Chapter 11 #2
“Yes, we do have quite a few open positions. How about we go downstairs and have a cup of coffee and talk about your background. That will help me know what direction to go.” Cookie stood up and motioned for Angie to follow her out.
As they were waiting for the elevator, the doors opened and Mario strutted out and came to a halt.
“Cookie, I was just coming up to see you. We need to finalize that paperwork we talked about—it’s urgent.” He looked at Angie. “Hi, honey. How are you doing?” He leaned over and gave her a hug.
“I’m as good as I can be right now.”
“I need to take Angie downstairs now; I’ll be back in about a half hour. I’ll come find you. Are you going to be in your office?” Cookie asked.
“Yes, but not for long. I need to get back out to a jobsite, so if you could shake a leg, I’d appreciate it.” He looked over at Angie. “I’m only a phone call away, so don’t hesitate to call me—anytime.” Mario walked toward his office; the Department of Buildings was down the hall from HR.
Cookie and Angie caught the next elevator and walked outside and across the street to a coffee shop, where Cookie bought two cups of coffee, and the two sat down.
As Angie put her cream and sugars into her coffee, Cookie began.
“What type of skills do you have, Angie? I know you said you haven’t worked for over ten years and before that you were a waitress. How long were you a waitress?”
Angie stirred her coffee and looked over at Cookie. “I worked mostly in Italian restaurants for about fifteen years. I was working as a waitress when I met Vinnie, and beyond, but he soon insisted I quit. He wanted to take care of me, and truth be told, my legs were getting tired.”
“Do you have any office experience at all?” Cookie inquired.
“Not really. I did help the hostess when we got really busy, but that was as close as I ever got to desk work.” Angie sipped her coffee.
“When you get home tonight, go online and see what positions might interest you and what you think you’re qualified for. Then go ahead and put in your application—we do that all online now.”
“I’m not that great on the computer, but my niece can help me.
I really appreciate anything you can do to help me secure a job, any job.
” Angie couldn’t hold back the tears. “I hate to tell you this, but I have no money. All our accounts are overdrawn. I don’t know where it went.
I had to use our credit cards for the funeral, and most were denied.
” Angie took a tissue out of her purse, wiped her eyes, and blew her nose.
“I trusted Vinnie to take care of everything. I feel so stupid.”
Cookie reached over and patted Angie’s arm.
“There, there, we’ll figure this out, honey.
I’ll get you something. I can’t believe Vinnie left you penniless, you poor thing.
” Cookie finished her coffee and stood up.
“If you have a high school diploma, we’ll find you something.
Sorry to rush, but I better get back to work.
Mario has a hot temper. If he doesn’t get what he wants fast, he’ll complain to my boss. ”
Angie stood up and followed Cookie outside. “I’m embarrassed to tell you that I didn’t finish high school. My mom got sick and my dad made me get a job to help at home. I finally got my GED when I turned twenty.”
“Angie, you’d be surprised how many people work at City Hall who only have a GED.”
“Good to know I have company.” Angie felt a little lightness replace the tightness in her chest.
Cookie and Angie walked back to City Hall. Just as they were about to go their separate ways, Ralph walked out of the building and shortly thereafter Rebecca followed.
“Fancy meeting you two here,” Ralph said as he turned toward Angie. “This is Alderman O’Brien’s wife, Rebecca. She owns a very successful real estate business.”
“Nice to meet you, Angie. I was just visiting with my husband—such a busy man. He’s running for reelection.” Angie noticed the fancy diamond earrings, ring, and necklace Rebecca was wearing. This woman doesn’t have to worry about money, that’s for sure.
“Lovely to meet you too. I believe you were at my late husband’s funeral, but I don’t believe we were formally introduced. I love the lipstick you’re wearing, and your perfume smells very familiar. What’s it called?” Angie asked.
“It’s Jardin d’Amalfi. I must go. I have an appointment. Oh, and I’m so sorry for your loss, Angie,” Rebecca said with a dismissive look. Angie knew that Rebecca didn’t care about Vinnie—or her, for that matter.
Angie glanced over and caught Ralph looking at Cookie. “Cookie, thanks for meeting me earlier this morning and reviewing all my projects.” He glanced over at Angie. “You’re just who I need to talk to. Do you have a few minutes?”
Cookie interrupted before Angie could respond, “I must run. Talk to you tomorrow, Angie. Nice to see you as always, Ralph.” Cookie winked at him.
“Nice to see you too, Cookie,” Ralph responded, and looked over at Rebecca. “Rebecca, I’m so glad we ran into each other. Please give your husband my best. I know he’ll win.”
“That’s what we’re all counting on,” Rebecca replied.
Rebecca looked down her nose at Angie as she walked away. Angie smelled the scent that Rebecca was wearing. That was Ralph’s bathroom date, all right, she thought, and then turned to Ralph. “I’m so sorry I haven’t returned your phone calls, but I have some time now. Where would you like to talk?”
Ralph checked his watch. “Well, it’s almost five. Would you like to join me for a glass of wine and some appetizers?”
Angie thought about it. “Why not?”
“May I escort you?” he asked, offering his arm to Angie.
Angie put her arm on his and was surprised to find her whole body tingled immediately. She couldn’t help noticing what a gentleman Ralph was. And handsome too … but her heart was still with Vinnie.