Out of Silence

by Ruby Monroe

She didn’t know if it was taking too long to find employment or they were just in a big hurry to have her move on. Apparently, the powers that be—including Mr. Wilson—were getting impatient. Mr. Wilson summoned her into his office and asked her to bring along her resumé.

  He said, hand outstretched, “Ruby, I would like to offer my assistance and help you with your job search. Let me see your resumé.” Ruby slid it across his desk. He read it then scribbled additional descriptive words that definitely aided in sprucing up her accomplishments and responsibilities. The additions were not lies, just slight exaggerations and probably a better description.

  Mr. Wilson returned her resumé, pushing it back across the glass desktop toward her. “I think you will get some bites now. If you need any more help, just let me know.”

  “Hmmm! These changes will definitely help make my job search shorter for sure,” said Ruby. “More importantly, on paper, I appear to be far more qualified for better jobs within my area of experience and qualifications. I guess I tend to be more conservative about my depth of knowledge. Thanks. I appreciate your help.”

  To her surprise, Mr. Wilson also suggested, “Ruby, to make your job search easier for you, I think you should accept interviews during the business workday. I’ll cover for you.” Ruby left his office with mixed feelings. I wonder if I’ll be able to find a really good suitable job in their secret time frame. Also, just how much time do I actually have? Money is really important to me, being the only breadwinner. I would never choose a job based on only money, but a healthy salary is critical.

  The easier my boss makes it for me, the more convinced I am that they, management, for some reason unknown to me, want me out, and soon. Maybe their problem is my feminist attitude? This new bolder take-no-crap-from-anyone approach put her in control.

  Driving home, Ruby reviewed the events of the day in her head. Yep! I’m sure I’m right. The writing is already on the wall. I think it would be prudent of me to move quickly, especially when they’re offering so much assistance in my job search.

  Chapter 32

  1980: Moving On

  Spring and summer with George were the most wonderful times of her life. They played serious competitive squash a couple of times a week, sometimes more frequently. It was great exercise, they were together, and let’s face it—the sex after such invigorating exercise was truly amazing.

  Ruby looked forward to visits from Matt and Joey. Matt had just returned from a hippie-type trip abroad. He traveled via Euro Rail or hitchhiked throughout Europe and the Middle East. Afterward, he stayed in his mother’s spare bedroom until he found other accommodations, and he shared some of his adventures with Ruby. One in particular made her happy that she heard the details after he arrived home.

  “Mom,” said Matt. “I didn’t dare tell you when this actually happened, but I’m home now so I feel that I can share this with you. One day, I rode on a small school-style bus from one town to another, ending in Tehran. I wanted to rest my feet after a long day of walking, so I was about to remove my boots. The bus driver said, ‘If I were you, I wouldn’t take my boots off during the overnight trip.’

  “I naïvely asked, ‘Why? My feet are tired.’

  “‘Most likely, they will not be still on the bus in the morning,’ was his response.

  “When we got to Tehran and exited the bus, there were several soldiers standing there with machine guns pointed at our guts.”

  Ruby exclaimed, “Oh my God, Matt!” She immediately ran to her son and hugged and hugged him.

  “I’m okay,” Matt assured her. “It was dramatic for sure, but it turned out to be a non-event. Although I will never forget the adrenalin jolt when I saw the machine guns.”

  “When did this happen?” she asked.

  “Around the time the US ambassador and staff had been taken hostage. The Canadian embassy played an important part in them being rescued. Thank goodness, or things might have been worse.”

  Ruby was still in shock. “If I had my way, I would never let you go there again.”

  “I’ve got more stories to tell you, but right now I’m tired. I need some sleep. See you in the morning.”

  “Good night, Matt. I’m glad you’re safe and at home.”

  She felt like they were a family again. Except for the annoying “telephone sex” calls from Jason she received from time to time, life was good.

