Page 58 of VOGUEish

India gave a slight shrug. “There tends to be less drama in a workplace when employees have a happy environment to go home to at the end of the day. Plus, statistics show married people tend to be more loyal to a company. It’s harder for them to get up and walk away from a paycheck.”

“If, for the moment, I ignore the fact that your argument is a form of discrimination, I find myself impressed with your views,” Nonna said. “Isabella, any follow-up?”

“Naked Runway is a magazine devoured by a lot of single individuals. Your staff should reflect your readership. And as far as drama in the workplace goes, you don’t have to hire married people to keep drama at bay. You simply must have a boss who makes it clear they’ll not put up with irrelevant discourse. Employees will know they either play nicely together or find employment elsewhere. And while marriage might make them loyal because they don’t feel they have as easy an out as, say, a nonmarried person, who only has to think about what’s best for themselves, not what’s best for their family, when deciding to quit a job, it can also lead to a feeling of resentment toward the company because they can’t easily quit if they’re not fulfilled. On the other hand, a generous paycheck will make them loyal without the underlying negativity.”

Thirty minutes later, the interview ended.

“What did you think?” Chandler asked Nonna once India was on the elevator and headed out of the building.

“I’m disappointed in her. She came highly recommended.” Nonna made a tsking noise with her tongue. “And you guys?”

“I don’t have an opinion,” Isabella responded.

“Nonsense. Of course you have an opinion,” Nonna said. “Spit it out.”

“Well…if you insist.” Isabella exhaled a loud breath. “You need to hire someone whose whole persona shouts in-charge, fashion-forward, freaking-fabulous.” She paused, glanced toward him, and then snapped her attention back to Nonna. “You need someone your staff will admire and fear in equal amounts. I don’t think they would fear India.”

“Why fear?” Nonna asked.

“Because their fear factor is what sets them apart from normal people. And if you want to lead Naked Runway into the future, you can’t hire a people person. You must hire a powerful, goddess-like force.”

“Why a goddess and not a god?” Chandler asked.

“No reason. A god will work just as well,” Isabella answered. “What did you think of India?”

“She didn’t impress me as much as I’d hoped, either. I guess we’re unanimous. She’s out. Do you have someone else lined up for us to meet?” Chandler asked Nonna.

“I do. Unfortunately, she’s out of the state. I need the two of you to travel to the interview. I tried to get her to Skype the interview, but she refused.”

“She must not want the job very bad if she vetoed a common-sense way for us to interview her.” Chandler hated dealing with difficult people.

Nonna gave one of her secretive little smiles. “You’re right. She doesn’t want the job. If we get her, it will be because we convinced her to come to Naked Runway. Which means your job is not so much to interview her as it is to woo her.”

“Who is it?” Chandler asked. “And what do you mean by woo?”

“She hasn’t given me permission to mention her name yet. I mean, do whatever it takes to make sure she’s interested in learning more about the position.”

“I’m not seducing her, if that’s what you’re implying,” Chandler said.

Nonna gave a sharp laugh. “Of course you’re not. But there’s no reason why you can’t fly to her and get a feel for her as a leader. Make her feel important. Wanted.”

“I’m not even an employee of Naked Runway,” Chandler argued. “Why are you sending me? There are many on the staff who are better qualified to be on the interviewing committee.”

“You work for Glamour, Inc. And I consider you my right hand, no matter the title you have within the company. You are exactly who I want sitting in on this interview. You and Isabella. Together, you bring a fresh look at what needs to happen here at Naked Runway.”

“Even so, Nonna, you must know I don’t condone the idea of cajoling someone in the hopes they’ll come to work for one of our companies,” Chandler quarreled. “Our goal is to hire people smart enough to know they want to work for Glamour, Inc.”

“That’s why I’m sending Isabella with you.” Nonna looked from one to the other. “The candidate is knowledgeable about the fashion industry. Once the interviewee’s name is revealed, Isabella will understand why we’d be a fool not to try everything within our power to motivate our candidate to want to come to Naked Runway.”

Isabella remained silent.

“I would think someone who has been working in the industry should be a part of this interview team,” Chandler said. “Not to mention, Isabella wishes to distance herself from me in the eyes of her coworkers.” Chandler kept his tone neutral so Nonna wouldn’t pick up on the desperation surging through his blood. No way could he keep his hands off Isabella if she were in a hotel room across the hall from him. No. Fucking. Way.

“I’m aware of her desire,” Nonna said. “Unfortunately, this is what’s best for Naked Runway. I trust Isabella has what it takes to win over her coworkers no matter who she may or may not be dating.” She paused. “Isabella, I support your comeback moment. It was my idea for you to have one. Moments such as those are important. That being said, you will never truly be free of your past until you learn to not care what others think.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Isabella said. “Logically, I know you’re right.”

“Then it is settled,” Nonna replied.

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