Married This Year 3: Adventures In Hiring

by Tracey Pedersen

  Emily answered before Cooper could speak, “Our Christmas party is definitely put on by the company.”

  “Oh great. Those ones where you have to pay yourself, or put money in a box each week to go toward the party are lame. You work hard all year, you want to be rewarded with a piss-up, you know?”

  “I do, indeed. Let’s worry about the hiring part before we get to the Christmas celebrations, shall we? Anything else before we wind this up?”

  “Yes, I was wondering what other perks you offer? Can I salary sacrifice to save on tax? Or do you have free meals at lunchtime? Free mobile phone or parking?” he held up his fingers and ticked the items off one by one. “Some places they had free vending machines or a free fruit basket you could help yourself to. A cake on your birthday. So much great stuff, you know?”

  Emily had had enough. “We’d probably discuss those things at a second interview.”

  Disappointment filled his face. “Oh, okay then. I’m probably not your best guy if there aren’t a lot of perks. I’ve worked out you can get up to five percent of your salary in free stuff if you choose the right employer.”

  “Is that right?” Emily stood up and Cooper followed suit. “How interesting. I’ll take you downstairs and we’ll be in touch within the next week to let you know our decision.” She steered him toward the door and down the stairs as he continued to chatter about the free things some employers gave out. When she finally said goodbye to him at the front door she had a throbbing headache.

  Chapter Ten

  Andrea checked her reflection in the mirror of the elevator that she was lucky enough to ride alone. The walk from the car had been hot and she was pleased to see she wasn’t sweating too much. She welcomed the coolness of the foyer as she made her way to the bank of elevators. This interview needed to go well for her.

  A dream job was what this business offered and it was the one she wanted above all others. She’d be an executive assistant to the director and have her own private office next to his. The role involved a small amount of international travel and that part interested her a great deal. The time away from Lori would be hard, but they’d discussed it and decided to try it out. The initial meeting had gone well and she was confident she was close to being offered the position. The person on the phone said if she was successful today, and they wanted her for to start, the next step was a medical. If she passed she’d be offered the position in writing.

  Just before two o’clock she approached the reception desk and let them know she had arrived. The receptionist gave her an apologetic look and informed her that Mr North was running about half an hour later. He’d requested she be shown to the conference room to wait. She passed the time scanning through Facebook on her phone and craning to hear when he was coming so she could quickly slip it into her bag. If she’d known she would have to wait so long she’d have tucked a book in to her handbag before leaving home.

  She was idly sorting through her handbag when she realised she didn’t have her keys. She pushed the contents around a couple of times, but they weren’t there.

  An image of her rushing to get out of the car returned to her and she realised where they were—dangling in the ignition of the damn car! The blood drained from her face as she realised what she’d done, and what a pain in the ass getting them out was going to be. She’d need to call roadside assistance. On the hottest day of the year, too.

  Thirty-five minutes later her prospective boss bustled into the room. She could see he’d rushed to the office. He was sweating and as she sat down again after shaking his hand her eyes fell on his zipper. Not because she was looking there, but because his white shirt poked through the gap, where his zipper was very clearly down. As he settled himself opposite she spied a smudge of lipstick across the side of his collar.

  He apologised several times for being late, explaining he’d had ‘something unforeseen’ to attend to.

  Unforeseen! Ha! Is that what they’re calling it now?

  She ran over the previous interview in her head as he pulled out his laptop to take notes. He’d been nothing but professional. They’d discussed the role, what would be required of her and the starting salary. There’d been no indication that he might be as unprofessional as he appeared right now. Anxiety crept into her belly. Hopefully this wasn’t the kind of role where she’d be expected to cover for him each time he had an ‘unforeseen’ appointment pop up.

  Shoving her doubts aside, and trying to forget about the keys, she threw herself into the interview. Knowing she had the opportunity to find work with Emily made it a little easier to relax but no matter what they discussed, or how many questions he asked her, she just could not make herself look him in the eye.

  The lipstick on his collar would draw her attention, she knew, and she would immediately give herself away. He was talking so much and glancing at his laptop screen that he probably hadn’t noticed anyway.

  “Well that all seems great, Andrea. Can I ask you one more thing, though?”

  “Sure.”

  “Well, you seem a bit awkward this time around. I thought we got along pretty well last time but today you’re less enthusiastic. Is something wrong? Have you changed your mind about working for me?”

  “No, of course not. I really want this position.” She still couldn’t look up and she stared at his hands on the table. “It will be quite awkward to tell you what’s wrong and I wouldn’t want it to harm my chances at getting the job.”

  “Andrea, please look at me.” His voice had an air of command and she reminded herself that he was her prospective employer. She grit her teeth and slowly raised her eyes, blinking as the lipstick smudge caught her eye. “There, that wasn’t so hard was it? Now tell me, what’s happened to upset you?”

  “I’m not upset. I just… ” Her words died away and she had an overwhelming desire to burst out laughing. “You have a little something…” she motioned at her own collar and his eyes widened. He wiped at the side of his neck and she rolled her eyes and gave up. “You have lipstick on your collar. A large amount of red lipstick. And while I’m busy ensuring I don’t get this job your fly is also undone.” She finally smiled at him, shaking her head as his face turned pale. “I’m so sorry. I tried to ignore it.”