  Frequently, George, Ruby, and his daughter, Tammy, played Frisbee together. Their antics sent them into fits of laughter, with playful jostling and gentle playful pushing and shoving. When it came to Frisbee, George was so very coordinated, and Ruby was a total klutz. Tammy giggled as she ran up and down under the Frisbee. She reached up with her little arms desperating trying to touch the Frisbee that she could never have caught. This game has proved to not be one of my strong skills, she thought. They all jogged together when Tammy was present George jogged with her on his shoulders. They exercised until they were totally exhausted.

  Every second weekend, she and George picnicked with Tammy, and with Matt and Joey when they were available. The boys really liked George, and he liked them. Sometimes on off weekends, Ruby met with girlfriends or her boys. When Ruby and George could arrange a picnic for two, that was the order of the day. They always walked hand in hand or with arms wrapped around each other. They did all of those fun things that young lovers do.

  Ruby was now 40 years old and trying to keep up with a younger and stronger 30-year-old. This required her to work very hard at their outdoor physical activities.

  I know I can almost keep up with him. Not on the squash court, though, as he is so much stronger and taller than me. The thought did occur to her that maybe he was just letting her think she was keeping up. She smiled at his kindness. Maybe he doesn’t want me to feel old and give up. Smart lover I have!

  She hadn’t dreaded her fortieth birthday at all. Who would have ever imagined that she would be in the best shape of her life and with such an adoring younger male companion who treated her like his princess and cared so much for her? Ruby truly felt blessed.

  She often reminded herself that these days were appreciated more than anyone knew, as she considered them the replacement for the teen years she missed by getting pregnant. Her fun and fancy-free teen years were lost—gone forever. She married and became a mother all at age 16. Back then, there was no time for games.

  They were so happy with each other and for the most part absolutely carefree. She hoped nothing would happen to burst their bubble.

  Chapter 33

  Pushed Out

  Ruby now concentrated even more on her job search. With her enhanced resumé, she was open to better jobs that previously she wouldn’t have considered. One of the recruitment firms she had signed up with came across a job vacancy they thought would be perfect for her.

  “Hi, Ruby. This is Anita from The Job Hunters. Can you talk?”

  “Sure. Do you have something for me?” she asked.

  “I do. It’s a large clothing company. They are in need of a human resources manager to run the salaried employees’ section, pay system and benefits. Is this something you might consider?” Anita asked. She shared everything she could until they met in person at the agency’s office.

  “It sounds very interesting,” said Ruby. “I assume the salary is in the range I told you? I must be able to pay my expenses.” She didn’t want to waste her time if the financial part of the position didn’t meet her requirements.

  “Yes. You will be very happy with the money. Let’s meet. You tell me when—but don’t wait too long, as this position will likely go fast.”

  Ruby knew that a seasoned recruiter like Anita knew a good fit when she saw one—and also that she would savour the commission she could earn if she was successful in finding the right person to fill the vacant position.

  They met later that day. Anita was right—the position did appeal to
Ruby. An appointment with the employer was immediately scheduled during business hours.

  Ruby attended an interview the very next day. She really liked Vince Troth, who would be her immediate supervisor. Her first impression of Vince: He’s a minimalist. Clear desk, no stacked files or clutter. The only items on his desk were a pad of paper with a few notes scribbled by hand and a pen. Vince carried his fondness of clean lines to his smartly cut suit, crisp white shirt and the geometric design on his tie. He spoke clearly, always smiling. I really admire his style—plus he comes across as very knowledgeable about his field, human resources.

  Ruby, as any applicant would do, had researched the company. It was stable and doing well in a lucrative market.

  She and Vince discussed the duties and responsibilities of the position, plus the reporting structure. Ruby interpreted Vince’s comments to mean that he was keen on Ruby and her fit into the company. To seal the deal, Ruby was enticed with the details of the approved succession planning for the position, which included potential future promotion opportunities.

