Chapter Twenty
CHAPTER TWENTY
Riley’s video interview went well on Tuesday afternoon. She was a little nervous at first because instead of being one person on the call, there were three. But they were all nice and the interviewer explained that the other two attending would be her coworkers on the marketing team. The company made an educational software product that helped elementary- and middle-school children improve their reading skills. Riley’s job would be focusing on content marketing to reach parents—so writing for blogs and the website, and would include some ad copy duties as well.
It also sounded like there would be a good amount of growth and that these two coworkers would actually report to Riley. So, she understood why they were on the call and appreciated that the company had thought to include them. Many times that wasn’t the case and a new manager would simply be announced—hired with no input from the people they would manage.
The interview lasted about an hour and when it finished, Riley was told that someone from HR would be in touch to see about scheduling a final round.
“We do have a few other people we are talking to, though, so don’t worry if you don’t hear right away. We will probably schedule in-person interviews next week.”
That would be the week before Christmas. Riley assured him that was fine. She knew things rarely moved quickly this time of year. She was encouraged that they told her she’d be going back for a final interview. She still hadn’t had bites on anything else yet and she kept sending her resume out for any positions that looked at all interesting.
Jack called that night to say hello and he was in a great mood. It was a little past six, early for him to be home.
“Did you get everything straightened out for your big case?” she asked.
“We did, and we found a few things that will make our case even stronger, so it looks even better for us now. We have a meeting set with the other side on Thursday and hopefully this will never make it to trial. They should want to settle given how strong our case is now.”
“That’s great, Jack.” Riley was happy for him.
“I’ve got some other good news for you, too. I spoke to Sharon in HR and told her you’d applied for the marketing job and she’s moving your resume to the top of the pile. They always do when someone internally refers them. You should be hearing from her in the next day or two about a phone interview.”
“Thank you.” Riley still wasn’t sure she wanted to work at a law firm, especially the same one that Jack worked at, but an interview was an interview and she was grateful for his help.
“Let me know how it goes. I’m sure you will ace it. Sharon says they are anxious to get this filled.”
“Great, I will. Thanks again, Jack.” They chatted a bit longer, and then he had another call beep in, someone from work, of course. Riley ended the call and pulled up the job listing again for another look. The job itself sounded fine and very similar to the one she’d just left. It was a content market ing role and would be focusing on writing case studies, blogs, newsletters, website copy, and annual reports.
She wondered why it was open. She’d forgotten to ask Jack. It was always good to know. The interviewer with the other company had said the position was open due to an internal promotion and the person in the role had moved into product marketing. That was appealing to Riley because it showed that there was lateral growth and the chance to move into other areas.
It would be fun to get back to the city for the interview. She could check on her apartment and see Jack. Maybe they’d have a nice dinner and catch up before she headed back to Chatham the next day. She’d leave Lily with her mother for the night. Both of them would like that. Her mother adored Lily and Riley had a feeling she might get a cat once they went back to New York permanently. Her mother had always had a cat, but her last one, Whiskers, had passed a few months ago. She’d had him for twenty-one years, and was crushed when he passed. She hadn’t been ready for a new animal yet, but Riley thought she might be soon.
Almost as if she’d been summoned, Lily appeared by Riley’s side and meowed loudly. It was her I want a snack meow, which Riley immediately rose to fulfill. They went downstairs where Riley kept Lily’s bag of treats. She gave her a few and noticed her mother sitting at the kitchen table, holding her phone and smiling.
“How did your interview go, honey?” she asked.
“Pretty well, I think. They mentioned the next step, which would be a final, in-person interview next week.”
“Oh, that’s great news. Maybe you’ll have something lined up before the end of the year. Wouldn’t that be nice?”
Riley smiled. “It would be. So, what are you looking so happy about?”
“I just hung up from talking to Sean. He called to make plans to go to dinner Friday night.” She looked excited, but a little nervous, too.
“Do you know where you’re going?” Riley asked.
“I think Mahoney’s in Orleans.” Mahoney’s was a great choice for a first date. Orleans was the next town over and Mahoney’s served very good food in a relaxed, pub-like environment. Riley thought her mother would be more comfortable there than somewhere more formal.
“That’s a perfect place. What will you wear?” Riley asked.
Her mother looked a bit panicked. “I have no idea. It’s been so long, I might need a little help finding something in my closet.”
“You have plenty of options. I’ll help you find something. Let’s go take a look.”
They went upstairs and into her mother’s room. Riley pulled several tops out of her closet as well as several sweaters from her chest of drawers. Her mother tried on several outfits, and they finally agreed that the deep blue cashmere sweater and a newish pair of dressy dark jeans would be perfect. It was casual but dressy at the same time. Riley hoped the date would go well. Her mother had been alone for too long—it was time for her to meet someone nice.