Page 16 of Business or Pleasure

His professional smile turned into a genuine one. “Of course. Miss Boswell mentioned you might show up.” He handed me a guest badge and sent me to the elevator, telling me the floor.

When the doors opened, Tuesday was there, smiling from ear to ear.

“Mr. McCrae is right this way.” She led me down a hall. “I told him I met you in the comic book store and how you helped me find a present for Evanne, in case he mentions it.”

Suddenly, butterflies erupted in my stomach, and I rubbed my palms together. I was more than a little nervous. We reached the end of the hall, and Tuesday knocked on the door.

“Mr. McCrae, Harlee Sumpter is here.”

A pleasant male voice came from inside the office. “Come in.”

As I walked around Tuesday, she nodded at her boss. Is there anything else I can help you with?”

“No, thank you.” The man behind the desk stood up. “Ms. Sumpter, I’m Alec McCrae.” He held out his hand.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. McCrae.” As we shook, I hoped my hand wasn’t clammy.

“Have a seat.” He gave me a polite smile and gestured to the chair in front of me. “Ms. Boswell spoke highly of you, both as an individual and as a professional asset. He paused for a moment. “You should know her compliments aren't given lightly.”

My chest tightened.

“And, she's a good judge of character.”

"She seems to be a wonderful woman."

He nodded. "Aye. Still, I have a few questions for you.”

I realized he had an accent. Scottish. I’d read about MIRI being founded in Scotland by Patrick McCrae, Alec’s father. I’d never been there, but it was on my bucket list. Someday.

My thoughts went to the back of my mind. "Yes, of course."

The number of hours you have spent at various universities is impressive, but you have never completed a degree. Why is that the case?”

Clearing my throat, I continued. "I never did well in traditional schools. As you can see, I hold a GED rather than a regular diploma. I had trouble choosing just one major. As a result, I was never able to accumulate enough hours in one specific field to earn a degree."

“I understand.” Alec tipped his mouth up in a half-smile. "What caught your eye?" Which specific classes piqued your interest?”

“ Facts are important to me. Checklists. I like writing the pros and cons of a decision and looking at it from every angle. Understanding why things happen. I'm fascinated by statistics in particular.”

Slowly, he nodded. “According to your employment history, you never stayed in one place for more than a year. Why is that?”

"I get bored easily," I confessed. "Before you ask, I have never been diagnosed with ADHD or anything like that. It's just that I get bored.”

"Every child is different," Alec said softly, and I could see something in his eyes that told me he understood. "I'm sure your parents did what they thought was best for you."

I didn't bother correcting him. I have a complicated family history. "I always thought that." At least about my mom.

He turned serious as his smile faded. "I'm almost finished—just a few words on the business rules. Respect for the policies I have here is essential to me."

I nodded in agreement.

“For example, we prohibit fraternization with our clients. That may seem like a suggestion to some, but not to me. It is also the same for relationships between supervisors and their subordinates. Do you agree with such rules?”

I took my time before answering. “I do. I think you’re the sort of man who wouldn’t just give random rules without good reasons. Company policies should be followed unless someone's life or health is at stake."

He smiled, and I knew he liked what I said. “Perfect. Only have one last question for you. Do you want to work here? Don’t feel obliged to say so just because Ms. Boswell spoke well of you. I would prefer it if you came into the job with a passion.”

"I asked myself the same question," I confessed. "I always look for something I enjoy about every job. But this one’s different. I don’t need to look for anything, because I like it all. And I like the idea of having to use my brain for once.”

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