piano?"
"Yes. My uncle worked as a pianist in a jazz club, and he taught me everything about playing a piano." I respond quickly, relieved for the change of topic.
"I see." Raphael says, then he sets down his cutlery and folds his palms on the table, a serious expression enveloping his face.
"Because to emphasize, the position I'm interviewing you for is not just a stay-at-home nurse, but also a caregiver. Meaning, I want you to also work as my cook, Miss Washington." He says and I blink, absolutely surprised.