Page 27 of His Rules

“To that end, tell me why you’d like to work here.”

I’d tried to think about that question, but I certainly didn’t have some burning need to work for an airplane manufacturer. “The simple truth is that I wanted to immerse myself in a firm where I could utilize my skills that were learned through trial and error on the job. I also had the desire to move back home.”

“At least one part of your statement is true. Try again. Why do you want to work here?”

The bitch was smirking at me, challenging me. Well, fine. I leaned forward, taking her up on it. “Let me be frank, Ms. Bennett. This company is suffering financially. While the executives can pretend the reason is a downtrend in the market, the truth is that something internally is taking away from the profits. Something or someone. And I am determined to find what that is. I think I’m the perfect person to do that since very little disturbs me.”

She didn’t move a muscle, not even a tiny twitch in the corner of her mouth. But her eyes were even more on fire. Was that a good or bad thing? I couldn’t tell at this point.

“I did well by bringing you in, Ms. Taylor. I’d like to offer you the job. I believe the starting salary and benefits were already sent to you. There will be a thirty-day review and at that time, you can renegotiate your contract if so desired.”

“So I have the job?”

“You have the job, but as much as you’ve seemed to want it, I hope you did your research. The job isn’t easy. Long hours. Few accolades. A hell of a lot of stress.”

“I can handle it.” A small group of butterflies settled in my stomach.

“I certainly hope that you can.”

I was floored as well as giddy inside. I’d been right to stick to my guns. “If I may, what is it about what I just said to you that changed your mind?”

Ms. Bennett replied, “You may have a lot to learn about the industry, but you’re tenacious and a fighter. You’re going to needthat to work with the CFO. If you agree, I’ll take you right away to meet him.”

“When would I start?” When she stood, so did I.

“How about right now? Unless you have engagements that would keep you from doing so.”

“No, I don’t have anything pressing at the moment, but I will need time to return to New York and make arrangements for a move.”

“That can be arranged. Do we have a deal, Ms. Taylor?”

I thought about what making this huge move would entail and a moment of fear trickled through me. But even with my recent stupidity, I felt confident this was the right decision for me personally and professionally. “You have a deal, Ms. Bennett. And I’m very excited.”

“Let’s just hope you feel that way when your thirty-day review pops up. Come. Let’s see if he’s in.”

I found it interesting that I hadn’t met with the man prior to being hired, but perhaps Ms. Bennett was a truly trusted employee.

It was too bad she was a prickly bitch.

She walked quickly down a long series of hallways and I had to use long strides to keep up with her. I tried to pay attention to my surroundings, but it was tough with everything flashing by in a blur.

“I’ll show you to your office after you meet with him. I will warn you that he’s not a people person. The last girl we hired lasted two weeks; the one before that, two days. However, Ihave a feeling you’ll put him in his place while providing him the assistance he needs. Afterwards, we’ll get the paperwork finished so you can spend additional time getting to know our standards and practices. It’s vital for you to learn the handbook inside and out. That will possibly save you some awkward moments. And whatever you do, don’t challenge him on any decision he makes. At least not outwardly. You’ll learn methods to corral him. If not, you won’t survive.”

I was shocked she spoke about one of her bosses that way, but every company had a different atmosphere. She kept walking, pointing out the restrooms and the breakroom, not bothering to allow me to ask a single question.

Meanwhile, my nerves were doing more flipflops.

I could tell the moment we’d entered the executive row. The doors were much further apart. “Um, I didn’t even ask. Who is the CFO?”

She stopped short, turning and looking at me as if she felt sorry for me. What in God’s name was wrong with the man? She took off walking for a few more feet and waved her hand at a name placard on the wall next to the door.

No. This just couldn’t be happening to me. There was no chance in hell unless the world and God hated me. What had I done to deserve this?

There etched in a golden plaque was the man’s name in bold letters.

Sebastian Winfield.

Why did I have a terrible feeling about even walking through his door?

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