Out of Silence

by Ruby Monroe

  Ruby confidently responded, “My experience has shown me the best sources for the most qualified hourly employees. I start by implementing good selection processes. Once I’ve decided the applicant has the experience and skills for the position, I sell the company, working conditions and pay rate to the suitable candidates.”

  “What about salaried staff, supervisory and management?”

  Ruby took a moment to gather and sort out her answer. “There are different sources for plant supervisory personnel than for managerial searching. I have many contacts in the industry. The first question—once the job description, salary and education have been determined—is, do you want someone from the industry or outside the industry.”

  Two hours later, Ruby was escorted to the next interview. The VP of operations shook her hand and said, “Ruby, I like what I’ve heard today. Good luck with the rest of your itinerary.

  Interview #2

  The vice president of financial services chose questions on salary ranges, conducting surveys and calculating benefits. He asked about her experience in budgeting for numbers of people needed for future production requirements. Ruby knew how to answer. Carefully, with details, she explained how she would deal with each situation. She was wearing out and happily accepted a beverage and a snack.

  Ruby was relieved that this vice president chose to have a casual chat while they consumed their coffee and muffins. When his time was up, he called his administrative assistant and said, “Karen would you please take Ms Monroe to John Silver’s office and introduce them?”

  “Certainly. Come with me Ms Monroe.”

  Interview #3

  John Silver, the vice president of sales and marketing, started out by asking, “Ms Monroe, may I call you Ruby?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “I think by now, your brain may be feeling a little strained. How about I tell you about our products and something about our place in the industry?”

  “Perfect. I think my tongue could use a rest, and my ears need the exercise.”

  “Good answer. I’ve never heard it put that way before, Ruby.”

  Interview #4

  The vice president of public relations, Ron Wilton, led Ruby out of the building and into the underground garage. Ruby wondered where they were going. Before she could ask, he said, “We’re going for lunch at the Brown Derby. Do you know the Brown Derby?”

  “Only from the movies,” she said. They both chuckled.

  “Do you have any unanswered questions left over from this morning’s itinerary?”

  “No,” said Ruby. “Everyone was very good at answering my questions. I hope I was as thorough as they wanted me to be in responding to theirs.”

  “I have not heard a negative comment from anyone. I think you’re good.”

  Over lunch, the questioning began again. Public relations was not something Ruby knew much about, and she told him so.

  “Ruby, thank you for your honesty,” he replied. “I can tell when someone BSes me. Tell you what—I’ll give you an overview of a few issues that my department has had to resolve with no damage to our reputation.”

  “That would be very interesting for me. Thank you.”

  Interviews #5 and #6

  The afternoon included interviews with the vice president of human resources and the vice president of labour relations. These were easy for Ruby. She knew her stuff and proved it.

  “Ruby, we’re pleased with your excellent references and to see that you have obtained certification for your area of expertise,” said Jeff Small, the human relations VP. “What does CHRP stand for?”

  “Certified Human Resources Professional. I believe you have a similar designation here in the US.”

  Ruby had done her homework and felt compelled to broach the subject of recruitment and the Canadian Human Rights Act. “You’re assessing my suitability for your Canadian office,” she continued, “and I believe I will do a great job and will apply all laws that specify when a company located in Canada cannot discriminate against an applicant.”

  “We’re good with abiding with the local employment laws,” Jeff responded. “You have extensive laws in your work area. How do you navigate through all those regulations?”

  “We have a saying,” Ruby told him. “‘Don’t ask questions you don’t need the answer to.’ For instance, don’t ask a young married woman if she is planning to start a family. Should she respond in the affirmative, HR must have another strong reason for not hiring her, especially if she is qualified for the position. If she is qualified, she has a discrimination claim for not being hired. She could claim that the company didn’t hire her because she might get pregnant and take up to six months maternity leave—all at a cost to the company, including hiring a temp replacement and paying her benefits in her absence.”

  “So don’t ask the question, and she doesn’t have a case,” said Jeff.

  “Correct.”

  “We’re depending on you to keep us out of court and legal issues.”

  “I will do my best to protect both the employees and the company.” Ruby knew she scored with her example. She smiled with confidence.

  Interview #7

  Dinner was the setting for her seventh interview of the day. The president’s administrative assistant, Shana, took Ruby to a trendy boutique restaurant. The servings were very small but extremely attractive and pleasing to the taste buds.

  Ruby was pleased when she saw the small portions. She had not worked up much of an appetite. In fact, she wasn’t hungry at all.

  Shana’s role was to help Ruby fill in the blanks on any subject she chose. Eventually, Ruby was dropped off at her hotel following a very exhausting day of interviews.

  Day #2

  The psychological and aptitude testing consumed nearly eight hours of her second day in Hollywood. Before she left the executive offices late on that second day, she was invited to the office of Mr. Redwood, the vice president of labour relations. Ruby would be reporting directly to him for all Union Issues.

