Page 21 of The Flyboy's Girl
Chapter Ten
The anticipation of getting to see Paul again, coupled with working with my mother on a summer party for the children of the bases military families, made the week go by surprisingly quick.
While we worked, my mother asked, “Do you have plans with Millie this weekend?”
“Yes ma’am. We’re going to a movie tomorrow afternoon, and I hear there is a carnival in town this weekend so we’re thinking of going there on Saturday.”
“Oh, that sounds like fun. Would you have time to help me with a few things Saturday morning?”
“Of course,” I told her with a reassuring a smile. We worked in silence a few minutes before I asked something that had been on my mind, and even more so after to talking to Paul during our walk along the beach. “Mom, I was thinking of applying for a job.”
“That’s wonderful sweetheart. What did you have in mind?”
I’m not sure, maybe something secretarial or at one of the stores in town. Perhaps I’ll go next week and see what’s available.”
“That’s a good idea.”
* * *
When Friday finally arrived,Millie and I completed what we needed to at home as quickly as possible and then left for town. While we wait for Don and Paul to join us, I tell Millie about my desire to get a job, so we begin looking into who’s hiring. As we pass by the bank, I saw a help wanted sign in the window.
“Millie look!” Pointing to the sign that caught my attention across the street. “I’m going to go inquire about it.”
Stepping inside the bank’s lobby, I make my way over to desk occupied by a well-dressed woman. Reading the nameplate on her desk, Mrs. Masterson, Executive Secretary, I address her personally. “Excuse me, Mrs. Masterson? I’m Ruby Thorpe and I’m inquiring about the help wanted sign posted in the window.”
Looking up from her typewriter, she silently assesses me before explaining, “It’s a clerical position. Filing, typing and secretary for our newly appointed assistant manager. Do you have any experience?”
Nervously interlocking my fingers, so I don’t fidget, I admit, “No ma’am, however I did take a typing class in high school as well as shorthand. I assist my father with correspondence when needed and I volunteer at the library, so I’m used to filing.”
“Very well Miss Thorpe, come back Monday morning, nine o’clock sharp, you can meet with Mr. Palmer.”
Trying to contain my excitement, I smile and offer my thanks. “Thank you so much, I’ll see you on Monday.”
Practically floating out the door, I find Millie on the sidewalk. “Millie, you won’t believe it!”
“Did you get the job?”
I shake my head. “Not yet, but I’m supposed to come back on Monday to speak with Mr. Palmer.”
“Ruby, that’s wonderful! I’m so excited for you. Now I just need to find something.”
Threading my arm through hers I say, “Well let’s get going, maybe we’ll find something for you on our way to the theater.”
By the time we reach the movie theater where we planned to meet Don and Paul, Millie had already secured a position at a new boutique in town.
Approaching the theater, I hear Don say, “Look there Paul, here come our beautiful girls now.”
“Yep, and they do look beautiful,” Paul says, his gaze never wavering from me.
Walking straight into his arms, I smile up at him, “Still working that charm I see.”
Smiling Paul tucks a strand of hair behind my ear and shakes his head. “No, just telling the truth,” he says before he leans down to kiss me.
When the kiss ends, I pull back and my excitement returns. “You’ll never guess what happened today,” I begin, excited to share my news. “Millie and I were walking through town and I saw a help wanted sign in the window of the bank. I went inside to inquire about it and they asked me to come back on Monday to speak to the assistant manager.”
“That’s great Ruby! See I told you fate would work it out for us. What would you be doing?”
“I’d be the secretary for the assistant manager,” I reply proudly.
