Chapter Two
I t took a week before I got a call. For the past several days I’d talked myself up, convinced myself I would answer this call with confidence and pretend like I wasn’t desperate for a job. I might even refuse or postpone the interview a day or two to make it seem like I was a person in demand.
Instead, my throat felt tight, my heart hurt with how hard it was pounding against my sternum, and I was wondering if it was possible to get a heart attack from a phone call.
It shouldn’t have been scary. I used to make and take calls all the time when it came to work.
Apparently, representing a company and representing yourself was different.
Swallowing, I choked on my spit for a moment before I managed a deep breath and answered. The words, “This is Eve,” and, “hello,” merged together to be, “This is hello.”
I didn’t know if I should correct myself or just pretend like I’d actually said it properly.
I didn’t get a chance to make a choice. The male on the other end rumbled out a laugh. “Hello, hello.” He chuckled at his own joke. “This is Everett Wilder over at Pink Lady Ranch. Is this Eve Tellus?”
“Yes, speaking. This is she.” Why were the words doing that? Coming out of my mouth so rapidly I didn’t even have time to choose the right ones.
“Is this a good time to chat? About the pack house management position?”
“Definitely, yes.” Well, there went that idea about seeming in-demand. My feet started pacing around the apartment, walking aimlessly like I could get rid of my nerves with each step. “What can I help you with?”
“Well, I was going over your application. You were very thorough when you filled it out, thanks for that. I just wanted to go over some key points, make sure you’re aware of them.
This position will require early mornings since we all start our day with the opening of the ranch.
And some heavy lifting might be required for moving basic furniture and whatnot for cleaning. ”
I was nodding along, silently agreeing. All of this had been on the application. I might have read through a lot when I was filling them out, but I had actually read through them. It’s why it took me so long.
“There’re also occasions where animals temporarily stay with us,” he continued. “You wouldn’t be responsible for their care, however it’s something to mention in case you have any fears we need to be aware of.”
“Nope. None.” I’d never actually been around animals before.
My omega mom had been allergic to animal hair, so she refused any pets growing up.
And my sisters hadn’t wanted anything scaly.
Even when I moved here to be on my own, I was working too much to consider caring for any animal.
It wasn’t like restaurants or community centers let pets in either.
So unless you had a pet in the city, you didn’t really have a chance to interact with animals.
Pink Lady Ranch was not in the city. In fact, it’ll be quite the drive for me—nearly an hour.
It was the only position I’d applied for that wasn’t accessible with public transit.
Honestly, I wasn’t even sure why I’d applied except that, in the moment, I’d been in a depressing spiral of applying toward positions that were .
.. mundane. Singular. I would be one person working in a large company, except not toward anything. Just existing there.
The position at Pink Lady was maintaining the pack home. Laundry and cleaning and cooking. Maybe decorating for the holidays. It would be making a small, yet consistent difference for a pack. Bettering their daily lives. It would be more intimate than greeting constant strangers.
It would almost be like I was a part of the pack. Obviously, I wouldn’t be. But almost.
“I think that covers everything. Do you have any questions before we schedule an in-person interview?”
“In person?”
“Yes. Your experience speaks for itself, so, really, it’s a gauge to make sure you feel comfortable out on the ranch and the same for the others in my pack. You know you’ll be around three males, and we want to make sure you feel safe out there. If you want to bring along someone—”
“Oh, no, sorry, that won’t be necessary. I can come by whenever. I mean, I can definitely schedule a time that works best to meet everyone. I know the application made a comment about an omega, so if there’s any scents or fabrics you’d like me to avoid for the interview, I can do that easily.”
“That’s not necessary.”
Immediately, I knew I’d overstepped. Those words weren’t light, they were bitten out, almost annoyed. I hadn’t meant to offend. Maybe the pack had an omega, but I wouldn’t even interact with them. That wouldn’t be uncommon.
“Do you have any availability for this afternoon? The sooner we can get the interview done, the quicker we can start up a schedule. We really do need the help and it’ll be best if you already know where everything is before your first day.”
