CHAPTER TWO #2
“By this logic,” he said, gesturing to her hand and sweeping an arc to her wedding photo, “all your matchmakers should be Betas.”
Gwen pushed out her lower lip and shrugged.
“We can argue that point, but you need the work and I don’t have time to sort through resumes when I know you’re qualified.
You want in? I think you’d be an amazing addition to the team.
” The salary Gwen quoted him seemed fair, and she and Phil offered a benefits package despite the fact they hadn’t yet opened.
Before he could answer, she added, “Truth be told, there’s another reason why I reached out to you. ”
Ray listened.
“Assuming you’re still into those specific interests,” she said, lowering her voice, “that would benefit the clients who share them…”
Whoa. Was that more of a selling point for Gwen than his education? Apparently he’d confided in her about his proclivities, perhaps while drunk with her at McShane’s one night, since she knew about them.
Discussion for another time, though. The peal of the bell atop the door, announcing a new arrival, jarred Ray’s thoughts.
“Hey, is this a private party, or can anybody play?” boomed a deep, pleasant voice over a dog’s happy barking.
Ray looked past Gwen, who stepped forward to greet the speaker, a tall man in jeans and a leather jacket.
Dark, near black hair dusted his shoulders, and when he acknowledged them twin dimples on either side of his wide smile formed.
The aforementioned Beagle, who acted buoyant and well, trotted alongside him.
On seeing Ray in his chair he leaped forward in greeting, and Ray got in a few good pets before his owner clicked at him to settle into a corner.
“Phillip Stallworth. Phil to you. And you’ve met our mascot, Radar.” They shook hands as Ray stood, and Phil checked on the dog before turning back his attention. “Gwen already pitched our model to you, I take it. You’re still here, so I’m thinking that’s a good sign?”
“The office is great. Clean, welcoming, lots of space.” Despite his apprehensions, Ray did like the vibe of the workplace. If he could talk them into making the job a hybrid position, all the better.
“We hired awesome decorators,” Phil said. “The IT guy is due any minute to set up the phones and Internet.” He turned serious. “What do you think of what we intend to do in this clean, welcoming space?”
It’s a gamble. Then again, so was any startup.
Ray stuffed his hands in his pockets and tried not to hunch his posture.
Phil thought much of Gwen, as did he, and the last thing Ray wanted was to make his friend feel or look bad.
He chose diplomacy. “You guys are ambitious, I’ll give you that,” he began.
Phil raised his eyebrow, his expression saying no bullshit. Right.
“Gwen made a good point to me earlier about the inaccuracy of matching apps,” Ray said.
“I’ve swiped away so many profiles I’m surprised my thumb still has a print.
” He laughed. “But Gwen says you guys have the right formula and there’s no reason for me to doubt her.
This sounds like an adventure, and I hope it works out for you. ”
“Great.” Phil beamed and clasped his large hands. “When can you start?”
Ray blinked. Wow. Just like that, he had the job? No questions from Phil? Might as well give it a shot, anything to get him out of dashing takeout.
“Uh, well anytime, I suppose. Sooner the better.” Today was Thursday, so he suggested Monday to start the week proper. “Since this is a client-facing job, I figure I’ll need some new clothes to reflect it. My high school counselor's wardrobe doesn’t really speak to matchmaking.”
“I like that idea,” Phil said. “We’ll get the paperwork in motion for you to e-sign when you start, and Gwen can take your picture for our website and socials.
I’ll use the weekend to get you a parking pass for the garage.
You’ll get a company email address and I’ll show you around the databases and website backend once we’re connected.
” He made a face. “Speaking of, I should text the IT guy to let him know I’m here. ”
“No need,” Gwen said. “I saw him lurking at the door earlier, and I don’t think he left. There!” She walked toward the picture window, pointing. “He’s across the street at the cafe.”
“I’ll text him anyway.” Phil reached into his back pocket for his phone, just as Radar started whining.
The partners recognized that as the dog’s bathroom call, and Gwen offered to take him.
Ray watched his new boss soothe the Beagle and clip Phil’s retractable leash to his collar before they left, feeling as giddy as the dog.
After months of dead leads, he had a job. A pig in a poke, his grandfather might call it, since the agency had to prove itself, but he was determined to help Gwen and Phil succeed. He survived on savings at present, and the money ran low. He was thankful this position wasn’t commission-based.
Once his bank account reached a comfortable point again, Ray intended to reclaim the luxuries he paused while on a budget.
Buying name brand groceries instead of store-generic.
Renewing his streaming subscriptions. A return visit to Velvet Sands at the beach, and an evening spent with a beautiful and willing Omega sub…
Ch-ching!
The door opening to admit the new arrival, coming in ahead of Gwen and the dog, cut through Ray’s thoughts. Fine by him. He straightened at the sight of the doe-eyed strawberry blond darting his gaze between the three of them, as though unsure of whom to address.
Omega? Ray knew better than to assume based on the young man’s slight build. He’d met Alphas and Omegas of all heights and sizes. He sniffed the air but detected no defining scent, only faint floral hints that eluded him. Suppressants, he guessed.
“Hey, Will?” Phil greeted him with a firm shake. “Good morning. Thanks for sticking around and being patient with us.” He introduced himself and Gwen, and Ray was surprised to see himself included. “And this here’s Ray, our newest employee. He starts with us on Monday.”
“Nice to meet all of you.” Will Dexter spoke in a soft voice but carried himself with confidence.
Ray savored the warmth of his grip and their immediate eye contact.
Will’s eyes resembled aquamarine crystals flecked darker around the irises, leaving Ray to guess whether or not he wore tinted contacts.
“Um…” Will tugged to free himself, and Ray obliged. He thought their prolonged contact might confirm Will’s secondary identity, but there was time later for that. All the same, Ray trusted his instincts. Will’s aura screamed Omega, and that intrigued him.
Will carried a laptop bag, which he set on the bare reception desk.
“Greg said all the equipment was delivered yesterday. It looks alright?” he asked.
When Phil pointed to the back supply room, he smiled.
“Great. Once I have everything set up, I’ll walk you through the phone and security systems, so you never miss a call when you’re off property. Sound good?”
Gwen and Phil voiced their enthusiasm, but drifted their gazes toward Ray. He wasn’t official yet, and maybe he had plans after this interview? Ray chose assertiveness.
“If you two don’t mind,” he said, stepping forward to see the screen, “I don’t have to be anywhere else right now. I’d like to sit in on the training.”