“I really like this job,” I tell her. “And thanks so much for helping. I couldn’t do this without you.”
“My pleasure,” she says. “Now, you get going. You don’t want to be late on your second day.”
I check my watch. It’s five to nine. “You’re right. I better get going.”
* * *
I’m shockedwhen Weston answers the door.
“Please come in,” he says somberly.
I wonder where Rosetta is. Is she late?
“How are you?” he asks politely.
“I’m well,” I reply, wondering what’s up.
“Could you please follow me to my office?”
“Uh… sure.” I nip at his heels, taking in the view as we walk. I’ve noticed his lovely behind before, and it is definitely a good one. He’s wearing a checkered button shirt and dark trousers today.
I’m excited. I’ve never been inside his office before. It’s right next to Rosetta’s. I’ve tried to peek in, but couldn't since there’s a small hall leading to the main space. All I could see were photos of what I assumed to be Hawaii or some other similar tropical location.
I’m giddy as I follow him down the small narrow hall. I glance at the tropical photos as we make our way to his personal space.
I’m impressed but not surprised when I finally see his office. It’s amazing, not overly large, but very cozy. An oval desk sits in front of French doors leading to the patio. A sitting area is tucked in one corner, a fireplace in the other. Built-in bookshelves line one wall, and everything is in perfect order. And the pièce de résistance sits against the opposing wall, a giant aquarium with loads of colorful fish and coral.
He motions to the large tufted black leather chair. “Please have a seat.”
I do as I’m told, and feel small in the large arm chair. He sits across from me on the contemporary loveseat. “There’s been a small change of plans,” he says, and I don’t like the expression on his face. I don’t like it at all.
He looks devastated. Is he about to fire me? I’ve barely started! I couldn’t have possibly done a bad job yet. I haven’t had the chance to.
He clicks the tip of his pen, shifts in his seat and stares down at the notepad on his lap. “Rosetta has had a fall.”
Oh no… “Is she okay? What happened?” I imagine the worst, possibly as a result of Weston’s nervous demeanor.
A whisper of a smile traces his lips. “She’ll be fine,” he tells me. “She took a fall down her stairs and broke her ankle. Apparently, she’ll need surgery.”
Wow. I think about the fun-loving kind woman I barely know, and I’m devastated. “What does this mean?” I ask. “She’s not coming back?” Of course she’s not. Not in the near future anyway.
“Well, she will be out of commission for at least a week or two. But knowing Rosetta, she’ll want to get back to work as soon as she can.”
“Wow…” I’m at a loss for words. We were meant to work together, and now she’s gone. “Does… this mean that I need to report to you?” I ask, my words faltering. Truth be told, I’m terrified to report to him.
He smiles. “Looks that way.”
We stare at each other for a long beat. Then he abruptly tears his gaze away. I do too and stare at the French doors, at a loss for words.
“And I’ll probably need some assistance with the day-to-day office goings-on,” he tells me. “I know that wasn’t originally in your job description, but I’m hoping you’ll humor me.”
I turn to him. “Of course I will. I’ll do anything you ask.”
At that, he pulls his gaze again, and I don’t know if I’m imagining it, but there’s a hint of a playful smile on his lips.
“Thank you,” he finally says. “I appreciate it.”
His eyes dart across his office, briefly over me, and back to his blank notepad. The man is even more bashful than I am. I foresee many awkward moments between the two of us. Yet, I’m looking forward to them. There’s something quite magnetic about him, a strong pull. I imagine he has this effect on most women. And he probably doesn’t even realize it.
