Page 16 of Strings
“Oh my gosh! I remember you now! Yes. You helped me when all the folders slid off my desk.”
“That’s me!” I reach out and shake her hand. “It’s nice to see you again, McKinnze.”
She seems stunned that I remember her name. But one thing I know for sure is that every single person in any company is important. The receptionist is more than someone who answers calls. She’s actually the gatekeeper. Gatekeepers see and know all. It never hurts to be friends with the person who hears all the gossip and knows everyone who comes and goes. You never know when you may need information.
“You look so different,” she says with a big smile.
“Yes, well, I like to switch it up here and there.”
“I like the new look. It’s very becoming on you. You have great cheekbones.”
“That’s really kind of you to say. And I love your earrings. Where did you get them?”
She touches them lightly and turns her head to show them off more. “Lord and Taylor. I watch out for sales and try to get the nice stuff at a price I can actually afford.”
“Hmm. Well, if you see any good sales, let me know. I’m always looking to update my wardrobe.”
“You got it!”
“Which way did you say again?”
She smiles brightly. “Let me walk you down there. It can be a bit tricky. There are a lot of doors and sometimes people get lost.”
“Thank you!” And boom! It never hurts to be nice. She’s already helping me and it’s been five minutes. One person down, the rest of the company to go.
I practice my new fake social security number over and over in my head on my jaunt there. I’ve only had it for a short time. I’m guessing they’re going to want me to fill out some forms or something.
I enter HR like I own the place, but I make sure I smile to show I’m approachable. All those online articles I read better pay off.
“Good morning, Natalia. My name is Diana. We have some papers we need to fill out for payroll, and we’ll need a blank check for direct deposit.”
“Oh. I actually moved into town on Saturday. Can I get the check to you later this week?”
“Certainly. We’ll need to take your picture for your ID Badge. It’s how you’ll get into your office as well as the venues. Could you step over here to the white background?”
“Do I smile for this, or is it serious like a driver’s license?”
“You can smile. It’ll stay with you for a while, so you’ll want to not hate wearing it.”
“Oh, well then, can you Photoshop my fine lines and make my teeth whiter? If it’s good, I may use it for my Tinder profile.”
Diana smiles but seems irritated. Okay. Don’t joke with Diana. Noted.
After an hour of crap in HR, I’m given a schedule. First stop is my new boss and then a tour. Diana escorts me to Mr. Bordo’s office. My freshly printed badge with the worst picture ever is around my neck. I’m pretty sure Diana waited until I was frowning to take it. At least McKinnze likes me. I’m one for two.
As we exit the elevator on the third floor, my skin begins to crawl. I remember this floor all too well. I pray I’m not working anywhere near Derrick Mercer or his office. Although he assured me that lifting my skirt for him while he bent me over his desk wouldn’t be a regular job requirement, he wasn’t at all shy about mentioning that being willing to “bend” in the interview would definitely work in my favor. I hope I never have to see that dirty old man of a CEO ever again.
It wasn’t my finest hour. I’ve done a lot of things in my life that I regret, but allowing him to fuck me for this job will always be one of my darkest moments. I cried in the bathroom afterwards. I’ve screwed a lot of guys for a lot of reasons, but never for something like this.
After a few questions, he knew I didn’t have the actual qualifications on my résumé and he threatened to call security. I was desperate. I was scared of getting in trouble again and I needed out of Detroit. He used my desperation to his benefit.
Even though I got this job the wrong way, I want to make it right. I want to learn. I want to work hard. I’ve always loved music, and although I’ve never listened to classical music, I’m certain I could grow to understand it. I have to. I won’t let what I did be for nothing.
“And over to your right is our CEO’s office, Mr. Mercer. I believe he interviewed you, correct?” Diana stops and stares at me directly when she asks the question. Her eyes bore through me and it almost makes me gasp. Does she know?
“We’ve met.”
She nods, seemingly satisfied with my response, and slowly turns down the opposite hall. “He’s in France for the rest of the month, but I’m sure he’ll want to check in with you when he returns.”