  The position had all the bells and whistles—everything she’d ever wanted, including the perfect status for her continued climb up the corporate ladder. She knew she was nowhere near the glass ceiling, but this job would bring her a step or two closer.

  As promised, Mr. Wilson provided her with a glowing reference.

  Anita, from the search firm, telephoned Ruby the next day to congratulate her and to advise her of the good news. “They want to hire you. If you also agree and wish to accept their offer, I’ll send you an employment letter by fax today. This way, you can read it through tonight, and then I’ll send an original copy via courier tomorrow to be signed and dated by you,” Anita announced with the enthusiasm of someone in line for a big commission.

  Ruby, as requested, signed one copy agreeing to all the conditions included and then faxed one signed copy of the employment agreement back to the employer and the other one to the search firm.

  Once everything was signed and faxed, she walked into Mr. Wilson’s office, sat down and said, “I really do want to thank you for the excellent reference. They offered me the position and I accepted. They would like me to start in two weeks. Will that work for you? Is that enough notice, or did you want me to stay until you find my replacement?”

  “No, that’s fine,” he said. “It’ll likely take more than two weeks to find your replacement. Why don’t you take some time today, walk around and say goodbye to your friends?” Her stomach hit bottom. Why are they rushing me out the door?

  Ruby frowned. She was taken aback, and it showed, “Really? I have some things that I should finish up. I don’t like to leave unfinished work.”

  “You know this is our normal process with managers. Once a manager resigns, we usually encourage that person to leave right away. It really is better for morale. I also want to say that there is no need for you to come back here to work after today.”

  “Employees are going to think I was fired.”

  “No. I’ll prepare the notice of your resignation and show it to you before I distribute it. Don’t worry.”

  “Okay.” Ruby was slightly uncomfortable with the speed of her exit.

  “You should take any personal effects you have here when you leave today,” he continued. “We’ll pay you in full for the normal two weeks’ notice period—which, as you know, is our legal requirement. I’ll calculate your company pension refund. You shouldn’t do that anyway. It wouldn’t look right.”

  “Sure. Whatever works. That will give me time to get more of my personal stuff in order. Thank you so much.” Ruby knew the game. She had become quite astute at corporate politics. The topic had become her second favourite pastime. Feminism was now her first. She spent a lot of time reading self-help books about growing into a successful female executive. Her current scenario was all there in print.

  The staff did arrange for a farewell party on the following Friday. They bought her a very nice gift. She was presented with a beautiful pewter bowl engraved with the company name, her name and the current year. It seemed like everyone—both salaried and plant hourly employees—were there to wish her farewell and success.

  “I’m humbled by the numerous well-wishers here in attendance and those who sent cards and notes. I’m stunned when I look out at the gathering here today—so many faces I will miss. I’m pleased to see the various employees that I include in my circle of positive relationships and friends. Thank you all for taking time out of your personal life to be here.”

  Even Mr. Fischer, the horny president, put in an appearance just long enough to present her with the gift. She felt herself stiffen with disgust as he gave her a hug and a peck on the cheek, wishing her success with any future endeavours. He was one person she definitely wasn’t going to miss.

  George said, “I want to dance with you and maybe even kiss you while on the dance floor. I’m bitter, and I want to throw it in their face. I know, I know—I still have to work here.”

  She whispered in his ear, “Let’s be bigger than them. I have everything I want. And the bonus is, we don’t have to hide our feelings for each other anymore.”

  Chapter 34

  1982: A New Chapter

  Ruby loved her new managerial position. The staff was qualified and very welcoming. Her direct reports were pleased to have a female supervisor with the skill to do the job and a willingness to teach them more.

  She was delighted with the size of her new office. The furnishings were new, as was the very large cherry-wood double-pedestal desk. When she saw the full wall of windows, she inhaled and exhaled a “Wow.” The view of the city was impressive. There was even new gray plush carpeting throughout.

