It felt like a dream walking through the fancy stores in the world trade center mall. My fingers ran over designer clothing, feeling like I was in a dream, or like I was doing one of my old jobs. It felt weird that Izaak had given me his credit card and so much trust, though he was right that he knows where I live and I'm sure he'd punish me if I overspent... But still. He trusted me!
Molly was easy to get along with, and I could definitely see her psychotherapist side. She was positive and giggly, now not as high and worried as she'd been earlier that morning. She disclosed to me that she isn't used to being up so early since she works afternoons at a school, and evenings at a clinic with Toby the psychiatrist. She kept the conversation going mostly, but also asked questions, curious to know more about me. I wondered about her ulterior motive and kept my answers simple, trying not to lie as was habit. But it didn't matter because mostly it seemed like she just liked talking just to talk.
Before we arrived to the interview, Molly bought me breakfast (which was much better than the protein shake Izaak had prepared for me) and prepped me about Gabe, basically the same heads up that Izaak had given me. "I'm sure he's planning to hire you, just didn't want to say it up front. We kind of go back and forth with giving each other favors. It's just how we roll. He'll like you, I know it already."
"Why?"
"You've got a good personality, you seem smart, and you're part of our family now."
My stomach churned. Family isn't something I'm very good at, considering I had two shitty parents, no siblings, and a grandmother who'd been disowned by all her children and grandchildren (besides my dad and me).
"You're going to do great!"
I flipped my hair over my shoulder and smiled. "I hope so... I've never had an office job like this..."
"Don't tell him that. Just be confident and reflect back whatever he gives you. He may give you a hard time at first, but just dish it right back and he'll respect you. Gabe's biggest value is loyalty. Izaak told me about the time you saved him from **something**... that's the kind of shit Gabe is looking for."
I nodded as we walked up to the building. It was at least 80 stories high, a modern superstructure with sharp edges and mirrored windows. There was a security guard downstairs who had to call Mr. Specter to let us through to the elevators, though with my sexy business outfit, I could've convinced him using only my good looks.
We rode to the 46th floor, then stepped into a bright white office area. Three receptionists sat at the end of the hall under gold letters than read Cain, Hamilton, & Specter. One of them nodded at Molly for us to pass and I followed my new friend through the maze of cubicles, hypnotized by the skyline and the chic decor. Everything was much posher than I'd imagined, which just made me more excited. The environment reminded me of old schemes, attending parties with rich dates and pretending like I belonged. I can do this.
The desk outside Mr. Specter's door was abandoned, phone light flashing due to unheard messages. Papers and folders had piled up on the corner of the desk, sticky notes strewn about. "You've arrived just in time." I looked up to see a man with slicked-back sandy brown hair, dressed in a pressed gray suit and tie, shiny shoes. He stepped to the side, inviting us in. Molly nodded for me to go ahead so I did awkwardly, waiting for him to show me where to sit. "You haven't introduced yourself," he admonished after closing the door behind us. Molly hadn't followed me.
"Chloe Patterson." I thrust my hand out to shake his, nice and firm like they teach in etiquette class.
His shake was also firm, hand warm and strong. His hazel eyes scanned me, trying to figure out if I was trustworthy. "Gabriel Specter. Have a seat."
I did as told, finding the cushioned blue chair very comfortable, despite my nervousness.
"Why should I hire you?"
Molly's words flashed through my memory. Be confident. Reflect what he gives you. "Well, it looks like you're too busy to find anyone else, so I think it's me or keep that pile of work on the desk out there."
He smirked, approving of my answer. "Do you even have any experience in this field?"
"I have experience in management, I think I can handle a little secretarial work."
"This is a fast-paced environment, a lot of detail-oriented work, and I don't have time to train you. But the pay and benefits are worth it." He printed out a page and shoved the paper towards me, showing a generous salary. Wow. It was quadruple what I'd made at my previous restaurant job.
Trying to keep the enthusiasm out of my voice, I said, "I'll take it."
"Molly said you could start now, so go ahead. Get to it." He dismissed me and I stood, taking a deep breath as I stalked to the desk outside his office.
x-x-x-x
After a morning of reading through files and sticky notes while Gabe (or Mr. Specter?) was out of the office, I was pleasantly interrupted by a scrawny guy with curly hair demanding that I fill out paperwork and get my company ID card.
"I need you to follow me." He looked so official and nerdy, but wore a serious expression. "Bring your social security card and photo ID, along with a blank check if you want direct deposit."
Shit. I hadn't thought about that. But I flashed him a smile and flipped my hair over my shoulder. I glanced at his nametag. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Benjamin. I misplaced my social security card when I moved."
He didn't seem pleased. "You're going to need to get one before you work."
No comments:
Post a Comment