Then the elevator stopped and the doors opened. Once again pressing my palm between her shoulders, I led her off, turning left to leave through the side exit of our lobby. Leslie hugged her purse before her, looking a little overwhelmed, but she made no move to resist. I had the funny feeling that this girl wasn't as timid as she pretended, though. I'd already heard her snap at someone on the phone - which she probably didn't realize - and the office had been running smoothly. Quite the feat considering the state I'd left it in.
Outside, New York was in full swing. The sound of horns honking and people talking filled the air. The sun was shining and the humidity made me feel like I was about to melt in my suit. Leslie and I hurried across the street and into the pub where I usually took my lunch. The bartender looked up and nodded, letting me know to pick my own table. Without hesitation, I led Leslie right to the back.
"You drink?" I asked.
She shook her head. "Still nineteen, sir."
"Right." So I called over to the bartender, "We're going to need menus."
"Two seconds, Ash," she yelled back.
I just smiled at Leslie. "See, it's perfectly ok to use my name and forget the sirs."
"While you're trying to talk to me about a potential job?" She lifted a brow. "Pretty sure I'm supposed to be on my best behavior."
"How about not." I paused as the bartender made her way over and passed Leslie a menu. "Philly cheesesteak for me, the best you have on draft, and whatever she wants to eat. Plus a..." I eyed the girl who was about to become my latest project. "How about a Bellini for her, light on the alcohol? No carding today?"
"I've seen your ID," the bartender teased. "But can do." Then she looked at Leslie. "For you?"
"Club sandwich?" She paused for a moment, then decided, "Extra bacon."
"Good call," the bartender told her, taking the menu back. "I'll turn that in and be back with your drinks. On the tab, Ash?"
"Yeah, thanks. And Leslie here might become a regular, so get used to her. On the tab too."
"Can do," my bartender agreed.
"Why me?" Leslie suddenly asked. "I mean, I've been answering your calls for less than a month. Am I going to be expected to do something illegal?"
"No," I promised. "But I've been in Texas, and came back to an office that's functioning. Whatever you're doing is working, and yes, I've noticed. I don't want to be leashed to that desk, so I'm willing to take a risk. You've already made it clear that you know a few things about this industry. You're young, you're motivated, and I have a funny feeling that all you need is a chance." I flicked a finger at her suit, making it clear I'd noticed her fashion sense.
"I want to move up in the company," she told me. "I'm studying design, which means that in August, I have to go back to school."
"Ok, or do both." I lifted a hand before she could interrupt. "Think outside the box, Leslie. Take the classes, run the office in between, and find a receptionist to handle the calls. You see, I want to go to Texas. Not for a trip. I want to keep Risqué running, but there's no reason for me to be here. I'd still need a representative. The title for that position is Assistant to the CEO."
Her breath fell out in a rush. "Really?"
"Yep, and if you're willing to do this long distance, then I'll even teach you how to read those designs. I'll show you how to approve and deny the requests from vendors. Something came up, I don't have a lot of time, and I'll be damned if I'm going to waste this idea on some nobody who's been slogging through middle management because it's easier than chasing a dream. So, you go to school. You get your degree, and I'll make sure you have a job - if and only if you've got the balls to hack it."
"And I have one week to prove it," she realized. "That's not much time Mr. Wal - Uh, Ash."
"There you go," I praised. "I'll even give you a place to start. There's a file on my desk. It's got the proofs for the fall catalogue. This afternoon, go through those and set aside the ones you'd use. Give me a critique on the last design submitted and tell me the flaws and where it excels. If you can do that while handling calls and everything else, you'll be on the right track."
That design was mine. I knew it wasn't perfect, but we needed a strapless bra option, and I'd been distracted with Violet last week. If this girl could rip it up and save me some hours figuring it out myself, then great. If not, then she might not be the person I needed. Either way, it was going to be in her hands.
I'd just have to figure out a backup plan. We couldn't lose Risqué. Right now, our profits were the one thing that would make sure Southwind could stay afloat. I had a feeling a few of the others would chip in if we needed it, but I'd much rather do this on our own. This was Violet's dream, and Risqué was only possible because of her.
"Would you like me to give an assessment on everything else coming to you as well?" Leslie asked just as the bartender came over with our drinks. "It would save you time, which would give you the chance to prepare for your next trip."
"You're leaving again?" the bartender asked.
I smiled at her. "Have a pretty lady who needs her man."
"You and Violet are the cutest," she teased. "Tell her we miss her around here."
"Promise." I leaned back to enjoy my beer, but Leslie was looking at me through narrowed eyes.
"I thought you were gay," she finally said.
