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“Got it.” I give her a smile that I hope shows more confidence than I feel.
“This is you.” She pushes open a door at the end of the hall, with my name on a shiny new plate.
Marley Smith
Director of Marketing
“Wow,” I say, not able to hide my excitement. “This is happening.”
“It’s definitely happening, and I know that you’re going to be a great addition to the Morrison hotels team. I have that feeling here.” She places her hand over her heart. “Hasn’t failed me yet.”
“Thank you, Jane.”
“You’re welcome. Now, let’s get you acclimated before your meeting.” I put my things away in my new desk, in my corner freaking office, and pull out a notebook and start to take notes.
Jane left me about thirty minutes ago. She claimed she had to get back to her desk. She reminded me of my meeting with Mr. Morrison and strolled out the door. I’ve spent the time since going over my notes and getting them organized while trying not to freak out about this meeting. I feel better about the job, knowing he didn’t know that they chose me. However, what if he’s mad that it’s me? Then what? Will he fire me? Needless to say, my nerves are worse now than they were first thing this morning.
Five minutes before my meeting time, I grab my notebook and my favorite pen and begin my journey to the other side of the floor to meet with Mr. Morrison. Eli, my brother’s best friend, and my childhood bully.
“Marley, you can go on in,” Jane says. “He’s expecting you.”
I give her a nod and a smile and take the few steps to his door, pushing it open slowly. Eli sits behind his large mahogany desk, glasses perched on his face while he stares at his laptop. I’m not sure what to do, so I clear my throat. His head pops up, and a slow, sexy smile tilts his lips. No, not sexy. Just a smile. A normal smile tilts his lips.
“Marley,” he says huskily.
I’m stunned he didn’t call me Bob, but then again, that doesn’t seem to be his new MO.
“Mr. Morrison,” I reply.
His smile grows. “Eli, please. We have too much history for Mr. Morrison. Besides, that’s my grandfather.” He motions at the chairs in front of his desk. “Please have a seat.”
Taking small steps to hide the tremble in my knees, I make my way to the chair and sit, crossing my legs, with my notebook perched on my lap, pen ready to go. “Thank you for this opportunity,” I say. I feel as though I need to clear the air. My fear of losing my job is gutting me.
“You impressed Jane. That’s a feat in itself.” He leans his elbows on his desk, clasping his hands together. “How has your day been so far?”
That’s not what I was expecting. “Information overload.” I laugh nervously.
“Pace yourself,” he tells me. “It will all come in time. They say it takes a good year to be trained in any position.”
I nod. “I’ve heard that, but it won’t take me that long.” I’m confident in my statement. I know I’m a hard worker, and I’m determined to excel for me, and well, for him, I guess. Which is weird, but he is my boss.
“I’m sure you know that I’ve just taken the reins from my grandfather. While I’ve been around Morrison Hotels my entire life, it’s the first time that it’s only ever been me in charge. I don’t want the success of my grandfather to go down in flames now that I’m sitting in this chair, filling his shoes, so to speak.”
His confession is real. Honest and completely un-Eli-like. The Eli that I know and remember liked to goof off and torture me. Okay, torture is a strong word, but it wasn’t pleasant. “How can I help?” I ask, realizing I’m lost in my own thoughts.
“Communication. I want to know what’s going on in every department. I have relationships with many of the employees, but I’m the boss, and sometimes I know many don’t have the courage to approach the man in charge. I want you to be my eyes and ears. If there is something going on with the staff, I want to know about it. Their job satisfaction is what makes this place run like a well-oiled machine, and I want to keep it that way. You’re going to work closely with all of them.”
“Of course. I have to tell you, I’m not one to hold punches. If it’s negative toward you or the company, I’m going to be honest about it.”
“That’s what I want. That’s what I need. I’m actually glad it’s you,” he says. “I’m glad it’s someone that I know and trust.”
He trusts me? “You can count on me,” I tell him. I feel silly saying these things to him, but it’s what I would say to my boss that’s not my brother's sexy best friend.