  He ran his palm over his face and hung his head in front of him. When he raised it she could see he wanted to laugh. “I’m the one who should apologise. I’m truly sorry.” He sighed, making no move to fix his zipper.

  Thank goodness I can’t see it under the desk!

  “I told my wife I was interviewing you again today. She’s a bit worried about my new assistant, since I had to fire the old one for hitting on me. She called me for lunch and one thing led to another. I guess she was trying to make a point.”

  “Point taken.”

  “You and me both! This is so unprofessional and I’m so sorry to put you in this position. I want you to take the job but I’ll understand if you decline after what’s happened here today.”

  “I guess your wife wants you to take on someone a bit older.”

  “If she had her way I’d employ her grandmother.” He laughed and Andrea quickly joined in. “Honestly, it’s the overseas travel we’ll be doing that’s got her in a twist. I told her she should come along but our kids are both small. Makes it hard for her to get away to come with me.”

  “That’s understandable. I am interested in this job and I think I’d be great at it. Maybe we can organise to meet each other as soon as I start.”

  “That’s a great idea. You can thank her for making this the most horrific job interview you’ve had to endure.”

  “Oh, I will, don’t worry.”

  “I’m pleased we’ve settled that and I’m really pleased you confessed. I was starting to think you were trying to put me off so I wouldn’t choose you.”

  “Not at all.” Andrea shook his hand and rose from her seat as he continued speaking.

  “I’ll get HR to call you when they have a date for the medical.”<
br />
  “Perfect.”

  He pushed his chair back and she suddenly panicked over what she would see should he stand. “No! Please stay there and let me see myself out.”

  He laughed and nodded as he raised his hands. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Yes, I’ll stay right here.”

  ***

  Andrea escaped down the elevator as fast as she could. Her face burned with embarrassment as she walked the two long blocks back to the car. Not even the knowledge that she had the job could put a spring in her step or stop the heat in her face.

  That was horrific. The worst thing I’ve ever experienced. I’m going home to relax—nothing will ever beat this. Wait until I tell the girls!

  The sight of her car was a welcome relief. She’d parked in a dodgy side street that had a history of having cars towed for no good reason. At least she wouldn’t have to add a battle with a council inspector or the towing company to her list of tasks today. All she needed to do was wait for assistance, get her keys out and head home. As she neared the car, something seemed different about it, though. Her eyes widened as she stood beside it, finally realising what had happened.

  To top off her perfect day, someone had stolen the hubcaps!

  ***

  “Hey Andrea!” Emily gave her friend a big hug. “Congratulations on getting the job. I’m bummed we won’t be getting you, though!”

  “I’m in high demand, what can I say.” They laughed and settled themselves around the table for dinner. “Let’s order and then I’ll regale you with the ordeal I had to go through to get this job. You won’t believe it.”

  “After the week I’ve had, I’ll believe anything. Hi Luke, I didn’t know you were coming.”

  “Jordan lets me out of the house sometimes.” He winced as she elbowed him in the ribs. “Mostly so I can walk Rex.”

  “Sure, sure. Except I already know that Jordan just moved in with you, so I don’t think you’re doing it too tough buddy.”

  “There are no secrets with you girls,” he muttered as he surveyed the menu and squeezed Jordan’s leg under the table.

  “Emily, did you invite Cooper?”

  “No, why?”

  “Because he just walked in.” They all turned to look as the waiter showed Cooper to a table behind them. He was seated at a table for two and Emily quickly turned back to face the group.

  “Maybe he has a date,” Luke mused.

  “I don’t care. Please don’t give me a blow-by-blow account of his night. We came here to have some fun!”

  “I think he’s on his own. He only got one menu.” Luke continued to relay what Cooper was doing. “He’s about to order. We should invite him to sit with us.” Jordan thumped him on the thigh under the table. “Ow! Come on Jordan, I liked Cooper, I wouldn’t mind if he joined us.”

  “Fine!” Emily snapped at him as she stood and threw her napkin on the table. “You’re making so much noise it will be awkward if he sees us now.” She turned and approached Cooper’s table, excusing herself as the waiter was poised to take his order. “Cooper.” She said and his head snapped up, his eyes meeting hers as that gorgeous smile stretched across his face. “If you’re here alone, would you like to join our table? I’m here with all the gang.” She indicated Luke, Jordan, Shelly, Boyd and Andrea watching behind her and each of them gave a wave.

  “I see we have our privacy,” he joked as he handed his menu to the waiter. “I’d love to join you, if you don’t mind.”

  “I don’t mind. Plus Luke is badgering me. Apparently he likes you.” She turned back to her own table. “Who knew?” she threw over her shoulder.