  “Ruby, I was asked to advise you that the executive committee is going to recommend you. Everyone has been very impressed with your qualifications and interpersonal skills.” He continued, “I’m truly impressed with the positive feedback from everyone you spent time with, both yesterday and today. I’m looking forward to working with you. We are confident that you are a well-qualified human resources manager for our Canadian office.”

  “Thank you,” said Ruby. “I also look forward to working with you and your staff. I promise I will do my best to not disappoint.”

  “I do have one more question for you,” said Mr. Redwood. “Why didn’t you attend college or a Canadian university?”

  “Full disclosure?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “I didn’t actually graduate from high school either. I became a mother at age 16. I had to work; we needed the money. I have tried to fill in the blanks by taking courses and completing all the requirements to obtain my professional designation.”

  “Mr. Branson, the psychologist who administered your tests, said you’re a really smart lady. I have your test scores here. You passed everything with the same level of scores as an intelligent US college graduate. Personally, I’m impressed.”

  “Thank you for the great feedback. I read a lot and took extra courses, as I said, that I hoped would fill in some of the information I think I need to know for life and my job.”

  “I think we will get along just fine. Good night, and have a safe journey home.”

  Totally spent both mentally and physically from the stress of meetings, questions from the executive group and working in high gear for the past two days, Ruby slept well all night.

  The Call

  Silently, deep in thought, Ruby rode by limo to Los Angeles International Airport. She flew home on the third day without the aff
irmative phrase she wanted to hear: You’re hired. Yes, she was sure they were going to hire her; after all, they did say they would recommend her. She was on information overload. She had lots more questions swirling around in her head. She welcomed the peaceful flight home. She thought about Mr. Redwood’s comments: A college graduate. Wow! That’s a real ego boost.

  The phone call Ruby had been waiting for came the next day. She answered with her most friendly voice. “Hello?”

  “Hello, Ruby. Michael Brown, president of Mix and Match Cosmetics here. Would you please meet me at my office at four this afternoon?”

  “Sure. I’ll be there.” The butterflies were back in her stomach. She was now more certain than ever that she had a new job. Surely they wouldn’t invite her to the office to tell her she wasn’t hired.

  When Ruby arrived at the office of Mix and Match Cosmetics, her stomach was in a knot. She was full of anticipation but just couldn’t let it out because she hadn’t formally been made the job offer. Ruby entered the building and looked around. She was thinking, This is where I’m going to be working. I like it.

  The receptionist asked, “How can I help you?”

  “My name’s Ruby Monroe. I have a four o’clock appointment with Mr. Michael Brown.”

  “Thank you. I’ll let him know you’re here.” The receptionist said into the telephone, “Hi, Dana. I have a Ruby Monroe to see Mr. Brown.” She hung up, looked over at Ruby and said, “Dana will be right with you.”

  “Thank you,” was all Ruby could get out due to nerves.

  Just then, Dana appeared in the doorway. “Hi, Ruby. How was your trip?”

  “It was wonderful. My brain is worn out right now, but I’m fine.”

  They arrived at the president’s office. Dana said, “Mr. Brown, your four o’clock is here.”

  Michael rose from his chair and walked around his desk, hand outstretched. “Hello, Ruby,” he said. “Come in. Sit down.”

  “Thank you. That was quite the trip. They were excellent hosts as well.”

  “Well, the head office is sold on Ruby Monroe, unanimously. Welcome to Mix and Match Cosmetics. When can you start?”

  “How about next Monday?”

  “Works for me. We can chat more when you start. See you on Monday.”

  They shook hands, and Ruby left.

  Chapter 38

  Working at Mix and Match Cosmetics was better than Ruby could have ever imagined. As promised, the company sent her for training in union negotiations. She loved it and excelled at it, developing new skills and a much higher profile than she had ever experienced before. Her self-confidence was evident in her daily work and in the decisions and recommendations she made regarding the human resources implementation of policies and the collective agreement with the Steelworkers of America.

  Four months later, totally out of the blue, she received a telephone call from Walter Pomp. “Hi, Ruby. How’re you doing? It’s Walt. I hope you didn’t forget me already.”

  “No, Walt, how could I forget you? How are things going there?” Ruby asked. She was a little curious

  “I would really like to make up for the negative result of our last chat,” he said. “Would you consider coming back and working for us? We’ve fired, what did you call him? … ‘the weasel’?” They both chuckled. “We’re wondering what it would take to get Ruby back to our company.”

  Ruby smiled. This amused her. She said, “I’m very happy to say thanks but no thanks, Walt. I have a great job now. I report to the president and I’m a member of the senior management team. As much as I hate to admit it, the weasel actually did me a favour.”

  “Are you sure? I have a mandate to offer you 10 percent more than your current salary there.”

  Ruby felt the push, noting that he was eager to fulfill a promise to his dad and CEO to lure her back to the company.

  “Walt, you said Mr. Miller handled my termination poorly. I assumed you needed him because he had Labour Relations experience and I didn’t.” she shared.

