"Don't count on it,” Elizabeth countered and then shut her eyes.
"It's your decision, Elizabeth."
"Damn straight it is."
"I think I should be going, now. Don't wallow for too long. Hopefully, tomorrow things will look different."
"Thanks for stopping by Madeline.
"Sure."
Madeline picked up her purse and quietly let herself out of the apartment.
Weary from her failure and disappointment she hoped to soon fall asleep. If only she could reconcile this nightmare with her dreams, life would be tolerable again.
But that wasn't the case. For the next two weeks, the reality of her situation sunk in. The little money she'd had for the basics was drying up rapidly with each passing day. Combing every possible nook and cranny for positions became part of her routine while she scanned Internet job sites or headhunter agencies, daily. She also made a point of networking with her former college classmates. That proved pointless, since most of them had recently lost their jobs, too or had been laid-off.
An unnerving picture was beginning to surface, facts she'd been avoiding that only served as a thorny reminder of what she'd already known about a recession overflowing with dismal unemployment statistics. You didn't need to be a genius to see that the demand outweighed the supply.
Still, she didn't give up and continued her search despite her findings or logic.
She hadn't really thought about the idea of working temporary jobs since her college days, Elizabeth widened her search to include them. She made a list of companies and began registering with every single temporary agency she could find. Luckily there were many of them in New York City.
But she soon exhausted all those promising probabilities.
At the last temporary agency on her list, Elizabeth waited for her latest test results: her hopes teetered on the edge, nerves bubbling far below her smile.
The agency's manager, who had kept her waiting suddenly re-appeared at the door and took a seat behind her desk, cheery and cordial-like.
"Thank you for patience Elizabeth. It's just been a little hectic, today."
"I don't mind waiting.” Elizabeth said, nodding appropriately, but anxious for any sign that the tide of fortune was about to turn in her favor. Inside, she braced herself for the outcome that might set everything right, again.
"After reviewing your results, I was thoroughly convinced we'd be able to find you something in the system since we receive requests daily and you're certainly more than qualified..."
So, far, that sounded encouraging, Elizabeth thought as her shoulders began to sink back into position.
"So, I called around to our other locations, which is what took me so long. But, I'm afraid we have nothing to offer you, right now. I'm sorry."
When the manager saw Elizabeth's expression fall flat, she quickly added, “But, that could all change by next week. You never know or even, tomorrow."
Normally, Elizabeth would've accepted this explanation, except for the fact that she'd been told the exact same thing by every employment agency in town. Etched in her memory, she practically could've recited the words back to the woman, verbatim.
"Are you sure there's absolutely nothing? At this point I'd be willing to settle for something at a lower salary, perhaps?” She knew she sounded desperate, but she'd didn't care. Plain and simple she'd run out of options.
"I'm afraid so, Elizabeth. These are trying times and those positions have already been filled."
That was a ‘no’ for certain.
Dark clouds descended later on that evening, shrouding her apartment and filling her with a new kind of uncertainty, a grim foreboding heading straight towards her.
As she sat there at the small table opening envelopes and reviewing the unpaid bills already past their due date, Elizabeth was all too aware of the facts; her fate had taken a turn for the worse. Adding to the stack only served to deepen her anguish. Her debts were mounting and she now felt resigned to accept this. At the moment it seemed highly unlikely she'd be able to recover from it. Even if she were lucky enough in find something eventually, the following year would be devoted to just setting her finances straight—she was already in the hole. But it was the sheer irony of her situation that was hard to stomach. Now, she needed to apply those money management principles, firsthand, the ones she'd freely given others. As her mind formed those morbid thoughts she reached inside her blazer expecting to find a mint, but, instead her palm presented a crumpled card she'd sworn she'd tossed two weeks ago.
At that moment common sense finally found a home, one she could navigate, if she really wanted to, something she could realistically hope for even if it meant appearing submissive for a while. Yes, she could manage it if she tried. Elizabeth swallowed hard and put her pride on the back burner. She bravely picked up the receiver and dialed.
Around four o'clock in the afternoon there was a brief lull in the city, with very few pedestrians and not many vehicles on the streets before the five o'clock rush. Most people still had at least an hour more to go at work. But there were exceptions.
Inside a high-end alterations boutique on Park Avenue, Jared Bentley tried his best to concentrate on what his tailor, Gino Bartoni was raving about. Gino's latest creation, a custom-made tuxedo made of the finest material imported from Italy, cut and stitched to his design and specifications, reflected a real sense of pride in his work. As he rambled on, half in Italian, half in English, Jared tuned him out and his thoughts drifted to the news he'd received moments ago on his Blackberry. A long sought after opponent had finally taken the plunge, sooner than expected, and the company was primed to be sold for practically nothing to Bentley Industries. There was another message, too: an update from the employment agencies that Bentley Industries frequently used. All had reported that they'd complied as instructed: not to contract Elizabeth Lowell for any assignments, permanent or temporary. That tidbit alone sweetened the update to such a degree that when he thought about the week in retrospect, and so far it was ending with a bang! Jared felt far too pleased with himself. What was once only a remote possibility had suddenly become tangible, an opportunity to be seized.
