Page 2 of Consumed By You

“I believe that’s all I needed to know for now. I am confident you will be a great addition here,” Doris declares with finality, sitting back as I gawk at her. This woman will forevermore be referred to as my guardian angel.

“I got the job?”

“Yes. We needed someone right away and usually only hire within the company. Adam’s recommendation couldn’t have come at a better time.”

“Thank you so much. I promise I won’t let you down.” I reach across and shake her hand firmly.

“I’m sure you won’t,” she responds. “I’ll walk you out. My incorrigible husband has been calling on the half hour asking what’s for dinner.” She chuckles as if it were an everyday occurrence that she’s fond of. Opening the door, she shows me to the elevator. “Come see me tomorrow at noon. I’ll have the necessary paperwork ready for you and we can get started with the training process. It is going to be extensive and grueling, so come prepared to work your butt off.”

I’m resisting leaping with joy. I have a job. I actually got the job at Scott Industries!

I can pay my rent!

“Thank you so much again.” I take ahold of her hand with enthusiasm.

“Until tomorrow, Darcy.”

In my deliriousness, I don’t even realize the elevators have been open and are now closing. I shoot my hand between the sliding mechanical doors and step in. “Tomorrow.”

***

“I love the dress, Darcy,” Doris compliments me as I walk out of the elevator toward her.

I’m pleased by her comment, glad that the hundred dollars I spent yesterday at Macy’s after the interview wasn’t for nothing. I chose a black tight-fitted sheath dress with matching pumps, attempting to look professional like the other girls at this company.

“Thank you, Mrs. Lindley.”

“Doris, please.”

“Right, I’m sorry. I’m a little nervous.”

“It’s all right, but I’d try to get over that fast. I’m far from intimidating compared to Benjamin. Thankfully, he’s lightened up over the years I’ve worked for him.”

“How long have you worked with him?”

“Five years. I worked for his father previously but frankly, between you and me, Benjamin is a much better boss.” She gestures for me to follow her to her immaculate office. She lowers into her desk chair and I plop down ungracefully across from her into the loud leather.

“Five years…wow.” It’s going to take me longer to get on his good side then. Great.

“Yes, they really flew by. I’ve known Ben since he was a baby. It’s wonderful to see how accomplished he’s become.”

She’s full of resolve suddenly, her bony fingers curling around an expensive fountain pen. “I wish I didn’t have to go but my husband was just…well, he was diagnosed recently with stage four lung cancer, so I need to be there to take care of him.”

I don’t have to know Doris well to ache for her.

Stage four. Wow.

“I’m so sorry.”

She struggles to stabilize her demeanor, laying her out flat vulnerably. “We’re hanging in there. He’ll be fine.” She attempts to pull herself together, her lids blinking back any resulting emotions. “Now, here is the contract.”

She hands me a thick packet of papers, still hot off the press. “Okay, let’s get started.”

***

“Wait,how much?” I wheeze, bewildered by the descriptive paragraph in my contract detailing payment.

She regards me in amusement. “Your monthly income will be somewhere around ten thousand dollars, nearly two thousand, five-hundred a week. Mr. Scott handsomely recompenses his personnel, especially the employees he works with closely. But as I said, you earn that money. He is a workaholic and will expect you to stay until he tells you it’s okay to go.”