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Instead of calming me, I feel a slight panic at those words. I’m still uncertain how I will pull this off. Fingers crossed, I follow her out of the elevator into a small lobby area with a reception desk, and then into an office.
Liz’s office has two huge floor-to-ceiling windows that let in a ton of light, giving an open and airy feeling to the space. Next to the desk is a small sitting area with a bookcase, two overstuffed chairs, and a coffee table. Decorated in warm cream and navy tones, the office is designed to be a place of calmness and tranquility. Ifonlyit could helpmefeel calm and tranquil!
Ms. Tight Hair Bun Lady, aka Ms. Liz Blakely, motions for me to have a seat opposite her desk. I try not to fidget as she scans over my resume.
“I assume you were given a rundown of the position by my associate on your phone call last week?” She continues at my nod, “I want to warn you that the job description entails far more than was listed. As Mr. Anders’s executive assistant, you will be responsible for all of the small and large details that help him get through his day. You will organize his business and personal calendar, attend meetings with him, and you will need to be available to travel without notice. I hesitate to use the words 'beck and call’; however, you will be at his. This is not an eight-to-five job. Given the demands of the job, I have to ask, are you still interested?”
I get the feeling she is trying to talk me out of the job. I offer her a big smile. “Absolutely, I am a hundred percent up for the challenge. My previous positions have more than adequately prepared me to take on thisposition. I couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity.” Somehow, I manage not to cringe as I say those lies.
“Your resume is impressive,” she says. “However, you lack the years of experience that we are looking for. I see you have three years of working as an executive assistant to the CEO. You left when the business was sold?” She continues at my nod, “And that you have an MBA?”
“Yes, that’s correct,” I reply. Lies, lies, lies. I’m disgusted with myself right now. “In my position as executive assistant, I had an opportunity to learn every facet of the business. I was an integral part of the team. Though I only worked there three years, I believe I learned enough that I would be an asset to your company.”
She nods at my answer. “Given the demands and the crazy schedule, why do youreallywant this position?“ Ms. Blakely asks. “This job is not friendly to those with a family. In fact, that is why I’m leaving the position. Maintaining any sort of social life is virtually impossible. I want to be upfront with you on that. Mr. Anders can be challenging and demanding. There will be long hours and frequent business trips. Anyone that takes this job needs to be prepared for that.”
For the first time since sitting down, I’m able to give an honest answer. “I grew up in foster care, so. I don’t have family who would take my time away from the job. My social life is nonexistent, so there won’t be a conflict. I am prepared to do whatever is necessary to get the job done.”
She looks at me, head tilted. I squirm a bit under her scrutiny.
Ms. Blakely stands up, and I can tell from her face that she is preparing to send me on my way, decision made. At that moment, I realize that I won’t be getting a job offer. I try to swallow my disappointment. I knew it was a long shot anyway. As she opens her mouth to speak, the phone rings. She glances down at the caller ID. “Just a moment,” she tells me. “Yes?” she says into the phone. “Are you sure she isn’t coming back? Okay, no, I understand. I will take care of it.” She hangs up and slowly sits back down.
She looks at me quietly for a few seconds and seems to come to a decision. “Well, this is not how I had planned to do things. I’ll be honest, I have narrowed the candidates down to four, and you are one of those candidates. Out of the four candidates, you are the only one not currently employed and, therefore, don’t have the requirement of providing two weeks’ notice to your former employer.” She pauses. “If hired, would you be available to start Monday?”
Unable to fully believe my good luck, I practically shout at her, “Yes, of course! I can start Monday, no problem!”
Yikes, I won’t even dwell on the fact that it’s Friday, and I will have no time to prepare for this.
She seems satisfied with that answer. “Well, that phone call was from Mr. Anders. His temporary assistant just walked out, and apparently, she isn’t coming back. She is the second one to quit this week. I start my new position in a few days and will no longer be able to function as Mr. Anders’s EA, so we need someone to start immediately. Unfortunately, Mr. Anders is unavailable to meet with the final candidates and has asked me to make the final decision. Are you interested in the position?”
“Yes, absolutely. I’m a fast learner and can catch on quickly.” I can’t believe my luck. I have a feeling I would not have been offered the job if it hadn’t fallen into my lap just now.
“Perfect,” she says. “I will need you to send me your references by this afternoon so I can have HR make some phone calls to verify your previous employment. If you follow me, I will show you to HumanResources now, and we can get started on your paperwork. Oh, and of course, we will need you to sign an NDA.”
“NDA?” I ask.
“Well, yes,” she replies. “Just your standard nondisclosure agreement. It says that you will treat all company information as confidential. I assume that is not a problem?”
“Of course. Not a problem at all,” I answer quickly.
“You will be given a generous clothing allowance,” she continues as she stops outside of HR. She pauses as she looks me up and down. “We expect professional dress during office hours. You will also need business casual for travel and several gowns for the many functions Mr. Anders attends.”
I look down at my outfit that was painstakingly chosen from the sparse choices in my closet. From the look on her face, I can assume that Ms. Blakely is unimpressed with my T.J. Maxx wardrobe choices. I thought I looked stylish in a flowy black skirt and cream-colored blouse. I even added a bit of color by tying a silk scarf around my neck. I guess a shopping trip with Jessica is in my immediate future.
“Any questions?” she asks.
“No, no questions,” I reply.
She smiles warmly at me. “Fantastic. Welcome to the Anders Group. I know you will love it here.”
Two hours later, I pull up to the apartment I share with Jessica. I’m exhausted from the interview and still in shock that I was offered the job. For most people, this job would be a dream, an amazing opportunity. The salary is twice as much as I’ve ever made before. And they already cut me a check so that I could buy clothes this weekend. I lean my head back against the car’s headrest and, for a moment, let myself imagine thatthings could be different. That this could bemydream job. I wish I could wake up tomorrow and have no worries.
I allow myself a small smile when I think about the clothing allowance. I could be like Vivian inPretty Womanand shop on Rodeo Drive. The sales ladies wouldn’t snub me because I have my AmexBlack to shove into their faces. No limit. Except I don’t have an Amex Black, I have a tiny $500 credit limit on my only card, and I’m not a prostitute.
I might have to revise the dream a little. And I need to tell Jessica that we aren’t watching that movie again this weekend. Her obsession with it is rubbing off on me. I know it is a classic movie, but we really need to find something else to watch.
I’m startled out of my reverie by a knock on my window. I quickly look over to see Jessica’s questioning glance. I grimace to myself. Just how long have I been sitting in this car?
Chapter Two