Blacklisting her to all employment agencies where Bentley Industries held accounts might have seemed underhanded and vicious to some people. Then again, they weren't listed on Forbes or shaping the future of global technology. Foibles were meant to be forgiven, especially by those who had the time and energy to conjure such notions of honesty or morality. In the meantime, there was business to conduct, companies to absorb and shrewd games to be enacted. And there was only one winner on this playground—Him. Those were the facts. The rat race needed a leader: ruthless and unemotional when the stakes were this high and his reputation was on the line. Naturally, Jared took pride in his nickname, “The Beast", an Alpha male out for the kill.
If dirty tricks are what it took to lure Elizabeth Lowell's straight-laced little rear over to Bentley Industries, Jared was happy to oblige. Besides, by the time he'd finished with her, she'd ultimately be better off. At least, that's how the story usually ended with others he'd pursued in the past. Jared Bentley had the distinction of setting those lucky females on a much more prosperous path for the future. And, there was no guilt involved in his actions, either. He took real pride in his actions.
But the prospect before him was especially enticing. It had been some time since he felt this kind of excitement. In his mind's eye he could just imagine the seething look she'd give him, the subdued feminine self-contained poise bristling with contempt for him. But, Jared was nobody's fool. Those traits were mere deflectors to hide the real issue below the surface, a proposition that excited him beyond belief. Just how far was she willing to go for her beloved career? The sensual reverie was interrupted. Suddenly, Jared was all too aware of the measuring tape around this thigh, tightening. Perplexed, Tony glanced up as Jared quickly stepped down from the platform and headed straight for the changing room, adding, “I think we're fin
e for today."
There was only one thing burning a hole in his mind right now. If he planned on getting through the weekend,, he needed to pay a visit to the gym. Perhaps, later on, he'd consult his little black book for additional options.
By evening, Elizabeth's nerves had settled considerably. The deed was done. Her appointment was set with Jared Bentley at eleven o'clock Monday morning. In a strange way her fears slowly abated. Maybe because she finally knew which direction she was heading. That seemed to make all the difference in the world. It certainly didn't hurt that she'd be applying for a company with an outstanding reputation. What more could she ask for, really? Those assumptions grew thin, too when she considered how the offer came about. Jared Bentley had witnessed her at her worst, surrounded by people who were determined to see her fail. They made her presentation and ideas appear whimsical, idiotic. At least professionally, Jared Bentley would never respect her or the quality of her work.
Nonetheless, she needed a job right now. He'd made the offer and after speaking with his executive assistant on the phone, it was true; a solid offer, in fact. But still she felt uneasy. The conversation she'd had with his assistant and the appointment she'd made afterwards was too simple. Her instinct told her he was after something else as she finally gave in to the drowsiness beckoning her to her bed: to close her eyes and rest for a while.
At midnight, Elizabeth suddenly sat up in bed as the cell phone on the nightstand chimed several times. She reached for it; pressed the button.
"Did I wake you?"
It was Madeline on the other end, her voice full of concern.
"What do you think?"
"Well, I'm sorry. Have you changed your mind, yet?"
"I have an appointment on Monday."
"Good girl."
"I'm not looking forward to this,” Elizabeth said, yawning.
"Really dear, you should have a lot more confidence in yourself."
"I know, I know. It's just that, well, he's after something. What am I getting myself into?"
"Don't stress. It's far more important you make an impact, a dramatic first impression that sets you apart,"
"I think I've already done that. He watched me get fired. Like what?"
"Never mind, you really should get some rest now."
"No. Tell me. What is it?"
"You wish to be hired, correct?"
"Absolutely. I need a job!"
"Well, then we'll have a full two days to prepare."
If Elizabeth had any doubt what Madeline meant by that statement, over the forthcoming weekend she became quickly acquainted.
Preparation for her interview included a visit to a local day-spa the following day, where she was scrubbed and buffed, her nails and toes polished and golden highlights that glittered in the sun applied, erasing the drab light-brown color and enhancing her hazel eyes. The entire two days was devoted to nothing but her appearance or wardrobe: an unusual prospect that Elizabeth never seriously considered.
In her mind, she'd be judged on her previous work experience and skills: not her appearance. But, these activities proved far less costly than she'd previously assumed. Madeline had carefully explained that purchasing these garments was as vital as the most detailed investment strategy—one which she herself was the commodity. That's all the rationale Elizabeth needed to justify the expense, so she didn't put up a fuss.
[Back to Table of Contents]
CHAPTER FIVE
For the most part, city dwellers could be finicky folk. They were highly evolved creatures that moved away from their provincial origins with one singular purpose in mind: to work for one of the illustrious Fortune 500 companies on Wall Street.
At the top of their list stood Bentley Industries. The Bentley Building was an icon, a tall, gleaming structure that reflected the Midas touch whenever the sun shone upon it. Any reference to the name opened vistas that weren't commonly accessible to other establishments vying for the same kind of exclusivity. No, they were in a league of their own. If you were one of the lucky ones hired, you could rest assured there would plenty of career opportunities, a chance to spread your wings and let your aspirations take flight.
