Page 5 of No Harm No Howl

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I didn’t want to bring it up during the concert, but I could tell something was going on with you. Do you want to talk about it?”

“Eh. Honestly, I’ve been trying not to think about it. I don’t feel like crying anymore,” Gia said, pushing her food around her plate.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Gerri asked, taking a bite of her food.

“Not unless you know of someone looking for an executive assistant,” Gia sighed.

“Actually, I do. I talked to someone last night who has an opening at his company.”

“Are you for real?” Gia’s head snapped up, wondering if she’d heard Gerri correctly. Leave it to Gerri to know what Gia needed even before she spoke the words.

“Yep, I am. A friend of mine owns a security company, and he’s looking for an executive assistant. He told me to send him anyone who may be interested.”

“This sounds way too easy. Are you trying to set me up or something?” Warning bells started blaring in Gia’s mind. Having known Gerri for years, Gia knew what the woman was capable of. In fact, she’d been on Gia’s ass for years about letting her find her mate for her, but Gia had always found a way to avoid the situation with Gerri altogether.

“Don’t be silly. You know I work with a lot of people. Think of it as a network of professionals who talk to one another. We like to help out and pass information along. It’s really nothing more than that.”

“If you say so.” Gia knew better than to believe that. She loved and adored Gerri, but there was no way she was falling for that line.

“I do. You have nothing to worry about. It’s a legit job at a very prestigious company. I’m not trying to pull a fast one over on you. From what I understand, the pay and benefits will far surpass what you have been making.”

“Okay, fine. You’ve got me with pay and benefits. What’s the name of the company?” Gia asked. She would check it out and see if Gerri was right. If the company was a good fit for her, and if her friend was correct about the pay and benefits. What’s the worst that could happen?

“Waters Security International.”

“Oh! Really? I applied there years ago and never even got so much as a call back.” Gerri suddenly had Gia’s full attention. She’d heard so much about WSI and had tried hella hard to get a job there before her, well … used-to-be current job. Sadly, they’d never bothered getting back to her. She’d been bummed at the time but had been lucky enough to be scooped up quickly, so she’d written them off long ago. But if she could get in there now, that would be awesome. It could crack her career wide open.

“Well, I’m telling you now. I talked to Mr. Waters personally.”

“What do I need to do? Email my resume? Set up an appointment for an interview?” Gia was suddenly bouncing on her seat like a giddy schoolgirl.

“Let me find out.” Gerri pulled her phone out and fired off a quick text.

“What? Just like that?” Gia asked.

“Yep. He said that he’d like to meet with you tomorrow at eight a.m.” Gerri looked at her for an answer.

Gia’s eyes bugged out of her head, her words sticking in her throat.

“Well? Can you be there?” Gerri asked again.

“On Sunday?” she asked, looking for clarification.

Gerri replied to the text and waited for a response. When her cell phone dinged, she lifted her head and replied, “Yes. Tomorrow.”

“Uh … sure,” Gia said with a shaky voice. “I’ve got to get my resume updated. I thought I’d have more time.” She jumped from her chair and ran to grab her laptop.

“I’ll let you get to it.” Gerri picked up her plate. Rinsing it off in the sink, she called out to Gia. “You could have picked a different day, you know.”

“Now, you tell me.”

“Sorry, I thought you would have said something if you needed more time.” Gerri shrugged and grabbed her purse. “I should go so you can get your shit together. It’s getting pretty stressful in here.”

“Uh-huh. Thanks for the food and the job tip. I’ll let you know how it goes.” Gia stood and hugged Gerri, truly thankful for the opportunity she had been given.

“I want you to march in there tomorrow and knock his damn socks off,” Gerri said with a stern voice and a serious look on her face. “You hear me?”

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