“I’m glad you think so highly of me.”
“It’s not that.” Piper places a hand on my arm. “You don’t always make the best decisions.”
“Piper, I’m not dumb. I checked her hand for a ring, or any sign of one, before we left. I may be a lot of things, but a home wrecker isn’t one of them.”
“Okay.” She sighs. “Now close the deal.”
“It’d be a lot easier if you hadn’t pulled me out here.” My voice is low enough that she doesn’t catch my remark. I hate she thinks I could do something like go after a taken woman. I’m a playboy, I know that, but I have rules and standards.
I do my best to shove my frustration aside and slap a smile on my face as I head back into the office. “Sorry about that. My sister wanted to make sure I’m not screwing this up.”
“It’s all good.” Daniela says and continues looking through the information. “I know all about sisters.”
Yeah, but she probably adores hers. Right now, I want to slink away into the shadows from mine. “Let me get this contract printed out for you.”
I focus on the task at hand, but I don’t miss the concern on Jasmin’s face. The fact she can read me so well after one night is astounding. But I have to push that aside since her sister is now my client.
Four
Jasmin
After a few months of not having a job, waking up this morning to get here on time was a challenge. Not that I haven’t been getting up early in the downtime, but actually getting ready and making it to the office on time was a struggle. But I hope I at least look put-together.
My steps into the building are slow and steady. The last thing I want to do is look anxious. Putting on a good front is something I’ve learned to do throughout my life. It doesn’t matter if I’m minutes away from breaking down. Nobody else can know.
“Jasmin, hope you have a fantastic first day.” Mr. Lancaster, my boss, says as soon as I open the door. This feels like a good sign. It’s not often the higher ups in a company are at the front greeting their employees. At least, not anywhere I’ve worked before.
“Thank you, Mr. Lancaster.” I glance around the room and the way it’s sectioned off. The space is massive, and each section houses specific departments. “Do you know where my desk is? I forgot to ask after our interview.”
“Yes, of course.” He picks up a cup I assume holds coffee and turns away from me. “Follow me.”
People are settling into their cubicles, ready to start the day. None of them look like they don’t want to be here. At least it doesn’t look like I’ll hate working here. A couple of them even give me a warm smile and wave. I’m sure I’ll meet them throughout the day.
He leads me to the back of the room and shows me to a mostly empty desk. “This is where you are. Sharla will be here shortly. She has to drop her kids off at school and is always here a little later. She can get you set up and take you around to meet everyone. I have a meeting to get ready for.”
“Awesome, thank you.” Sharla stepped in during the last interview, so I only saw her for a few moments. She seemed nice, and I hope it stays that way.
I pull open the bottom drawer of my desk and set my bag inside. I double check my phone is on silent and set it down next to the keyboard. Sitting in front of the keyboard is a small basket filled with goodies. A few packets of calming tea, snacks, and candy. There’s a note tucked under all of it.
I hope this makes your first day easier and you like the snacks. I wasn’t sure what to get you. I look forward to working with you.
-Sharla
This small kindness eases all the nerves I had walking in. I’ve never had a company do something so sweet with no prompting. It may not be customary. Maybe it’s something Sharla does for her department. Either way, it makes me more comfortable.
I think there’s one other person who works in accounting, but I’m not sure. There are a couple of desks in this section. All I know is this company isn’t as big as the previous one I worked for, and it’s nice to be seen as a person and not just another set of hands.
I turn on my computer before pulling out a notepad to make a list of things I want to bring from home to make this space mine. I saw a few desks that have personality, and I think I’ll be okay decorating my own. Right now, I need to look like I’m being productive and study my space. The last thing I want to do is get fired on my first day of work.
“Sorry I’m late. The drop-off line at the school this morning was wild. It must be the warmer weather.” Sharla hurries past me and into the small office to my left. The walls are glass, and I can see her set down her items, turn on her computer, and come back out into the main space. “Hi, Jasmin.” She reaches out a hand for me to shake. “I’m glad you made it on time. Though if you’re running a bit late, I don’t mind.”
“Hi, thank you so much for the basket. I loved it.” I give her hand a quick shake, and pull mine back. I don’t want to seem overeager, even though I am ecstatic to be working again. Idle time isn’t something I do well with.
“Anytime.” She waves the comment away. “I remember how nerve-wracking a first day can be. My daughter says I’m extra.”
“Then I hope you’re always extra because it definitely helped.”
“I’m glad.” She comes around to my side of the desk and pulls a chair from one of the empty ones. “We’ll ease you into your tasks. We’re a pretty tight-knit group so don’t feel intimidated. And feel free to make your desk fit your personality. We want you to actually like coming to work.”