If you were diligent, they'd propel you even higher into the stratosphere. Make no mistake; the opportunity for advancement was clearly there, stroking their employees with all kinds of goodies, benefits and incentives; as long as you produced, the company put out, no questions asked.
The sun was shining, but the air was crisp that Monday morning, the glare from the soaring skyscraper almost perilously blinding. Adjusting her sunglasses, Elizabeth paused to take in the sight, the towering skyscraper that was indeed impressive. But when she thought about the beast who owned it and what he was really like, Elizabeth flipped her shades and decided it was best not to waste time pondering what she already knew to be true; Jared Bentley was a pompous jerk!
Entering the building, she could feel eyes on her now, some outright, some inconspicuous. All were hidden behind discreet grins, slight chuckles, reminding her what she was wearing. The little black corporate suit hugged her slender waistline and flared out just below her thigh, ending with a split at the knee. Her hair was pulled back, accentuating her dramatic eyes that immediately caught the lobby attendant's attention.
"I'm looking for Mr. Bentley's office."
The woman cocked a brow and gave Elizabeth a knowing glance, as if she knew exactly what Elizabeth's appointment entailed.
"It's on the top-level. Take elevator B and then turn right."
Elizabeth didn't waste her time thanking the woman. She could tell by the smirk the attendant wore that she didn't believe her appointment was business-related anyway.
When the elevator arrived she merged with the crowd and stepped inside the carriage. It was packed shoulder to shoulder. Peering around the chest of a passenger, she quickly glimpsed the elevator panel; every button had been pushed. It would be a while before she reached her destination. At the top-level, Elizabeth exited the elevator and immediately saw the sprawling emblem in large letters on the wall across from the elevator—Bentley Industries Executive Offices, the arrows pointing towards the right.
Easy enough, Elizabeth thought as she turned right and proceeded down the long, dimly lit hallway.
Towards the end of the corridor was a set of glass doors where a receptionist was encased, seated behind a circular desk. She smiled as Elizabeth stepped into the reception area.
"You must be Elizabeth Lowell."
"Yes."
"Mr. Bentley's expecting you. His office is just around the corner to your left."
A thousand different scenarios came thundering into her mind. There was really no reason she should be nervous, after all she had qualifications, she wasn't totally unprepared. Still, as she made her way down the corridor all she could think of was how badly she needed this job, and that this was her only option, the poverty of her situation and choices, stark and grim.
A few paces ahead behind the cherry oak door etched, scrolled by some Italian master craftsman was the key to her future. Elizabeth steadied herself, took a deep breath and hoped for the best as she strode inside Jared Bentley's office.
At the moment, the “CEO” was basking in playtime, enjoying his executive privileges; jogging on the treadmill shirtless while watching the daily market report on a large-size plasma screen, his beloved Blackberry firmly in his grip. Perspiration glistened on his expansive chest and trickled down the valley and crest of each sinuous muscle, the hair thick and full. Yet, despite his previous rude manner, Elizabeth's gaze betrayed her as she stood there longer than she knew she should, waiting for him to acknowledge her, all the while, mesmerized but silent by what she saw.
But, that wasn't necessary. Jared knew exactly what he was doing as he suddenly shot a look over to her with a devilish grin. The little preview he'd had in mind somehow got twisted around and hit him where it wasn't too comfortable to be on display. Jared glanced down and jabbed a button, stopping the t
readmill.
Reaching for the towel hanging on the side bar, he casually wiped the bead of perspiration from around his forehead, careful to hide his interest: whatever she was wearing was beginning to gradually affect him.
"Have a seat Ms. Lowell.” Jared said coolly as he slid into the polo shirt, shaking his head of any remaining excess. It was a rugged masculine gesture that was supposed to give a hint, a whiff of the masculine scent he'd wore.
But, to Elizabeth it hardly mattered. She did as she was told and quickly found one of the plush chairs positioned in front of his elegant secretarial, eager to get the interviewing process underway.
Now, as she sat there facing the beast, her raw nerves were at it again, teetering on the brink. She watched closely as he sat down wordlessly and began reading her resume. His silence reverberated in the room, but to Elizabeth it was an echo of foreboding, an extension of the way he truly felt about her.
It was uncomfortable, yet another brutal example of the tremendous power he wielded, if he chose. Like an overbearing king, he was looking down on a peasant, discerning her credentials and probably gloating at her weak position. Elizabeth, fearful of the inevitable outcome, felt goose bumps make their way to the surface of her forearms.
At last, he spoke.
"Not bad for your limited experience, Ms Lowell. I really must commend you though on your formidable education. I had no idea. But what really impressed me was putting your pride aside coming here, today. That takes guts."
Elizabeth was on the verge of responding to this callous assessment. What she really thought of his offer was on the tip of her tongue before she thought the better of it. So, this was how they'd communicate. Better to face facts now. Jared Bentley had the upper hand and he damn well knew it. She stared at him blankly and simply nodded.
"I've always admired that trait; the ability to gets things done despite obstacles, to go beyond our barriers,” he said, as he returned her resume to its file.
He was studying her closely now.
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