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I’ve been dreading this question, but I’ve thought it through and I give him my rehearsed answer.
“I only moved to Boston six months ago. To be honest, I took the first job that came my way, but finance doesn’t really interest me and neither do robotics. As I said in my application form, I’m looking for fresh challenges.”
“I see… okay. Your resume says you’re originally from Maine?”
“Yes.”
“Whereabouts?”
“Falmouth. Do you know it?”
“No. But I think I’d like to.” That feels like an odd thing to say, but before I can ask why, he puts his next question. “I notice you got great grades in high school… and yet you didn’t go to college.”
“No.”
“Was there a reason for that?” he asks, tilting his head.
“Yes. It was personal.” And none of your damn business.
He pauses for a moment or two and when it becomes clear I’m not going to add anything, he continues, “It says here you only have to give one month’s notice to your current employer. Is that correct?”
“Yes. After a year, that would be extended to three months, but as I haven’t been there for that long…” I let my voice fade and he frowns slightly.
“So you’re on trial for the first year? Because I’m guessing they only have to give you a month’s notice, too, during that period?”
“Yes.” Although I’ve never thought of it like that.
“And what about your benefits? When do they kick in?”
“What benefits?”
His frown deepens. “Don’t they offer you a benefits package?” he asks.
I remember the ad for the position with TBA mentioning a benefits package, but it didn’t say what that entailed.
“There’s health insurance, but that doesn’t start until after twelve months.”
He nods his head. “Well… just so you know, if you were to be employed here, we do things a little differently.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. Mr. Bennett recently instigated a new system… so we only operate a ninety-day trial period, after which your full contract would come into force. That’s when your benefits would start, including medical and life insurance, extended vacation allowance, flexible working hours, a retirement plan and gym membership. In your case, there would be two exceptions to that rule.”
“There would?” I’m still reeling from the idea of gym membership… and wondering what I’d do with it.
“Yes. Your phone and company car would be given to you on your first day.”
“I’m sorry? Did you say car and phone?”
“Mr. Bennett likes all the senior staff to have reliable transportation,” he says. “And the phone is so we’re all using the same system. It makes life easier.”
“Okay.” I can’t believe I’m hearing this, or that I’d be considered ‘senior staff’ in Mr. Bennett’s organization.
“I have to say, you’ve impressed me, Miss Hopkins. Although I hope you don’t mind if I call you Livia,” Miles says, and I try to focus on him, even if I’m still in shock. “How are you fixed for getting together sometime soon?”
Did he say what I thought he just said? He can’t have done, can he? “I’m sorry… did you just ask me out?”
“Um… no. I asked you when you’d be available to get together for a meeting with Mr. Bennett. I think I explained to you this morning, that’s the next stage of this process.”
