My first day of work was on Monday. The morning made me think of the first day of school—getting all excited and ready for a day that is absolutely unimpressive. Still, I agonized over my hair and makeup before deciding to go natural with tinted moisturizer, mascara, brown eyeliner, gloss, and half-up or half-down hair. I wore the clothing I purchased with modest black pumps.
I went to the back of the company. When I got there, I met Pam, the manager of human resources. With the paperwork for a new hire, she helped me get settled in the conference room. While she set up a computer for me, I started working on that. I finished and then logged on to the computer. The first half of my day was devoted to watching videos; regarding workplace policies and procedures.
I took a break for lunch after that. Then Pam drove me to the training facility. It is enormous, with a lot of task boards that have assignments on them. There were a lot of tables and chairs, and refreshments were available. I got to know Homer Shelton, the senior account manager who would be my direct boss. He has a muscular build, short red hair, and freckles all over, giving the impression that he is in his early thirties. He welcomed me with warmth and friendliness.
I was given a tour by him. He introduced me to some of my coworkers, despite the busyness of the center. Although I did my best to match names to faces, I will likely need to use ID badges for a time.
Homer inquired about my prior employment. I told him about my single-task field assignments, and he paid close attention to what I had to say. He then explained to me that working here wouldn't be a war zone, everyone here is more casual and less official. Everyone uses their first names, and teamwork is key. Despite the clients, each person who will be working will collaborate closely with each other to ensure that the profile is closed and sealed.
Homer further explained that although we were given customers, we were expected to be able to work with any customer if necessary because we were all supposed to be following the company's point-of-view plan, which was to close all clients with or without help. I wholeheartedly agree and am excited about the prospect of a team.
He then took me over to the office side. He introduced me to the other members and receptionists, letting me know they were good friends to have, considering they knew more of what was going on than anyone else. I met one of the other senior account managers, Mr. Geoffery Watkins. He was brief but polite. The other was out of the office, so I didn't get to meet him. I left, honestly excited to come back Wednesday to work.
*****
I removed my work attire when I came home. As Roxanna arrived home, she inquired about my day. She was informed of the condensed version and my intentions to live with Caroline. I asked her if she was alright after she had a few minutes to contemplate it.
"Of course I'm fine. I knew you weren't going to be here forever. Really, I'm excited to get naked with my man all over the house once more."
I groaned while she smiled. "But seriously. Caroline? Are you sure you want to do that? You were saying how off she was the other day."
"Yeah, but that was only about Josiah. We are cool. She's so excited."
"I bet she is." Her tone caused my brows to arch.
Roxanna rolled her eyes and sighed. "Just to be sure, alright? I don't want you stuck in a situation because you signed a lease with her."
"I'll be alright. I'll also just sign a one-year lease. She ought to have ample time to decide what she wants to do. Who can predict what will occur in a year…" I trailed off, thinking about where I wanted to be… With Carter. Thinking about spending every day with him and his body brought a grin to my face.
Just thinking about it, Carter might be another person in the world, but to me, he was my entire universe. I would be delighted just for him to embrace me. Knowing we make each other happy, I could continue to love him every day… More than ever, I cherish every moment with him right now, and I will continue to do so tomorrow.
"You're nasty!" Roxanna interrupted my thoughts. I blushed, hiding my face. Before I could deny it, Leon walked into the kitchen doorway, peering at both of us.
"Who's nasty?" He smiled.
"Nobody-"
"Katy!" Roxanna interrupted me. "She is considering how she would like your brother to be by her side one year from now—below her as well as above her!" Roxanna grinned, evilly. I groaned.
Leon chuckled as he hugged Roxanna from behind. "You forgot behind her," he added, grinding into her.
My face started to heat up as they both chuckled. I was positive that I was really red.
"That too!" Roxanna laughed. I got up.
"Don't make him wait a year!" Leon exclaimed. As I walked to my room, I raised my middle finger at them both.
"Wait, do you have plans for Memorial Day?" Leon asked me, and I stopped and looked at him curiously.
"Not that I know of. The office is closed," I responded.
"My friends are all going to meet up at Silverwood Lake. We're going to camp out and barbecue. You should come."
Roxanna gave me a 'you don't have a choice, you're coming', look before I could object.
"Sure, sounds fun. Can I invite Caroline and Cat?"
"Of course. Invite whoever you want. There are campgrounds. Just tell them to bring sleeping supplies if they're planning to stay the night," Leon explained.
Leon's phone then rang. Roxanna turned to face me as Leon answered the phone.
"Lady, we aren't camping out with his dimwitted pals. The data will be handed over to you as soon as I acquire it." I laughed when she said this.
"Alrighty then," I responded, walking away.
*****
On Wednesday at work, I spent the day shadowing Bailey, another account manager. She had dirty blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail and pale blue eyes. She was older. For her age, her physique was in incredible shape. She proudly told me she was forty-three. Yet, she looked quite young in the uniform polo and black running shorts.
She was knowledgeable. She guided me through the charts and procedures with her clients. We also saw some clients who were eager to open or expand their accounts with us. We saw a variety of clients at the business where I previously worked for a variety of reasons. Most just wished to increase their profitability and sales range. Working with clients who were committed to improving their business performance was so much more enjoyable.
Bailey's last customer was an overseas client who wanted to sell locally in our market. He has been having trouble for the past four months trying to store it and find a place to distribute it from. Bailey introduced me and explained to him that I was new and that she was letting me take over his project for the day. He grinned and made a comment about being my first patient, and breaking my cherry. I smiled politely back at him and informed him that he wasn't my first patient and that since he was supporting his own weight, it was time to introduce him to taking big steps into our market. Bailey laughed when he grimaced, and we got to work.
At the end of the day, Bailey informed Homer that she had been impressed by my expertise and my demeanor around all of her clients. The training wheels have been taken off, Homer informed me. The following day, I would be given my own clients to rehab on my own within the company.
The next morning, I took a few minutes to gather my thoughts and get ready for work. I had faith in my work abilities. I was completely confident in the fundamentals, yet I couldn't help but feel anxious. I put too much pressure on myself to perform well when I was younger. My father didn't help because he constantly set goals for me, but I had to confess that I was the one who gave it my all.
I understood that while I wouldn't be the most popular, skinniest, or prettiest, I might be the brightest and most successful. With my pursuit of perfection, I nearly had a breakdown. I sighed as I thought back to some of my earlier, obsessive rituals from my previous job.
Yet, here I was, loving my job and producing excellent work. Everyone else knew I had the inner strength to make it happen, and I already knew I had everything I needed to do that. Since I always made plans for the future by forecasting it, I wondered if I could do the same with Carter and me.
I sat there as I could hear the music carrying on even after the song was over.