Emily
Chapter
Three
The Hiring Manager, Mrs. Gunter, was a lovely woman. Even though I had been nervous about the interview and ready to leave, she quickly put me at ease. I hadn’t even realized the interview was over when she stood up and shook my hand.
“We’ll see you tomorrow morning at eight a.m. sharp.
A company car will pick you up at the address on your file, so you won’t have to worry about transportation.
” She handed me a card, the wedding ring on her finger flashing brilliantly, glimmering under the fluorescent lighting.
“Tomorrow, you will receive your company cell phone, but for now, this is the credit card for your expenses. As the personal assistant to the CEO, you will have certain responsibilities. Some of them will involve having dinner with the CEO and clients at expensive restaurants. You will need proper attire. You should take the rest of the day to obtain a proper wardrobe if you don’t already have one.
You’ll need several daily business wear outfits suitable for the office, including footwear, and a minimum of, oh, say five elegant evening wear outfits for dinner. ”
“Five,” I repeated with a whisper, absolutely stunned and unable to comprehend what I was hearing.
“For now,” she smiled. “Later, you’ll need a ballgown or two, but that can wait.
” She looked me over critically and hummed as if studying my hair and face.
“You’re pretty. Your hair could use a trim, I think.
But, honestly? You don’t need to change a thing about yourself.
Remember that, Emily. No matter what anybody tells you or says about you.
You are perfect just the way you are. Not everything needs to be plastic. ”
I felt my face grow warm. I wasn’t sure what she meant exactly, but I was certain I had just been given the nicest compliment I had ever received. “Okay, thank you, Mrs. Gunter.”
“Good. Now, a car will take you to a clothing store where you can get what you need for work attire. Do you have any questions?”
I glanced down at the shiny black card in my hand that had the name Lane Industries printed on the front and swallowed hard.
I looked back up at the beautiful black woman standing in front of me in her elegant pink blouse and pressed black slacks without a single wrinkle or crease out of place and asked, “Am I dreaming?”
Her smile made the corners of her eyes crinkle just slightly as she replied. “No.”
“Then, no.”
“Alright. I’ll walk you to the elevator.”
I took a deep breath, then squared my shoulders back.
Together, we walked to the door, then down the hallway.
I was surprised to find the waiting area completely devoid of any women, considering they had been on every available sitting surface when I had first arrived.
I knew we had been in the interview room for a while, but I hadn’t thought it had been that long.
“Where did everyone go?” I wondered aloud as I took in the empty space.
“I’m sure they were told to return to their usual duties. They would have been told the position had already been filled.”
“Oh. I hope they weren’t too disappointed.”
“I’m sure they’ll be fine,” she replied dryly before tapping at the call button.
“The car is waiting for you downstairs. Don’t forget, Emily, you need several outfits for work and dinner.
There is no limit on that card. It is for the company, and you represent the company, so you need to look your best. Okay? ”
She gave me a stern look, and for some reason, I felt like I was being chastised even though I hadn’t even done anything yet.
Maybe she knew I had a habit of trying to save every penny I could by shopping at the clearance racks and thrift stores.
I looked down at myself, saw my ill-fitting clothes, and grimaced as I thought of how gorgeous she looked. Maybe she had a point.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Good. Since you already signed your hiring papers, you just check in at the front desk in the morning to collect your badge, then head straight to Mr. Lane’s office. He’ll be expecting you. Remember, eight a.m.”
“Right. Eight a.m. sharp. Thank you.” I stuck my hand out as the elevator door dinged and slid open. Mrs. Gunter shook my hand and gave me a warm smile, then stepped back. I nearly tripped as I turned, getting my heel caught in the elevator track, but two strong hands caught me before I could fall.
“Thank you!” I gasped, then looked up into the deepest blue eyes I’d ever seen.
My mouth went dry, and I found it hard to swallow.
I barely heard the doors as they closed behind me while I continued to stare up at a man that shouldn’t exist among mere mortals.
Forcing myself to blink seemed to break whatever spell I had been caught up in, and I was finally able to straighten my spine enough to move away from his hold on me.
I desperately needed the space so I could think and breathe.
“Sorry,” I muttered as I stepped away, staring down at the floor.
There was nothing but silence, so I took a peek at the shiny doors to see our reflections.
The gorgeous man in what was likely a custom fitted black suit was looking at the back of my head with a frown on his face.
Maybe he was upset that I had crashed into him?
Well, I said I was sorry, didn’t I? What more did he want from me?
I took another tiny step away from him and watched as his frown deepened.
Wow. I had really pissed him off. I hoped he wasn’t anyone important.
The elevator slid to a smooth stop, and I sighed with relief when I saw that it was at the lobby.
Since I was right in front of the doors, I quickly darted through as soon as they started sliding open and headed straight for the front doors without taking time to admire the fountains or other amazing decor in the lobby.
I smiled at the nice guard who held the door open for me, thanking him, then glanced over my shoulder when I could have sworn I heard a growl, only to see the angry face of the gorgeous man I’d fallen into.
I quickly turned my head and darted forward, not wanting to do anything further to piss him off.
I looked along the curb to see several large black cars waiting.
“Well, crap.” How was I supposed to figure out which one was waiting for me?
“Miss Fontaine?”
I turned to see an older man standing next to the back door of one of the nicer looking cars. He had a warm smile aimed my way, but I saw him glance behind me, then back at me a few times, so I stepped forward so he’d know that I was the right person.
“Yes, that’s me. Hello!” I stuck my hand out. “I’m Emily. It’s nice to meet you. What’s your name?”
The man chuckled, took my hand gently with his much larger one, and gave it a little squeeze. “My name is George, Miss Fontaine. I’ll be your driver. Please, slide right inside, and I’ll get you on your way.”
“Thank you so much. But please call me Emily, George. If that’s okay? I don’t want to get you in trouble or anything.”
I saw him glance behind me again, then give a slight nod like he’d agreed to something. “Alright, Miss Emily it is.”
I gave him a big smile just as he was about to shut the door. “Great!”