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“How do you find working on Wall Street? I wouldn’t have expected a sociology major to end up there.”
“No, I wasn’t planning on it, but the opportunity arose, and it seemed the sort of thing to do while I’m young.”
“You didn’t consider graduate studies?” She studies me with great curiosity.
It’s a strange line of questioning.
“I did, actually. I was accepted at Harvard and Yale” –I’m not above a good name-drop when I’m being interviewed by a Manhattan socialite– “but, I decided a change of pace was in order.”
“Aren’t you just a glorified secretary, now, though?”
I give her a professional, unruffled smile. “A very well-paid one.”
She sits back with a smug expression. “So it was about the money.”
I don’t let my irritation show. “The money and the challenge. You mentioned that my employer is notoriously difficult. I found that challenge appealing.”
A knowing smile spreads across Eleanor’s face. “And you succeeded in meeting the challenge, as you apparently have succeeded at everything you’ve tried.”
Ms. Harrington’s interview style is an interesting mix of jabs and compliments. I suppose she’s trying to keep me on my toes.
Our food comes, and I attend to it, trying to keep this lunch from drawing out any longer than it already has.
“What sort of position did you have in mind for me?” I ask, not because I’m actually considering it, but to turn the interview around, so I’m asking the questions.
“Something similar. Assistant to the CEO.” She puts her hand on her chest. “Moi. I’ve been looking for a young protege I can mold in my image, and I think you might have the brains and grit to fill the position.”
I draw in a breath, somewhat taken aback.
What could I possibly offer that any other Ivy League graduate couldn’t? What is it about me that makes her believe I’m moldable to her image?
“Well…that’s extremely flattering. As I said, I’m not looking for a new position at present.”
“Yes. I imagine it’s quite exciting on Wall Street. But at Torrent Cosmetics, you’d be a part of it all–creative challenges, business negotiations, marketing a billion dollar empire. Surely that appeals to your sense of challenge.”
My heart beats erratically. The achiever in me is tempted by the position. Especially knowing things with Brick could blow up any day. But that fundamentally loyal part of me refuses to walk away.
Not until things actually do implode.
He’s become something integral to my identity and purpose. I need to see this thing out with him, whatever it is.
“Is this a limited-time offer, or would you be open to me contacting you in the future when my situation changes?”
The older woman appears slightly disappointed but not surprised. “Contact me any time, Madison. I’m interested in you. I’d like to see you at Harrington now or in the future.”
Color me surprised. It’s an unheard-of opportunity. I’m used to working hard for things, not having them dropped in my lap. Apparently my position with Blackthroat has raised my social status more than I realized.
“Thank you so much for your offer–and for lunch.” I wipe my mouth, set down my napkin and stand. “I do need to get back to work, but I appreciate your time and consideration.”
“Stay in touch, Madison.”
I walk out, feeling more confused and guilty than I was walking in. Am I really turning down the opportunity of a lifetime to stay in a situation I know will end up crushing me emotionally if not professionally?
Yes, I am. Because even though I know I’m racing toward a cliff’s edge, nothing would stop me so long as Brick Blackthroat is involved.
* * *
Brick