  There was room at the end of the table for Cooper but of course her friends hastily rearranged themselves and everyone moved down one spot, like a crazy rendition of the mad hatter’s tea party. She sure felt like Alice as she took her place and Cooper slipped in beside her. She was out of her depth and in unknown territory. Did she treat him like a workmate or a friend? Like her ex or just a guy they’d invited to join them for dinner? They’d spent a lot of time together over the past few weeks and she had to admit the old feelings she had for him had been trying to break through. She’d tramped them down each time, but it got harder and harder to resist the more time they spent together. Now she’d have to endure another night sitting next to him.

  He leaned in and spoke quietly, “I’m glad to see you’re not working tonight.”

  “I decided to have the night off. Now we have a few more staff I have some breathing room. Thank you for that. It was the right decision to focus on those roles first. At least for me.” She smiled and passed him the water jug. “Make sure you talk to Luke tonight. He appears to have developed a man-crush.” They both laughed and Cooper turned to talk to Luke, while Emily was reminded of the night in the pub all those months ago when they’d all been together. She’d had fun watching Cooper joke with her friends. Tonight seemed like it could turn out the same way.

  She considered that true, right up until the moment she heard Cooper say to Luke, “Let me tell you what Emily’s bird screamed throughout the office a few days ago.”

  Chapter Eleven

  “Do we really have to do this?”

  “We do. Why are you chicken all of a sudden?”

  “I like the interviewing part. I don’t enjoy telling people they no longer have a job.”

  “The great Cooper Jackson is scared of firing someone. That surprises me.”

  “I’m not scared.” He scribbled on his notepad. “It’s just that I’ve never actually let anyone go before.”

  “Ha! Really?”

  “Really. I choose staff carefully and they usually leave of their own accord. Mostly for better opportunities.”

  “How many staff do you have, anyway?” Emily sat down next to him as she sorted through the file in front of her.

  “Only two. I have a personal assistant and I outsource my accounts. So the bookkeeper isn’t even staff I guess.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ll do all the talking. Remember, we’re doing this first so we can do the good meeting afterward.”

  He grinned at her. “I noticed you set them up like that. You left the positive one for last on purpose?”

  “I did. I don’t like the bad meetings to linger so I always follow up with something positive.

  “Clever.”

  “I try.”

  “So, no Andrew today?”

  “Hell no!” The words were out before Emily considered them and she rolled her eyes at Cooper. “After the other week I think I may ban him from the office.”

  “He sure was chatty. Right up until the moment you took him out to the car.”

  “You heard that?”

  He laughed as he said the words that turned her face crimson. “I’ll never forget the sound of his shrieks echoing up the staircase and down the corridor. There’s something quite alarming about a parrot screaming ‘take Andrew back! Andrew is decent! Not like Cooooopppperrrrr!’”

  ***

  Mick Gordon from the warehouse took the news well and Emily and Cooper quickly moved to their next meeting. They’d asked Heather to come upstairs at eleven o’clock and when she arrived she was a bundle of nerves. News had spread about their task from the morning and she looked like she was on the verge of tears as she steeled herself for whatever they were about to say.

  “First of all Heather,” Emily began, “please relax. We’re not finishing you up.”

  Heather let out a pent up breath and flopped forward in her chair. “Oh thank goodness. I was so worried when I heard you let Mick go this morning.”

  “Mick wasn’t performing and he’d already had two written warnings.” Cooper informed her. “You haven’t had any warnings have you, Heather?”

  “No of course not.” She was shocked that he’d even suggested such a thing.

  “Great. Then you can relax.”

  Emily gave his foot a tap under the table. “Please ignore Cooper being so flippant, and let me explain why you’r
e here. We’ve been looking at everyone who works at Simpsons and laying out the tasks that they do.” Heather nodded. “We want to offer you some extra training because I know that sometimes you struggle with the computer and the various programs.”

  “I’m sure I can do better to learn them.” She spoke like she still suspected this was some sort of test.

  “I know you can but we want you to learn them properly from a trainer, not through us showing you a keystroke every second month because we just realised you don’t know it. You’re a valuable member of staff. You’re friendly, you help others with their boring tasks when they get behind and your own work is great. We want to help you to be better so that you have a long future with us.”

  A tear rolled down Heather’s cheek and Cooper sat up, alarmed. She sniffled and then pulled a tissue out of her sleeve, making Emily smile. “Thank you so much!” she said as she wiped her eyes and then dabbed her nose. “I was so worried coming up here, but you’ve made me feel so valued.”

  “You’re very welcome.” Emily pushed some papers toward her. “Here are the course details we have for you. You’ll see there’s more than one. Talk to your department and let me know which dates suit you best.” Heather took the papers and got up from her chair. Emily rose and walked her to the door. “Can you do one more thing for me?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “Can you make sure you let everyone know those are happy tears? I don’t want a revolt in my office when they think we fired our most loved staff member!”

  ***

  “That went well.” Cooper followed Emily to her office and lingered in the doorway as she sat at her desk. The sight of him lounging there was becoming familiar to her, now that he’d being doing it for several weeks. She tore her eyes away and focussed on her computer monitor. “How do you feel about closing the site for an entire day and running a team building exercise of some sort?”

  Her head snapped up. “That’s pretty extreme, but we could make it work. As long as it’s not lame. No high ropes courses or I’m out.”