Page 13 of What's the time, Mr. Wolfe
“Thank you,” I muttered, totally overwhelmed.
Although she smiled constantly at me, she didn’t speak again as we travelled a couple of floors up in the lift. She held her palm over the door once it had opened and allowed me to walk into an open plan office. It was the place of my dreams. People dressed casually were sitting at desks or standing in front of drawing boards.There was laughter and the smell of coffee. A couple of people turned to look at me.
“Ah, Ruby, isn’t it?” one said, and I just nodded. “Come on over,” he beckoned.
I stretched my cheeks as far as I could to resemble a smile. I’d frozen with fear.
All that ran through my mind was,Get a grip, Ruby!
“Mr. Wolfe tells me you are an exceptional draftsman. Or do we have to say draftsperson now?” An older gentleman walked out of a corner office. His smile instantly put me at ease. He had a kind face, and like a dog, I genuinely could tell if someone was nice or not.
“I’m not entirely sure that’s correct. I try, but I’d love to learn more,” I said, realising I was blabbing.
“Well, come on in, then.”
I followed him into his office and took the chair he indicated. Then cursed myself. “I didn’t bring any drawings,” I said, panicking.
He waved his hand in the air. “No need. If Mr. Wolfe believes you can draw, I don’t need clarification. He’d know more than anyone,” he said.
I wanted to ask why, but didn’t. Instead, Mike, as he introduced himself as, told me what he had in mind.
Thirty minutes in and I was busting to sign up. I would work, and get paid, for three days and study for two. I would leave college and start training through the Royal Instituteof British Architecture’s studio programmes. I could do online learning, therefore be at home with Grandma while I did. But the cherry on the cake? The salary and benefits. It was way higher than I would have expected, would allow me to pay Monica privately for more hours, and give up all my other jobs. I ran some calculations through my mind.
“How does that sound?” Mike asked.
“Like it’s not real. What’s the catch?”
He laughed. “No catch. As I said, Mr. Wolfe is very keen to have you on board. We need some apprentices, although we like to call them assistants, and you fit the bill perfectly.”
“I do hope that Mr. Wolfe hasn’t cajoled you into employing me,” I lied. I bloody well hoped he had. This was an opportunity that would never have presented to me, normally. I didn’t care how it came about.
“No. There were three candidates in the running. If I’m honest, Ruby, we prefer to give people a chance. You’ll find out there are one or two who have spent time in prison, been homeless. It’s Mr. Wolfe’s mission in life to help others.”
“He sounds like a real-life Robin Hood,” I said, then laughed.
“He is.”
The answer brought me up short. Was he? “Well, I hope I’m not expected to steal from the rich. I’m afraid I’d be a terrible criminal.”
“You’ve certainlystolenMr. Wolfe’s heart.”
I stared at him, open-mouthed. “Huh?”
“Oh, I don’t mean in a... you know. I mean, he appears to be fond of you and wants to help you get to where you want to be.”
I squinted at him. “Riiiight.”
Mike laughed. “I have some paperwork I’d like you to take home. Have a read through and if you’re in full agreement, call me and we can work on a start date.”
“Mike, I have to tell you I’m also a carer. I have help, but...”
He held his hand up. “Your grandma, Mr. Wolfe said. Read the document and come back to me in a couple of days. Reception will organise a car to take you home.” He smiled at me.
“Do you mind if I walk?” I asked.
With a nod and a smile, they waved me off, so it seemed, and I started my journey back home.
I had one thought running through my head.
