“I’m sorry for you, Hayden, I really am.” I’m about to tell her I can’t work here, even if she truly wanted me to and wasn’t simply taunting Drake, but I can’t help adding, “Maybe you should consider resigning. Seems to me like you work with a bunch of assholes.”
Hayden laughs. “Mira, you’re perfect.”
“Excuse me?” I cussed and insulted her employer. Is she nuts?
“I’m looking for more than an assistant. I’m looking for someone with a good head on her shoulders. Someone who can assume a leadership position when needed, who possesses good judgment under stress. These recommendations”—she taps the paper in front of her—“point to the type of person I’m looking for. Maryanne Boeman is well respected at this casino, and she gave you a strong character reference.”
How did Gen manage that?
“Your work experience at a top casino is also helpful.”
She can’t be going where I think she’s going…
Hayden folds her hands on her desk. “Mira, I’d like to hire you as my assistant.”
Chapter Fifteen
At Hayden’s declaration, I say the first thing that comes to mind.
“Why would you want to hire me?” I wave behind me. “You heard what Drake said. He called me unqualified.”
I don’t know Drake, but I got the sense he knows me, or knows of me.
Why did Denim Jacket have to be here today of all days? He was casually dressed. I don’t think he works here. Or maybe he does, but not upstairs.
This isn’t good.
“Which is why I want you,” Hayden says.
This is the most bizarre interview I’ve ever had.
“Look,” she continues, “I’m not sure what Drake is up to, but I suspect things. He’s onsite for a couple of days to hand over the finer tasks of his management position in person. He shouldn’t be here at all, but the CEO has a soft spot for the guy. The CEO feels the charges against Drake will be dropped. But even he can’t allow Drake to work while he’s being investigated.”
She looks at me as if she’s pleading a case. What she doesn’t know is that there’s no way I can take her up on her offer. This is a waste of both our time.
“You have a healthy dose of leeriness toward Drake. Right away, that makes you a strong candidate for the job. If Drake gets off in the courts, you won’t be swayed by him, unlike so many of the women in this casino.”
Whoa, that gets my attention. “Women actually like that guy? After what he did?”
“As far as I can tell, yes. Quite a few.”
What is wrong with people?
I shake my head and focus on the more important issue. I can’t take this job. I can’t be anywhere near these men. But I stick with the practical argument. “You’ve seen my résumé. I don’t have a college degree, and I’ve never worked in an office.”
“You’re qualified in all the ways I need you to be.” Hayden sits back in her chair with a scarily determined look on her face. “I trust anyone who doesn’t trust Drake. You’re clever and hardworking, or you wouldn’t have risen at the casino where you’ve worked. I can train you, and I’d rather train someone who has my confidence.”
Oh my God, she’s serious.
But no. No way. I can’t agree to what she’s proposing.
“Plus”—she smiles devilishly—“you’re a woman, which should make management happy. Better for the image. And you’re a smart enough woman to remain apprehensive of that man.” She pokes her finger toward the door. “Not to mention the others like him in the company.”
“There are others?” Gen mentioned something about the possibility. It seemed hard to believe, but now…
“Oh, many.” Hayden pauses. “Maybe I shouldn’t tell you that.”
“No, don’t worry. It doesn’t matter. I can’t take this job.”