  “Sure, and that was true. We had no idea that his style of negotiation with the Autoworkers was tough, non-relenting, lock-them-out style and would totally shut down our production for two months. It played havoc with our cash flow and the bottom line as well.” Walt was eating humble pie, and he knew it.

  “Walt, I just completed negotiations with the Steelworkers, a really tough bunch of guys. We got the contract signed without a work stoppage and within budget. See, I can do it. If only you had given me a chance,” she said, gloating a bit. Wow! My ego just got bigger. I might have trouble getting my fat head through the doorway.

  “Congratulations, Ruby,” said Walt. “That saying is true: you don’t appreciate who you have until they’re gone. Mix and Match’s gain is our loss. I’m sorry for us, as I think you would have been a much better fit in this environment.” He waited, hoping she would be curious enough to come for an interview. When Walt heard nothing coming back from Ruby, he said, “Don’t be a stranger. Good luck, Ruby. You deserve your good fortune. Bye for now.”

  “Thanks for the ego boost, Walt. Bye,” she said with a Cheshire cat grin. Not to be nasty, but she hoped Walt could hear it in her tone.

  Ruby blossomed at Mix and Match Cosmetics. She loved the glamour, the constant shows and the product introductions. As a senior manager of the company, she was invited to high-fashion promotional events, all expenses paid. She traveled to Hollywood for strategic planning meetings with the top HR and labour relations people. This was her dream job.

  Everything is perfect, she thought. I’m secure financially and socially. Nothing can go wrong now.

  Chapter 39

  1981: More Changes

  Eighteen months into their relationship, during one of his visits, George dropped a bomb in the middle of a romantic dinner. He said, “I think I’m ready to make a commitment to marriage again.”

  Ruby drew in a lungful of air. She wasn’t sure what he meant by that. She didn’t want to get married; she was having too much fun. After being physically and psychologically beaten and abused for more than twenty years, I’m not prepared to give up my freedom just yet.

  She felt a slight panic as questions rushed through her mind. Is he tired of me? Is he seeing someone else? Maybe he just wants to move on.

  George continued, “I would also like to have another child.”

  Bang! Ouch! It felt like a one-two punch in the stomach, and it knocked the wind out of her. Deep down, I always knew this day would come, she realized. Pregnancy definitely is not something I want to consider. I already have children. Been there, done that, as the saying goes.

  He noticed her silence and complete withdrawal. “Ruby, I knew this was a very risky thing to say, but I have always been honest with you. I do understand that this is not the time for more change in your life.”

  “You can say that again,” she agreed. “Everything in my life has been in constant flux for a couple of years now.”

  An odd silence hung over them. Together, they cleared up the dinner dishes and put them in the dishwasher. They both felt the tension in the room. Neither one spoke for quite some time.

  Finally, George, holding the wine bottle, asked, “Ruby, would you like more wine?”

  She responded in a monotone voice, “Sure. That sounds good.” It was apparent that she was deep in thought and not ready to talk about George’s bold statement.

  He asked, “Another glass for you George? Sure, I think I will.” This was his attempt to lighten up the mood. “Ruby, can we talk?” he said next. “I would really like to temper my comments. I want you to know that I’m not seeing anyone else, nor do I at this time have any desire to see another person. You are great for me. We are great together.”

  They took their wine to bed, as had become their habit. They liked to drink their wine with their post-coital pillow talk. Their lovemaking had be
come gentle and patient, while still very passionate. It had become much more about loving each other and giving each other pleasure. Unlike in the beginning, it was more than just plain crazy desperate passionate sex.

  They gently kissed all of their arousal spots, each reaching a climax during oral stimulation. Then, as the icing on the cake, the cherry on top, came the penetration of his beautiful engorged cock. She had become very fond of his penis for the absolute exceptional sensual pleasure she experienced. George was now more familiar with Ruby’s most erotic zones and how to give her the greatest mind-blowing earth-shattering orgasms. He always watched for her familiar smile to appear when she was ready, and he did his best to bestow a Merry Christmas my darling.

  Ruby still loved her orgasms, even with the more familiar George. Her orgasms continued to lift her mind, body and soul up—up—up like a surfer gliding to the top of a huge wave. As usual, it took her breath away. Holding her breath, she waited to reach the top, soon now—soon—almost there, and then there was the explosion that she said felt like the earth moved under her and sent her to the most amazing heights, with that special spot pulsating. She felt it through her whole body. Each and every time, this sensation was so strong she groaned as it lifted her head off the pillow. Her body relaxed, and slowly, ever so slowly, she floated back to reality with the warmest spectacular glow inside and out. She was left huffing and puffing, trying to catch her breath while she enjoyed the afterglow. She smiled at George and said, “Xmas didn’t disappoint this time or ever.”

  They cuddled, enjoying the great totally spent feelings, and then they fell into a restful and relaxed sleep in each other’s arms.

  Chapter 40