“I can come in this afternoon,” I agreed, because I apparently had no life, and I was desperate. At least I hadn’t said now because I still needed to prepare and drive out there, all of which would take time.
“That would be perfect. How about noon? Would that work? My packmate, Franklyn Oaks, will be able to meet you on site.”
If I left right now, I could make it. I had to stop by a department store and create a gift basket for their omega and then I’d be on my way. I had enough time. “That would be fine. I can be there by noon.”
“Perfect, I’ll see you then, Ms. Tellus.”
He hung up and for a moment I just stared at my phone. Then I ran into my bedroom. The outfit I’d hand selected for an interview was already hanging. I’d never been more happy with my own need to be prepared.
The black skirt went down to my knees and flared slightly so it wasn’t as tight, as posh.
The top was a vest in a light cream color with large, oversized black buttons down the middle.
If the weather was cooler, I’d put a layer under the vest since the sleeves stopped at the edge of my shoulders.
Some people preferred a more formal appearance for the interview than the actual position, so I grabbed the dark, thin suit coat.
For now, I’d just drape it over my arm. I could always put it on if I felt like I needed the boost in my appearance.
I went to the bathroom and pulled my hair into a low bun, ensuring no flyaways would distract me, especially since I would be working with food.
If I got the job.
Under the sink, I pulled out my bottle of descenter lotion.
I’d already used it after my shower last night, mostly out of habit rather than any sort of preference.
Still, I added essentially a second layer over all my skin not covered by my clothes.
At least I’d gotten the type that was lotion so it didn’t dry my skin out.
Then I grabbed the spray bottle and added a spritz over my clothes.
I had a small bottle the size of my finger that I kept in my purse that I’d use right as I arrived.
My collection of perfumes was quite abundant. I kept the larger bottles at home, and when I’d worked at the OC, I kept the smaller, single use options in my desk for when I went meeting with omegas.
Some betas preferred to be scentless to accommodate the other designations. I used to as well until I’d read how alphas and omegas rely on scent to feel safe and secure. Mine couldn’t fluctuate with my emotions, but I’d hoped that having something to associate as me would make everyone feel better.
Although, it was sometimes a balance. I’d learned that Hannah didn’t prefer the sweet scent I’d been using around her. After she told me that, I’d stopped using perfume and solely used the descenter during my visits to her house.
Until I learned this new omega’s preference, no scent was best.
I ran around my apartment, trying to make sure I had everything I’d need for an interview.
I didn’t have a physical copy of my resumé or my application to Pink Lady Ranch, so I grabbed my laptop, as well as a notebook and pen, my phone, and made sure my good luck charm was in my purse. It was nothing but a small stuffed toy.
I’d been out eating one day, just a quick meal almost a year ago before I went to check on an omega in her pack’s new home.
I’d been sitting in a booth meant for a pack, by myself, and a little girl had given me her toy.
She’d thought I was lonely. She’d had a toy and her mom and her brother and her father, and I’d been by myself.
It was just a small stuffed animal, the carabiner holding it was plastic, but it was a gift. I carried it with me wherever I went.
I slipped my shoes on by the door and then made my way out of the apartment, down the hall and down the three flights of stairs that were luckily covered to protect the residents from the elements.
My car was parked all the way at the end of the lot, something I’d done purposefully.
Since I hadn’t had a job to get to, I’d figured I’d allow other people the nearer spots.
The department store I had in mind was just a few minutes’ drive. I almost stopped at the little drink stand inside to get a tea, except I felt too nervous to take the time, as if the short line at the stand would be the deciding factor between being on time and late to the interview.
I grabbed a small wicker basket and filled it with little things.
A small stuffed horse from the kids section, a set of two blueberry muffins, a bandana meant to be dipped in water and frozen to help keep someone cool, some cream as close to medical grade as any normal person can buy for chapped hands and lips, and since they were trying to find someone to help them in their home, I also added a little magnetic board to clip to a fridge with the days of the week on it so they could make requests for food or certain chores to be done.
Was that enough?