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The guy named Jeff strutted over to us and did a dramatic twirl for his entrance. His eyes widened when he saw me. "Are you the new hire that's replacing Gemma?"
"Um," I fidgeted with my hands. "Yeah, I guess so. I'll be working directly with the CEO."
Caitlyn and Jeff exchanged a knowing glance among themselves.
"Well, good luck to you," Jeff scoffed. He seemed almost sorry for me.
And Caitlyn was actively avoiding eye contact. It all felt a little too suspicious for my liking. I remembered Marsha talking about having to fire the previous person who had my role, and my anxiety spiked.
"Am I missing something?" I asked, suddenly curious to know what they knew.
"I just think it's really brave that you decided to take up this position," Jeff replied, solemnly clasping both his hands in front of him.
"Oh, quit scaring her,” Caitlyn slapped Jeff lightly on the shoulder. "It's her first day here."
"I’m just being honest," Jeff replied, rubbing his arm on the spot where Caitlyn had swatted him just moments ago. "She should know what she's getting into."
"Someone really needs to explain what's going on here," I reasserted myself.
They were so busy talking about the horrors of my position that they seemed to have forgotten I was still standing there.
"Don't listen to him," Caitlyn turned to me with a warm smile. I didn’t know her, so couldn’t tell if it was fake or not. "He’s totally exaggerating."
"He must have some reason to," I countered, looking between the two of them for an actual answer.
"It's just that your role is one that requires close contact with the CEO, and he's known to be a bit..." she sucked in her bottom lip, contemplating her word choice before settling for, "...particular."
"In a bad way?" I questioned, raising my eyebrow.
I didn’t have much experience with it but had heard stories about higher ups and their unique ways. If all I had to deal with was a man and his over-inflated ego, then I think I’d manage just fine. However, if it was more serious than that, I deserved to know. Preferably before he showed up to work.
"The last girl in your position was fired just after a month of working for him," Jeff said in a hushed voice. "Dylan was never happy with whatever she did and one day, he just fired her on spot."
"Was she not good at her job?" I asked, feeling a nervousness settle in the base of my stomach.
"Oh, she wasn't that bad," Caitlyn interjected. "It's just that Dylan has really high standards for all of his employees."
"He’s notoriously hard to please," Jeff added. "And a total workaholic."
"Yeah, I've seen him put in 12-hour days whenever there’s an important project that needs to be completed," Caitlyn nodded.
From the descriptions these guys were giving me, I was beginning to paint a horrendous picture of my boss in my head. My concern probably showed on my face, because Caitlyn put a comforting arm over my shoulder.
"But don't let us put you off," she said. "Maybe he'll like you. You never know."
I masked the nervousness I was feeling and put on a brave face. I didn't want my new co-workers to see that I was terrified on my very first day. Impressions matter and I wanted to be taken seriously in this office.
"I think I'm up for the challenge," I feigned confidence, even though I was having all sorts of doubts already.
Jeff passed Caitlyn a look before turning back to me.
"I'm impressed by your grit, woman," he laughed. "Usually, this would be enough to send anyone running."
"I like pushing myself," I shrugged and then looked down at my watch. "Speaking of the boss, where is he? He hasn't come in yet and it's almost ten-thirty."
"He was probably working late again," Caitlyn chuckled. "Even on the weekend."
"Seriously," Jeff joined in, "Does anyone even know what he does in his personal life?"
