21
what is “my type” anyway?
Alexander
I really like Kate…as an employee…as a front desk clerk. I’m looking at her right now as she’s talking to a patient. She’s smiling, speaking slowly and calmly to the elderly woman. I’m bummed I don’t have a permanent position to offer her, but I will be happy to have Jenna back.
Jenna had her baby. She took the regular six-week maternity leave and then I offered her another six weeks paid. She was surprised I was staying afloat, but Kate has been pulling her weight and more. I really wish I could offer her a job.
I approach her to hand her a file. “Thanks for organizing that. I can actually read the writing. It’s above and beyond. Kate, I really appreciate it.”
“Oh, you’re welcome. I wanted to talk to you. Do you have a minute around noon? I just need to wrap up a few things.” I glance at the clock. It’s 11:45.
“Yeah, sure. You know my schedule,” I say with a laugh. “I’ll be in my office.”
Kate comes in right at twelve on the dot. Very professional. Kate is pretty, with brown hair that’s always in a neat ponytail, greenish eyes. Actually, I’m not sure what color they are. She’s usually dressed in a monochromatic, business casual outfit, but today she’s wearing jeans for a change and a floral blouse. I wonder if this is how she dresses when she’s not at work. It’s Friday after all…and her last day. Kate is young, but she’s mature. She was a great fit and I’m dreading this conversation. I hope she’s not expecting me to offer her a job.
She knocks on the open door.
“Come on in, Kate,” I say as I gesture for her to sit in the chair across from me.
I wouldn’t describe Kate as a bold person, not like Dani. I would say she’s more on the timid side. Less communicative. Idon’t know that much about her. I’ve never asked and she’s never offered.
“Hi,” she says.
“Hi.” We stare at each other, blinking. I clap my hands together. “So…your last day.”
“Yep.” She nods.
I have no idea what she wants. “You’ve done a great job, Kate.We just threw you in and you really knocked it out of the park.”
“Oh, thank you so much.”
More silence.
“I really wish I could offer you a job—”
“Oh no, I didn’t expect that at all. I always knew it was temporary. I actually have a job lined up that works out better for me.”
She doesn’t want a job? Have I been underpaying her?
“Well, I’d like to give you a little parting bonus—”
“That’s not necessary,” she says.
“No, I insist,” I say as I scour the drawer for the clinic checkbook. “So, what job do you have lined up?”
“Oh, it’s a case manager position at a clinic right next to my kid’s preschool.”
I look up, eyes wide.She has a kid?“Wow, you’re a mom? I had no idea. Why didn’t you tell me?” I glance down at her hand. No ring.
“I don’t know, I—”
“How old? Is the kid? Are you married? I don’t think I even know how oldyouare. I definitely didn’t expect you to have a kid.” I’m speed-talking nervously for some reason.
She laughs. “Well, I was pretty young when I had him.”
“Oh, you have a son?” I’m even more surprised now, since my kids have been in and out of the clinic multiple times. You’d think she would have brought up parenting boys.
