Taylor disappears into the store, and I can’t help the shiver of concern. I take deep breaths as I say affirmations in my mind, reminding myself that I’m strong and capable. It’s hard enough to start a new job, but even more difficult when people immediately look down at you that you’ll have to work with.
A woman with a brightly colored skirt and black top hurries out, and I recognize her from my video call.
“Hi, Jonna,” I say politely, feeling a little better when I see her wide smile.
“Caelia, welcome to the store. Do you have a game plan by chance for your first day?” she asks.
I thought I’d get at least a tour, but I hold back those words.
“I want to get some clips of the store sign at the front, which is pretty, along with highlights of the things visitors may see when they come by,” I explain. “My plan is to record content so it can be uploaded over time on social media so that it’s easier for people to view when they’re looking for things to do in New Orleans. Clips on the artists who have their prints here to showcase their work are also great.”
“Perfect,” she practically purrs, surprising me with both her excitement and refusal to give me any real direction. “I’d like all the videos you create to go into an online gallery so that they’re easily accessible as well. I want to be able to see what you’re doing to ensure that your trial period works for both the store and our audience.”
“Of course,” I say, nodding. I don’t know what else to say. Is she trying to micromanage me or not? I’m kind of confused by her.
Jonna gives me the information I’ll need to upload videos, the social media passwords to begin training algorithms for different platforms, and then leaves me again.
Taylor is helping customers as I pull out a few things, and I have no idea where to leave my bag. Shrugging, I hide it behind the counter before taking a walk around the store for myself. Using the cool lighting, I take some photos, record a voice over, and lose myself in my work.
After a couple of hours, I hide away from everyone to put videos together, and begin uploading them to the shared folder Jonna has. I also post content to the different social media platforms, and upload updated photos to the store’s website and Google searches.
I’m starving when I come out onto the main floor, trying to decide if I want to take my lunch. I have no idea how anything works, and nothing has been explained to me.
“Hey Taylor?” I ask, noting that she’s not busy.
“Oh, the witch has come out of hiding,” she mutters. “What do you want? I hope you’re actually working.”
“I just finished uploading a bunch of videos and images that I took,” I say, shaking my head. I pull out my phone and shove it into her view, annoyed that she’s being such a bitch. Flipping through the different clips, I show her that I’m not being lazy.
“That’s what you’ve been doing?” Taylor asks, surprised.
“It’s what I was hired to do,” I correct. “Jonna wants me to overhaul the content that’s on the internet to help increase traffic to the store.”
“Where the hell did she find you?” she asks. “I’ve been asking her to update things for ages.”
“Well, that’s what I’m doing. I answered a job post, like a normal person,” I say. “I don’t really love your attitude, Taylor.”
“You disappeared and I had no idea where you were. What was I supposed to think?” she huffs.
“Is there something you need?” I ask. “I’m working, just like you are. I don’t have anywhere quiet to go to edit. I can get distracted easily by things, and I wanted to focus. Is there a certain time we can go to lunch?”
“Yeah, you missed it,” she says, picking up a notebook to point at a time schedule.
“I just got here, give me a break. I don’t know how anything works,” I sigh.
“Lunch is posted here, you’re done for the day in an hour. That’s really all you need to know. Since you’re here, stand here and watch the door so I can use the restroom,” Taylor says, dancing from side to side.
I can recognize that dance anywhere. I guess I’m watching the register.
“Alright,” I agree, taking her place. I have a decent idea of the layout of the store, even though I know nothing else. It’ll be fine if someone walks in.
Jonna walks across the store once Taylor leaves, her eyes narrowed on me in confusion.
“Why are you at the register?” she asks. “I have cameras everywhere in case you’re planning to rob me blind.”
“Then you also know that I’m relieving Taylor so she can use the restroom,” I tell her. “Are there any rules you need me tofollow? I have no idea how things work, but I’m enjoying all the different items sold here. It’s making it easy to make content.”
I want to make my boss happy, I really really do. Jonna stands tall as she growls under her breath, and my hands curl so my nails dig into my palms. I don’t immediately notice designations for women all the time. My mind tells me I’m less likely to be mistreated by them, so I’m more willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.
