I watched her pale visibly as the door swung open. Immediately, she was on her feet. "G-good day, sir."
I turned in my chair to see a man who looked like he was in his sixties, his well groomed salt-and-pepper hair was slicked back and he was dressed in an expensive looking suit. He took off his sunglasses and faced Tamara.
"Why haven't the details of the project been forwarded to me? Why are a disturbing number of people clustered outside this office, this is not an amusement park!"
I saw Tamara shiver with fright. "I apologize, sir. I will forward the details right away. And the people outside are here for the job interview that was called on by Mr Smith," She answered without missing a beat.
I couldn't help but cock an eyebrow. For someone who looked like they had just seen a ghost, she was handling this pretty well. Go, Tamara!
The man grunted in response and I saw Tamara begin to relax. All of a sudden, he faced me. "And who are you?" He barked, sizing me up.
I restrained myself from glaring at him. "Melanie Willow. Who are you?"
I heard Tamara gasp and I turned in surprise. Her eyes were wide as saucers as she motioned me to apologize.
I looked up at the grouchy old man in defiance. He had asked who I was and I had replied. What was the big deal?
"I'm Kane Smith."
Oh. Have you done now, Mel?
As I opened my mouth to give my best apology speech, he burst out in laughter. Turning to Tamara, he said, "She's hired." And with that he walked out, leaving Tamara and I in shock.
"What?!" I shrieked facing Tamara. She gave me a confused look.
"I don't know what just happened but you better grasp it with both hands," She laughed. "He's in a good mood today, I guess."
I nodded vigorously. I had just landed myself a job. I wanted to scream out in joy but I didn't want to lose my job on the same day so I kept my mouth shut.
Tamara looked like she was in a better mood. "Okay then. I'll forward you an email of your responsibilities as a secretary. And oh, some advice? Please be careful with Christopher. He's ten times worse than his father."
My brows furrowed in confusion. "Secretary? What do you mean? I applied for the role of project manager."
Tamara gave me a blank stare. "But that position has been occupied already. The first group of people who were interviewed?"
I felt all my hope begin to dissipate. Why does this always have to happen?
"Is there a problem?"
I struggled to hide my disappointment. "I applied for the project manager job. And the paycheck was jaw-dropping," I laughed. "I didn't think—"
"I think the salary for the secretary job is fair though. But it's okay if you don't want the job. I understand."
I nodded. But then out of curiosity, I asked, "What's the pay?"
"Forty-five dollars per hour," Tamara replied, cringing a little. "I know, I know it's not much."
My jaw dropped. Forty-five dollars? Were these people just intent on giving away all of their money.
Clearing my throat, I faced Tamara smiling widely. "When can I start?"