by Lydia Rose
SOMETHING REAL
By
Lydia Rose
Edited By
Holly Schneider
FOR LINDA ALWAYS
CHAPTER 1
Diane Baker sat in the office that was once her father’s. She stared out the window and thought how her life had changed in the last two weeks. Diane was now the heiress to her father’s fortune. His oil company was now hers with all the responsibility that came along with that. Diane had always been involved in Baker Industries for more years than she could remember, but now she had all the responsibility. The responsibility for keeping the company going and making sure all the people that worked here still had a job. Her husband of just five years was also killed in the plane crash that took her father. The private plane ran into a storm and no one survived the crash. Diane had never wanted to marry, finding work her mate, but her father insisted she marry and have an heir. She wondered if her mother was still alive if she would have forced the issue. Her marriage to James had been arranged by her father who thought he was a suitable mate. Diane doubted James loved her and she certainly didn’t love him. They had a daughter during the first year of marriage despite Diane’s attempts to keep James away from her. James discussed having a second child with her, but she convinced him the discussion was closed and there would be no additional children. He lost interest with her after that and they never shared a room again. James had gotten what he wanted from her in being her father’s right-hand man. She now remembered the nightmare of being sent away at the age of ten to boarding school. At the holidays she came home to an empty house that only held a cook. There was no turkey at Thanksgiving and no Christmas tree at Christmas. Her father always made sure to be away during those holidays. He would leave presents that someone else chose for her. She closed her eyes blocking out those lonely, lonely days. Diane now found herself making the same mistakes with her daughter that her father had done to her. Anna didn’t understand why her mother was always working and wasn’t the one who tucked her in at night or was there when she awoke in the morning. Diane could see all this happening, but she didn’t know how to stop her actions. Then the accident happened and she found herself an orphan and a widow in one fell swoop.
*
Sheila in HR was on the hunt for her boss’s new administrative assistant. Diane knew that she needed an administrative assistant who would make her job flow a little easier; although breaking in someone new would also cause her more work upfront as she would have to train him or her to do the job to her standards. Diane got up from her chair and went to look out the window at the view. Her eyes scanned ahead even though she couldn’t see the beauty in what lay before her. Diane’s mind was always on work and not the trivial things in life. Her father had taught her that work was the most important thing in this world and feelings only interfered in the correct decisions she would have to make to be successful. She was beginning to forget what love felt like so many years after her mother’s passing. Her father had never showed her any in all the years she shared a home with him. If her father had any love in his heart, it disappeared after her mother was gone. Diane realized early on that the only way she would have a relationship with her father was to work with him. She remembered him coming home when from work and she would run to greet him. “Diane, I have to go out for a dinner meeting. Don’t wrinkle my clothes.” His words were harsh to a five-year old’s ears and the more she tried to get him to notice her, the more he seemed to pull away. Diane spent most of her childhood alone. Once she went to college she found it hard to make friends, but she did have a few close friends. She had never learned the social skills to make friends because her younger years were spent in private schools where her peers were as stunted as she was socially. The only time her father paid attention to her was when she was working with him. They could discuss work all day, but he never tried to get to know her personally. Shaking these thoughts from her head, she picked up the phone and went back to work.
CHAPTER 2
“Michelle, you’ve got to come to Dallas,” Donna Hamilton said excitedly. “There is a job position that would be perfect for you.”
“Donna, I miss you too, but I can’t just leave Austin.”
“Why not? It’s not like you have your own place there. You live with your parents.”
“Still. Besides, I may not even get the job.”
“There is only one way to find out, sweetie.”
Michelle Whitman sat back in her chair and sighed. Donna had been trying to get her to move for the past two years. The two women had gone to college together and both had majored in business. They had become friends from the moment they shared a dorm room. Michelle being shy was happy to have a friend like Donna who was so outgoing. Donna introduced Michelle to everyone and they had a good group of friends. Donna was the first woman she told of her sexuality. Her response was that it didn’t matter to her and she would be her wing woman whenever she needed it. Michelle ended up working as a secretary when they graduated from college even though she had graduated with honors. “I’ll take Friday off and come Thursday night. Can you arrange an interview for Friday?”
“Yes, and I want you to stay with me if you get the job.”
“We can discuss that if I get the job.”
“You will. Trust me.”
*
Michelle and Donna walked into Baker Industries at nine o’clock Friday morning. “Sheila, this is Michelle Whitman, the woman I told you about.” Donna turned to Michelle. “This is Sheila Davis.”
“Hello, Ms. Davis. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Michelle said with her hand extended.
“You too, Michelle. Have a seat.” Sheila looked up at Donna. “Donna, I can take it from here.” Donna winked at Michelle before she left the office. “Donna gave me your resume’. It’s very impressive,” she said, taking off her reading glasses. Sheila went through the Administrative Assistant job and what she would be responsible for doing if she got the job. “I know from your resume’ that you can handle the work and I’ve checked your references already.” Sheila now went through the salary and benefits.
Michelle sat there listening and wondered if she already had the job based on the details that Sheila was explaining. Sheila stopped speaking and looked at Michelle. Realizing she had drifted off, she said, “All those things are acceptable.” The money was at least one and a half times more than what she was currently making. “Are you saying I have the job if I want it?”
