Evie
Right now?
Sure!
I slip my earbuds in and take a deep breath, preparing for the call. My heart races. Nerves. I need someone to fill the position—someone with a personable nature and the ability to focus. These are the usual work nerves.
That’s all. It’s not that I want to hear the sweet sound of her low, raspy voice. Most people wouldn’t expect her to sound like she does. Her voice doesn’t quite fit her cherub face and soft cheeks. Of course, that isn’t the thought going through my mind as I answer the call.
That would be inappropriate.
She answers. “Hello?”
“Hello.”
“Hey!” She sounds vibrant, even though it’s nearly midnight.
I lean back in my seat. “Are you already having second thoughts about turning me down?”
“I didn’t turn you down!”
“You did, but it’s all right. I respect it.”
“Well… fine. I turned you down a little.” She laughs. “But Iamreconsidering—if the position is still open, I mean. I don’t want to assume.”
“It’s wide open.” I wet my dry lips. “What if we have the interview right now? Are you ready for it?”
She’s silent, ruffling something around. “I don’tfeelready.”
“I’m sure you are. Why don’t we start with… why us? Why Intentional Paper?”
“I like your efforts to preserve the planet.” Her answer comes swiftly. “Paper products are an important part of everyday life, but… I saw the video on the company’s YouTube channel about chopping down the old trees and leaving the young to grow. I guess it’s obvious, but I never considered it.”
I chuckle. “It’s good to hear you’ve been researching.”
“I probably would have done more research if you hadn’t sprung this interview on me at the last minute!”
She doesn’t realize she’s already put in more effort than half the people who came into my office.
“Do you have any questions for me?” I ask.
“Um… just a few. Like, what would the job entail?”
“Simple. I’ll pay you a handsome fee to run my life.”
Her voice pitches higher. “That sounds stressful!”
“I’m joking. You would be figuring out my schedule, taking calls for me, setting up interviews, taking notes when we’re at meetings, booking flights and hotels.”
“Oh. Okay. When you put it like that, it’s sort of… easy, honestly.”
Easy. She’s confident, and I have a feeling it’s deserved.
I glance at the clock—almost midnight. If I can lock in a new assistant before then, I can actually get some sleep.
I stifle a yawn. “You think?”
“Definitely. I know how to get the best deals on flights, too.”