  Within the first two weeks, she made a new friend: Lila, a product manager for their leather line.

  “Hello, Ruby. I’m Lila. Welcome to Pompous Creations.”

  “Thanks! It’s very confusing for a new person in such a large workspace. I’ll figure it out. I’m new to this neighbourhood; I just moved here over the weekend from the east end. What does one do for excitement around here?”

  “Personally, I love to play golf and squash,” Lila replied. “Do you do either one?”

  “I love squash,” Ruby told her. “Where do you play?”

  “You may not know this, but there are courts in the basement of this building, and the price is right: free.”

  “Good one.”

  “Also, there is a private-membership squash club at the corner of Simpson and Queen. They have really nice facilities,” Lila shared.

  “That would work for me. I may use the company’s courts in a pinch,” said Ruby, “but normally I like to have my leisure activities away from where I work.”

  “Gotcha! Do you live locally?”

  “Yes. My rental is just off Queen Street.”

  “We both live in the same neighbourhood,” Lila noted. “This is good. I’d be happy to show you around.”

  “Super! Nice talking to you, Lila. You know where my office is better than I do at this point. Call or drop by and tell me when we are playing squash.”

  “It’s a date.”

  Ruby liked Lila. Both were single gals with feminist ideas. They frequently went out to the local restaurants and bars. They remained good friends for many years.

  This was Ruby’s first experience working for a family-owned business. The father, Charles Pomp, was chief executive officer, and his two sons each ran a division of Pompous Creations. Walter, the more casual and sports-loving son, ran the sporting clothing line, while Paul, the more cerebral brother, ran the leather clothing and bag line. Both operated under the tight control of their elderly gray-haired father, who had started the business and was now enjoying the fruits of his labour.

  Ruby had heard a few negative comments in the past about working for family-owned companies, but nothing negative about this
particular one. They treated her like an accomplished manager in her field of expertise, and she was just that.

  George arrived at her apartment with a bottle of their favourite wine—pinot grigio—to celebrate Ruby’s new management position. He poured two glasses and handed one to Ruby. He raised his glass and then clinked hers. “You did it. I’m not surprised. I always knew you would land on your feet. Congratulations, my lovely.”

  Ruby was not only excited about her new job, she also wanted to share her latest big event with him. “George, you know how undependable my little Pinto has been, right?”

  “Yeah. So what are you telling me?”

  “I went to a car dealership last night just to look. They made me a deal I couldn’t turn down. A better working car is important now that I’m driving farther to work, and at least half of the time on a very busy highway. I needed a reliable vehicle.”

  “You bought a new car?” Eyebrows raised with shock, he smiled. He knew how brave this purchase was for Ruby.

  “Yep. I don’t own it—the bank does. But this is a major step for me as a single woman. I have been approved for a car loan. Can you believe that?”

  “Yeah, I guess that is a big deal for you. As a man, I would never even think that I wouldn’t be approved. You, my friend, have come a long way.”

  “I assume that the car was in your name so you didn’t need to negotiate with Jason.”

  “Yes we did that for insurance purposes. The transaction is a bonus.”

  “I do want to share the rest of this story with you,” she said. “Please don’t think poorly of me. I took the new car out for a test drive. I liked driving the newer bigger car a lot. They gave me a really good buyout on the Pinto. I did all of the paperwork and, as I said, was approved. I’ll pick it up in a couple of days.”

  She continued, “When I first arrived at the dealership, I drove forward into the spot when I parked my old car. This was a bad idea, as the parking space was right in front of the main entrance to the dealership, and the reverse gear on the Pinto has been very erratic lately. When the deal was done, I got into my car and put it in reverse, but it wouldn’t move. So I put it back into park and left it running while I got out of the car, walked to the rear and opened the hatch as if I was looking for something. Once it was sufficiently warmed up, a couple of minutes later, I got back into it, and when I put it in reverse gear, it backed up just fine.”