“Yes, Michelle.” Sheila stood up. “I would like to introduce you to our CEO before the final decision is made.”
Michelle stood up and followed Sheila back to the elevators. She carried Michelle’s folder and Michelle watched as she pressed the top floor button in the elevator. Michelle swallowed knowing that whoever she was going to work for was important. Sheila knocked on the door that said Diane Baker. Now Michelle felt herself begin to sweat. This must be a mistake. I can’t be applying for a position that would put me in direct contact with a Baker family member.
“Come in,” a voice called from behind the door.
“Ms. Baker, I have the applicant.”
“Yes, come in please.” Diane motioned them over to her desk and Sheila handed the folder to her. They took a seat in front of Diane Baker’s desk and waited while she read through the file. Finally, she looked up. “So you’d like to work for my company, Ms. Whitman?”
“Yes, Ms. Baker.” Michelle was shocked that the woman wasn’t much older than herself.
“Would you mind waiting outside while I speak with Sheila?”
“Of course not.” Michelle got up and left the room.
“So what do you think, Sheila?” Diane asked, closing the folder.
“I’ve interviewed a lot of women f
or this job and some men, but none of them were as qualified as this woman.”
“How did you find her?”
“She is a friend of one of our employees. She’s from Austin.”
“If you think she’s qualified, offer her the job.” Sheila stood up to leave. “When can she start?”
“She’s currently employed. I would assume within the next two weeks.”
“Good,” Diane said before picking up her phone.
Michelle sat in the outer office at an empty desk that was just outside the doorway. She was still thinking how young this woman was and how beautiful too. Her reddish brown hair fell just past her shoulders and those dark blue eyes showed the sadness hidden there. She wondered why someone so rich would have anything to be sad about. The door opened and Michelle stood up.
“Well, Ms. Whitman, the job is yours,” Sheila said with a smile.
“Really?”
“Yes. I assume you’ll have to give a two-week notice to your current employer?”
“I’ll talk to them on Monday and let you know when I can start. Shouldn’t I meet the person I will be working for?”
“You already did,” Sheila said, walking back to the elevators.
“Who?”
“Ms. Baker.”
“I’ll be working for the CEO?” Michelle began to sweat again.
“Yes. Is that a problem?” Sheila asked, narrowing her eyes.
“Not at all.” Michelle smiled her answer, but inside she felt like jelly. The CEO, she thought, Oh my god.
“Donna is on the tenth floor.” Sheila pressed that button and the button for her own floor. “Call me Monday to let me know when you can start.”
“Thank you, Ms. Davis,” Michelle said as Sheila got off on the twenty first floor. She now rode down to Donna’s floor.
*
When Sheila had walked into her office with Michelle, Diane thought she had made up her mind not to hire the woman. Her light brown hair came to the top of her shoulders and it was styled to look professional in the office or out having fun in the evening. Her light green eyes danced as she looked around the office unable to meet her prospective employer’s gaze. Then Diane reviewed her resume’ and realized that the woman was not only beautiful, but had the brains to go with it.
“Donna, can you take a break?” Michelle asked as she got to Donna’s desk.
“Follow me.” Donna led her to the ladies’ room on the floor. “Did you get the job?” she asked once they were in the bathroom.
“Yes. Why didn’t you tell me that I was applying for a job with the CEO?”
“Because I knew you would freak and not bother to apply,” Donna said with a smirk. Michelle glared at her friend and Donna touched Michelle’s arm. “Listen, you are great at what you do. I know that and now maybe you will believe that you are too.”
“I don’t know, Donna. The CEO.” Donna had been the one to pull Michelle out of her shell once she reached college and she was going to have to trust her instincts again. Michelle threw up her hands. “Suppose she hates me and I end up with no job?”
“Honey, trust in your talent.” Donna moved closer. “You will be great,” she said putting her arm around her friend. “Have I ever steered you wrong?”
A raised eyebrow rose on Michelle’s face.
“Okay. Maybe one or two times, but this is different,” Donna said giggling.
“So what’s her story?” Michelle asked leaning against the sink counter.
“Diane’s father and husband were killed in a plane crash two weeks ago. She’s been thrown in the deep end of the pool and will need someone that can help her keep this company going.” Donna sighed. “She has a five-year old daughter that I doubt gets to spend any time with her mother. Maybe you can take some of the pressure off her.”
“Has she even worked a day in her life?”
Donna nodded up and down. “Diane’s been working here since she was fifteen years old. She knows what she’s doing, but it is still going to be hard for her.” Donna took a deep breath. “She is going to need someone like you,” she smiled. “Even if she doesn’t know it yet.”
CHAPTER 3
Today was going to be Michelle’s first day on the job. She couldn’t even eat breakfast this morning because of the butterflies in her stomach. Michelle could hear Diane speaking with someone on the phone in her office so she waited until the light went out on the line. Michelle moved to the door and knocked gently.
“Come in.”
“Good morning, Ms. Baker. I wanted to see if there was anything you needed?” Michelle asked, trying to keep the fear out of her voice.
