“Yeah, yeah, so you’ve told me. At least this time you’re aiming for the big guns. Are you going to work for Drew?”
“That would be no different than working for you."
Dad snorts with indignance. "Oh, I'm that bad, huh?"
No shit, Dad. We'd probably end up killing each other.
Ignoring his line of questioning, I press on. "One of Drew's partners lost his paralegal, and Drew thinks I would be a good fit for him.”
“Which one? Novak or Smith?” Of course my dad knows of these guys. We’re talking about one of the biggest firms in Denver.
“Smith.”
“Ah, yes. I don’t know him personally, but I’ve heard a lot of good things about him.”
“Yeah, I think he worked at a firm in LA. Anyway, Keep your fingers crossed for me. I’ll text you later.” Hanging up before he can start peppering me with interview questions, I take one last look in the mirror, then head out the door.
Walking through the plush lobby in the building where Smith, Novak & Cliffer law firm offices are, I head toward the bank of elevators and press the button to go up. It’s eight-fifteen a.m. I’m fifteen minutes early, which is perfect. Just enough time to meet up with Drew and get some prep for my interview. Stepping on to the elevator, I press the button for the eleventh floor, then turn to look at my reflection in the mirror on the back wall. I check my appearance one last time. I look both professional and fabulous. Brown-and-black checkered pants with a black shirt and black four-inch boots. My current boss would be horrified if I was wearing anything other than a plain suit. Black, gray or navy. In other words, funeral attire. Fits the vibe of his firm, I suppose.
Drew assured me that his firm does not have a strict colorless uniform policy, and I can wear whatever I want as long as it’s business attire. I’m not sure that extends to men in make-up, but I decided the best way to figure out if I’m going to be comfortable here is to add some mascara, a little highlighter and my smallest set of lashes. It’s not boundary-pushing and over-the-top, but it’s enough to give me a boost of confidence. I would rather know now if it is going to be a problem before I take the job. And Ireallywant to take this job.
The elevator stops with a ding sound. I turn around to enter an elegant reception area. From the high ceilings hang a few sets of round glass globes that probably cost thousands. Hmm… I wonder how they clean those?. The dark marble floors are shiny, and in the center stands a gray marble desk with golden engraved words Smith&Novak&Cliffer. The receptionist is a beautiful woman with a spark in her ocean blue eyes. Eyes that are currently focused on me. She inspects me closely, probably thinking I need a lawyer and not a job. She is giving me Donna fromSuitsvibes. Her form-fitting black dress and pearls make me instantly like her. She has fabulous taste. If only I’d had the forethought to wear my pearls, we could have bonded.
“Hello, how may I help you?” she asks in a practiced, professional tone. I guess I passed her quality control. I wonder what her real voice sounds like when she isn't manning reception at a prestigious law firm. Bet she cusses like a sailor.
“Good morning. I have a meeting with Mr Smith at eight-thirty, but I am to see Andrew Cliffer beforehand,” I explain. “My name is Jordan Bell.” I’m mirroring her customer service tone and giving her my most sparkling smile. It’s important to be on good terms with the administration in the office, because while they might not be the boss, in reality they run the place.
“Of course, Mr Bell. Please follow me.” She gets up from her chair and—fucking hell—she has legs for miles. I look her up and down and smirk. If I was capable of getting it up for girls, I would definitely be rocking a semi right now.
“A girl wearing a Chanel dress and Valentino heels is my kind of girl.” I hold my hand out. “Jordan, nice to meet you.”
“I’m Maddie. And look who’s talking.” She points at my pants, “Marc Jacobs,” then at my shoes, “Saint Laurent.” She nods with appreciation.
“Thank you, thank you.” I mock-curtsy, which makes her laugh. “I was afraid I was losing my touch. Only two people commented on my outfit today, would you believe it?”
“Oh, I hope Eric hires you. It will be fun watching you ruffle his feathers,” she says, crossing her fingers on both hands.
“Do tell. Is he a stiff old man with a balding scalp?” I raise an eyebrow and she laughs out loud. “No? Please, don’t tell me he’s an asshole with a stick shoved so far up his anal cavity he can’t sit down.”
“Oh, my god, please stop.” She has tears in her eyes and she’s holding her belly while she keeps laughing. “Fuck me, you’re hilarious.” Maddie wipes her tears away carefully so as not to smear her mascara, and I mentally pump my fist. Called it on the potty mouth. “You know, I think I’ll let you see for yourself.” She takes a calming breath, getting back to professional mode.
“Now I’m really curious. But you’re right—don’t tell me. I love a good surprise.”
My new friend claps me on the shoulder and I beam brightly at her.
“Oh, Jordan, I have a good feeling about you—you’re just what Mr Smith needs.” She rubs the spot she clapped me on, leaving me with that ambitious statement.
“I like you too, Maddie. And I am a great judge of character. I must warn you, I already have a best friend, but the position for my platonic soulmate is still open. One condition, though.Clothes over bros.” I pause for her reaction and when she laughs, I know she's got my reference. I mean,One Tree Hillis only the best series ever.
“Only if I’m the Brooke in this friendship.”
"Of course, darling. You are definitely more Brooke than I am."
We shake hands to seal the deal. And that’s when the door to Drew’s office opens and he steps out.
“I thought I heard you laughing, I can see you’ve already impressed the beautiful Madalyn here. I should have known you two would hit it off.”
“What can I say? I’m charming like that.” I smirk and lean in to give him a hug, to which he grimaces. He always pretends to hate my hugs, but I know he loves them, really.
