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“What do you have in mind?” I ask, sitting on the edge of my seat. All those mock interviews I practiced with Maggie sure didn’t go this way. Ms. Young is practically begging me to come work here. Mind blown.
“First, we’d like to buy the rights to Shakespurr for twenty-five thousand.”
“As in dollars?” I mutter, shell-shocked.
“Yes, only America’s finest currency here.” She laughs, and I try not to cry. It’s like winning the interview lottery. “You’d still be in control of the content, and we’ll throw marketing dollars behind it too. Your official title is junior marketing manager with seventy-five thousand as a base salary.”
She pauses for a beat, giving me a second to let it all sink in, but it doesn’t at all. I’m having an out of body experience, like she’s talking to someone else and I’m eavesdropping.
“And since you’re moving here from out of state, there’s a furnished, subsidized apartment in the Hammond Hotel. The top ten floors are executive rentals, and there’s one available now. Perfect timing.”
Wait! What? It feels like my wildest dreams are coming true, or someone is playing a horrible joke on me.
“What you’re offering me is a substantial package, especially since I just graduated from college. Before I accept it, I have a question, if I may.”
“Of course. Ask away.”
“Mr. Hammond.” I take a breath and decide not to beat around the bush. I don’t think it will curb her enthusiasm if I pry just a touch. “What was his part in your decision? I’m curious how such a generous offer came to be.”
My stomach twists in anticipation. Her answer will determine my future here at Hammond Press.
“Well, it’s been a whirlwind,” she says with a crooked smile. “After viewing your résumé, I knew we needed you on board. The entire marketing department talks about your blog daily. Mostly wondering how you do it. Mr. Hammond knows I’ve been working on the millennial outreach for our imprints, so this was a no-brainer. He approved all the points in your offer.”
“So, you mentioned me to him first.” She nods. “Has he actually seen my résumé, and does he know me by name?”
“I’ve been working here for fifteen years. He trusted me and approved your résumé unseen.” She looks up toward the ceiling in thought. “As a matter of fact, I don’t believe I even told him your name.”
When I exhale, a load lifts from my shoulders. I received this outlandish offer on my own. I feel like jumping out of my seat and fist pumping the air, but I don’t think Ms. Young would appreciate it.
After a couple deep breaths, my need to freak out subsides to a controllable level.
“My mind’s made up.” I beam from ear to ear. “Thanks so much for this amazing opportunity. I will do my best to be a valuable asset here at Hammond. I’ll be honest, I can’t really believe it, though.”
“I was in your shoes many years ago. Fresh out of college.” Ms. Young stares at an imaginary spot behind me, reliving memories. “Rarely do I meet a young person who has created something we need. Usually they need us. I feel this is just the beginning for you.”
“Thanks for your confidence in me.” I hope she’s right too.
Ms. Young leads me to an office down the hall from hers belonging to Helen Ratner, head of HR. The company has paperwork for me to fill out before I become official.
“Just formalities at this point,” Ms. Young says.
A thought tugs at me. I need to let Barclay know what’s happening on his very floor. I don’t know how he’ll take this surprise. I should’ve told him about Trevor passing my résumé on to Mrs. Ratner, but it seemed like such a long shot at the time. And it’s not like I had notice.
While Mrs. Ratner gathers and shuffles through papers, I fire off a quick text to Barclay.
I need to talk to you asap.
I stare at the phone in my lap, praying to see activity on his side, but there’s nothing. The screen fades to black, and I refresh it. Waiting. Hoping.
I begin filling out the basic forms for employment. Background check, detailed personal information, and a non-disclosure form pertaining to company campaigns and authors’ future works. I’ll take home the health and savings plans paperwork and bring them back tomorrow. I guess this is my first official day on the job. It was like I was hired before I walked into the building.
After I finish with all the forms, I check my phone. Still, nothing from Barclay. Not even an acknowledgement he received my text. He said he’d be covered up with meetings today, but it doesn’t feel right. I wish he knew I was the one Ms. Young wanted for this position.
How will he react when he finds out it’s me?
