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“Of course. Sorry, Melissa.”
“I’ll run your background check today and call you tomorrow with a schedule. It should be pretty steady, but the hours can be flexible just as long as I know when you’re out there. Can you start on Thursday?”
“Absolutely! That sounds good! Thank you so much!” Relief combines with way over-the-top enthusiasm, and I crumple the edge of my reference list when I grip it too tightly. “I’m really excited to be working with you.”
“I’m sure you’ll do great.” Melissa’s tone is deadpan as she stands and motions toward the door.
I stand and collect my papers, shoving them back into their folder. Melissa follows me to the door, opening i
t for me. We shake hands briefly as I thank her again, but her tone and posture bother me. Maybe it’s just her personality, but it feels like something else. I take two steps down the hall but then pause and turn back.
“Melissa, may I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
Ah, shit! I have no idea how to word my question without sounding…sounding…what? Unsure of myself? Pathetic? If I’m completely off base, I’ll sounds like a nutcase, but I need to know. I take in a breath and expel the words.
“Am I getting this job just because Nate Orso recommended me?”
Melissa doesn’t blink or hesitate.
“Yes.”
“What?” I’m surprised by her blunt response.
“Did you want a different answer?” Melissa asks.
“Well, yes,” I say, a little indignant. “I think I am actually qualified for the job.”
“The job requires you to be able to walk for long periods, identify maple trees, and count. Most people are qualified for it.”
“But I get it because Nate told you to hire me.” I’m being far too blunt, but I can’t seem to help myself.
“He didn’t tell me to hire you,” she says, clearly resenting the idea. “He just called and said I should interview you, which I did, but I’m not an idiot.”
“An idiot?” I narrow my eyes.
“He clearly wants you to have the job.” Melissa gestures toward me. “I’m not about to say no, especially when I need three people, and you seem as good as any.”
I frown, not wanting to see myself categorized in such a degrading way but also realizing this job doesn’t require a complicated skill set, and her logic isn’t off. But to have her put it so bluntly has left me completely mortified.
I could have gotten this job without Nate’s help.
“So, he does this a lot, then?” My tone stings my own lips.
“No, he doesn’t.” Melissa cocks her head at me. “Actually, he’s never done this before, at least not to me. I figure he must really want you employed here, so you get the job. Don’t you want it?”
“Well, yes, of course. I just…” I can’t finish the sentence.
“Cherry, I’m fine with it, so don’t look so upset.”
I manage to nod, but I can’t come up with any more words.
“I’m sure you have many talents.” She presses her lips together, hiding a grin. “You’ll do fine here.”
She quickly closes the office door.
My mouth drops open as I realize what she must think. I go as far as to raise my hand to knock on the door and clarify but think better of it. Instead, I shuffle back to my car, trying to sort out my feelings.
