Page 8 of Mike's Assistant

Vanessa started walking toward the elevator, and I hurried after her. This could be karma already coming back to me. A spark ignited within me, a hopeful glimmer in the dark.

“You really think they might have something?” I asked as we stepped into the elevator.

“I’m sure they have some openings. I’m not sure what they have, but I’ll put in a good word for you. Ryan in H.R. loves me, and Denise, the H.R. vice president, is a good family friend,” Vanessa said as she pressed the button for the fifteenth floor.

I couldn’t believe my luck. A small part of me thought it was my dad and stepmom looking out for me. I was so thankful I gave my last twenty.

“So, you just moved here? Where from?” Vanessa asked, pulling me from my thoughts.

“Um, I’m from a small town in West Virginia,” I replied. I didn’t know how much I should tell her. Luckily, she didn’t expect more.

“Wow, quite a change in climate. I bet the Florida winter is loads different.”

I laughed and rubbed the back of my neck. “Yeah, it was a huge change. A few days ago, I was knee-deep in snow, and now I’m sweating from the blazing sun.”

Vanessa's laughter filled the elevator, light and carefree. It was contagious—I couldn’t help but mirror her—a smile bloomed across my face. Her beauty was undeniable, a magnetism that was hard to ignore. And while I was gay, I could still appreciate her infectious joy.

The elevator stopped, and the doors slid open with a ding. This floor differed from the lobby below. It was still warm and welcoming, but had much more activity. Two young women typed furiously on the computers stationed at the large horseshoe reception desk.

Vanessa moved past the women, giving them a tiny wave. I gave a nod and quickly followed. As we approached an office door, a familiar flutter of nerves rekindled in my stomach, tying it into anxious knots.

With a soft knock, Vanessa pushed open the door and confidently strolled into the room. “Hey, Ryan,” she greeted, her voice easy and familiar. I trailed behind her, craning my neck to get a glimpse of the younger man sitting behind an oak desk.

“Vanessa, come in. What brings you by?” Ryan replied, looking up with a smile.

Ryan, who couldn't be older than his mid-thirties, was a man whose charisma radiated through the room, reflected in his warm hazel eyes and genuine smile. His brown hair was neatly styled, and his slim-fit shirt showcased his lean physique. A pair of trendy glasses sat comfortably on his nose, giving him a professional yet approachable look. Behind the desk, he seemed to be a man in his element, exuding confidence and a welcoming air that made him instantly likable.

“I wanted to bring my friend Jake by. He just moved to town, and he’s looking for work.” Vanessa paused and leaned close to Ryan. “I’m sure you can find him something.” I heard her whisper. Her words seemed ordinary, but at the same time, it was as if they were a command.

Ryan rose from his chair. “Of course,” Ryan said before holding out his hand toward me. “Ryan Hastings, I’m sure we can find something for you to do.”

I shook his offered hand. “Jake Bradford. That’s great news. I’ll do anything. I really need a job.”

“I’ll let you two talk. I’ve got to bring this coffee and snack to the grump upstairs before he roars even louder. I’ll talk to you later, Jake. Thanks, Ryan,” Vanessa said before turning toward the door.

“Thank you so much for everything, Vanessa,” I said.

“No problem. I’ll be back down with the twenty I owe you,” Vanessa replied, her smile lighting up the room.

As I shook my head to decline her repayment, Vanessa stepped towards me, her free arm wrapping around my shoulder in a quick, comforting squeeze. Her scent, a comforting blend of vanilla and something uniquely her, lingered in the air as she pulled away.

“All the same. I’ll see you before you leave,” she said, stepping back, but her smile never faded.

“Go on, Vanessa. I’ll get Jake situated and bring him to you. Please go deal with him. I don’t know how much longer poor Jessica will stay,” Ryan replied, emphasizing the 'him' oddly.

Vanessa simply nodded. Whoever they were talking about sounded like a real bear to work for. “I’ll handle it,” she stated confidently before turning towards the door.

“Jake, take a seat,” Ryan motioned to the chairs. “Let’s find you a position.”

A grin spread across my face. After everything, I was finally getting a job, a chance to provide for my brothers. I sent a silent thank you to the universe, a sense of relief washing over me. If this was karma returning on my good deed, it was more than I could have ever asked for.

Unexpected Opportunity

Jake

It looks like we have a position open in our mailroom. What do you think? Ever worked in a mailroom?" Ryan asked, looking up from his computer screen.

After Vanessa left, we chit-chatted a bit. He’d asked me where I was from, how old I was, and what kind of education I had. The normal stuff you’d have in an interview. But Ryan made it seem like a conversation, not an interrogation. He was welcoming and always smiling.

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