“When you log into the computer you will see my schedule. Make sure I don’t miss any meetings or anything else important. I’ll call you if I need you.”
Michelle nodded and left the room. Seeing Diane’s schedule told her the woman wouldn’t have a free moment during the day, let alone the rest of the week.
Over the next two weeks Diane gave Michelle more responsibility. It was as if she had been testing her to see what she was capable of, but obviously Michelle had proved herself. The two women usually found that they were the last ones to leave the building and always the first ones to arrive. While Michelle was in Diane’s office dropping off paperwork, she saw her staring at a picture on her desk. Michelle figured this must be the daughter Donna told her about. She now cleared her throat and Diane looked up at her.
“Are those the monthly reports?” Diane asked holding out her hand.
“Yes.”
“How are we doing?” she asked without looking at Michelle.
“You are right on target compared to last year’s figures at this time.”
“Then we will have to do better next month. If we just stay the same, eventually we will start to go backwards.” Diane picked up the report and began reading.
Michelle walked back to her desk. This woman is going to work herself to death and for what? She probably has so much money that she couldn’t possibly spend it in this lifetime. She has a daughter that she doesn’t see, but the company is more important. That is just fucked up. Michelle shook her head and went back to work.
Friday morning Diane came into the office dragging a little girl with her. “My nanny quit because her father is sick. I have the agency sending over some women for me to interview.”
Michelle looked at the little girl whose eyes remained on the floor as her mother ranted. Not wanting to interfere, she watched as Diane dragged the girl into her office.
“Sit here and color while I do my work, okay?” The little girl nodded at her mother.
Within the hour there were ten women sitting in the outer office waiting for their interview. “Michelle, can you watch my daughter while I’m tied up?”
“Of course,” Michelle said smiling at the little girl. As Diane went back into her office with one of the women, Michelle asked, “What’s your name?”
The little girl looked at Michelle and said, “Anna.”
“Well, Anna, I’m Michelle. How old are you?”
“I’m five,” Anna said holding up five fingers.
Michelle smiled. “Let’s clear a spot so you can color.” She led her over to the coffee table and left the little girl to her coloring books. One by one the women went into Diane’s office, but what bothered Michelle was that none of the women tried to interact with the little girl. They knew they were applying for a nanny position, but they ignored the child. The last woman went in and Anna looked at Michelle.
“Shell, can I have something to drink?”
“Sure, honey. What would you like?”
“Juice.”
Before Michelle could arrange to get the little one her drink, the last woman left the office. A few minutes later, Diane entered the outer office. “What do you think?” Diane asked.
“About what?” Michelle asked.
“About the women that were here?”
“Uh, I really didn’t speak with them.”
&nbs
p; “Mommy, I’m hungry,” Anna said, interrupting their conversation.
“Anna, I have a lunch meeting. I’ll bring you something back.” The little girl’s smile left her face as she lowered her head.
“I can take her to lunch with me while you’re gone,” Michelle offered.
“Anna, is that okay with you?” Anna smiled at Michelle and nodded her approval. Again Diane asked, “What was your opinion about the women? Please be honest.”
Michelle now lowered her eyes. “I, uh, was just surprised that none of the women spoke with Anna. They basically ignored her even though they were interviewing for a nanny position.” Diane let out a loud sigh. “I’m sorry. Maybe they were very qualified,” Michelle tried to backtrack on her remarks.
Diane waved her off. “I’ll call the agency and have them send over more women on Monday.” The last thing she wanted to do was hire a nanny like the one she had as a child. Diane looked at her daughter. “Anna, you go to lunch with Michelle. I’ll see you later.” Diane left the office without another word.
“Are you ready for lunch, honey?” Michelle asked taking Anna’s hand. Anna nodded and they went down to the cafeteria. Now Michelle worried that she hadn’t asked Diane if Anna had any diet restrictions. Then again, it should have been Diane telling her. “Anna, what do you usually have for lunch?”
“A peanut butter and jelly sandwich,” Anna answered looking at the food choices before her. “I like macaroni and cheese too.” Then she looked up at Michelle. “And juice.”
Michelle chose a fruit salad and the macaroni and cheese with juice for the little girl and a salad for herself. They sat at a table and began to eat. Michelle looked at the little girl who was on her knees as she ate. Before Anna was covered in food, she placed a napkin in front of her tucking it into her shirt. Michelle was amazed when Anna ate everything. “Did you have breakfast this morning?” Michelle asked with a chuckle.
“Mommy said we didn’t have time. She gave me one of her candy bars.”
Michelle’s eyes opened wide. She hoped that the little girl was talking about a protein bar and not an actual candy bar. Either way that was not the breakfast a five-year old should be eating. Before they left the cafeteria, Michelle bought a milk carton, water and a chocolate cookie for an afternoon snack for the little girl. As they stood in the elevator, Anna leaned on Michelle’s side. She knew the little girl must be tired and when they returned, she opened Diane’s office door. “How about a nap, Anna?” The little girl’s head went up and down. Michelle placed her on the leather couch and looked in the closet for a blanket. Pulling out a small throw, Michelle placed it over the little girl. “I’ll be right outside Anna, if you need me.”