Chapter 8
CHAPTER EIGHT
Maren
I haven’t had to face many first days on the job because I’ve only worked at a handful of places in my life.
My first job was at a fast-food restaurant on the Lower East Side. I worked there for two years while I was in high school. I went to a private school, and while most of my friends were partying hard on their parents’ dime, I was earning money to go toward my college fund.
The deal I had with my parents was simple. If I contributed to my education, they’d support me by covering my tuition at the school of my choice.
I intended to go to Yale or Harvard, but my grades didn’t get on board for that, so I went to NYU. I stayed at home instead of moving on campus. It was one of the best decisions of my life.
I interned at a recording studio during summer breaks in college. After I graduated, I worked at two different companies before I landed an entry-level job at Knott Public Relations. I worked my way up to Communications Specialist. My end goal was the position of Director of Communications.
Royce, my boss, took a leave of absence. He was the only person I reported to. When he left, his brother Christian stepped in to fill his shoes.
Christian may have co-owned the firm, but he rarely showed up to the office before Royce temporarily walked away.
We clashed almost immediately. I tried to respect the challenges Christian faced taking over control of the company, but when I noticed him making decisions that ultimately cost us clients, I spoke up.
I was fired with no notice, and a month’s worth of pay.
Now, here I am a few days later with a job that pays me twice what I was making at Knott. According to my employment contract, the position of assistant to Keats Morgan is straightforward. I’m overqualified, but that’s not going to stop me from doing my best.
I’m counting on a stellar recommendation from Keats when I find another job in my field.
In the meantime, I’ll bank the money I earn and learn what I can from the sports agent.
As I approach one of the guards in the lobby, I flash the badge that Everett, the Head of Human Resources, gave me last week. I’m early for my first day because I want to have time to organize my desk and get my bearings before my boss shows up at work.
The building that houses Morgan Sports Management is on one of the busiest streets in the city.
I passed by the Empire State Building on my way here this morning.
The first time I ever went there, I was with my dad.
He took me up to the observation deck and told me that the city was mine to conquer.
I’m doing that by chasing my dreams. This job may be a temporary detour, but I need it.
The guard narrows his eyes as he looks over my badge. “Good morning, Miss Weber.”
I smile at the brown-haired man. “Good morning to you.”
I scan the front of his uniform for a nametag, but there isn’t one, so I offer him a hand in greeting. “I’m Maren. I’ll be working at Morgan Sports Management. You already know that from my badge.”
He takes my hand in his. “I was given the heads-up by Mr. Morgan himself. Everyone calls me Ripley.”
“Ripley,” I repeat his name. “I’m early, but what better way to start a new job, right?”
“I’ve been here for five years, and I’m early for every one of my shifts.” He smiles. “I’ll get the elevator for you. I hope you have a memorable first day on the job.”
An hour later, my desk is organized exactly how I like it with the computer on the right and the office phone to my left.
I took a mini-tour of the office and found a break room equipped with two different coffee machines, a microwave, and a mini-fridge. I didn’t bring lunch with me today because I plan on meeting up with Arietta to share a sandwich and an update on how my morning went.
That was her idea, and I quickly jumped on the chance to see a familiar face mid-day.
“How are you settling in?” Everett asks as he steps up to my desk.
I saw him exit the elevator ten minutes ago. He turned in the direction of his office, but tossed me a wave as he talked on his cell. From my limited time with him, I sense he’s a good man who loves his family.
I counted three pictures of his wife and their two kids on his desk when I met with him last week.
“I think I’m settled.” I laugh.
“That will change when Keats shows up.” A chuckle escapes him. “He’ll keep you on your toes.”
Before I have a chance to quiz him further, the elevator doors slide open, and Keats appears.
Today, he’s dressed in black pants, a white button-down shirt, and a gray suit jacket. The shirt is unbuttoned at the collar to give him a relaxed corporate look.
I glance down at the front of my blue dress. The last thing I want is for my boss to catch me staring at him.
“Good morning, good people,” Keats says loudly as he walks past my desk. “It’s a new week. That means it’s a fresh chance to impress me.”
The room erupts in laughter.
“I need to get to work.” Everett slides a hand over his graying hair. “Good luck on your first day, Maren. If you need anything, you know where my office is.”
Keats stops mid-step just as those words leave Everett’s lips. “I’ll give Maren whatever she needs.”
I glance at my boss.
He perks a brow. “Join me in my office, Maren. I’ll give you a quick rundown of what we’re doing today.”
I glide to my feet. Grabbing the tablet I found in the desk drawer, I suck in a deep breath. This is it. I’m about to find out what working for Keats is really like.