Page 7 of A Kiss at Midnight

“Thank you,” I say. “Might I have your name?” I’m through waiting for the woman to introduce herself.

“I apologize. I should’ve told you already,” she replies with a slight laugh that doesn’t reach her eyes. “McKenzie Beaumont. I’m the personal manager for Blake Astor and oversee the staff.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Beaumont.”

For the next hour, Ms. Beaumont asks all sorts of questions I’ve never been asked before in an interview, but the longer we sit in the small, stark room, the happier I become. If she isn’t seriously considering me, she wouldn’t want to sit here wasting her time... right?

“Do you have family, Jewel?”

This question makes me pause. Should I lie? What if the woman thinks my personal life is too much of a hindrance and then doesn’t give me the job? With a pang in my heart, I speak. “My mother passed away a couple of months ago. I have no family left.” It feels like acid traveling up my throat as I deny the existence of my brother to this woman, but I seem to have no choice. There’s no reason for my potential employer to know about Justin. My personal life is just that, mine.

“And friends? Do you have close friends?” What a strange question to be asked. On this subject I can easily speak the truth.

“No. I moved back home about four months ago to take care of her before she died. I had to leave everyone behind in Florida where I was working. I haven’t had time yet to make new friends. I’m not a really social person, anyway. I much prefer to do my job and relax alone at home.”

This is somewhat true. Sure, I enjoyed going to happy hour with my friends back in Florida, but my idea of a perfect weekend is sitting in front of a fireplace in the winter with a glass of inexpensive wine in one hand and a good book in the other. I don’t need an exciting social life. I’ve been teased about this my entire life, and it doesn’t bother me.

“Would you like to hear more about the position, Jewel?”

The intensity in Ms. Beaumont’s eyes makes me feel suddenly tempted to turn around and bolt from the room. I don’t have the foggiest idea what this woman will say next, and I’m not sure I want to know.

“Yes, of course. I’m willing to learn any job, and I guarantee I’ll do it well.”

“We put all new employees on a yearlong probationary period to make sure they’re a good fit for the company. While, if you’re hired, you’ll have a job title, it’s essential that our staff learn other jobs in the company as well to fill in when and where needed. We offer full medical, cost of living adjustments, a fair salary, and the company owns several apartment complexes which we offer discounted living for all staff members. I like your résumé, Jewel. I think you’re green, but I see some good things here. I’ll have to check to make sure everything’s correct, but I can safely tell you I think you’ll get the job. We need someone to begin immediately. If you accept, I’d like to see you in here tomorrow. As long as the résumé checks out, you’ll make it past the first week. If it doesn’t, you’ll be immediately dismissed. We don’t leave positions open for long as the Astor brothers don’t like empty offices.”

“Thank you, Ms. Beaumont, I won’t disappoint you,” I tell her, trying to keep my tone respectful and not shout for joy.

“Report to the front desk at seven tomorrow morning and you’ll be taken to HR. I hope this works out,” Ms. Beaumont says as she stands. I quickly jump to my feet too excited to keep sitting, and glad the interview is over. I’m awed I got the position. Everything on my résumé is a hundred percent correct so there’s no chance I’ll be let go.

Ms. Beaumont walks me to the front desk on the twentieth floor, says goodbye, and disappears. I make it all of the way outside and around the corner before I let out a happy cry that has several heads turning my way.

I got the job. Ms. Beaumont was an intimidating woman, and I still got the job. “I’m coming to get you, Justin. You’ll be released to me at the next court hearing. Everything will be fine now.”

I don’t care if people think I’m crazy. I’m happier than I’ve been in months, and from here on out it’s only going to get better and better. The sun is shining once again. This office building is a bit scary, but I don’t care. My life is finally on the right path again, and I only see sunshine in my future.

Chapter Review

Chapter Four

Blake

Hello, Mr. Astor.You’re here early today,” McKenzie says as she greets me with a smile. She’s one damn good office manager and sees everything. Even knowing this, I still like to do my own walk-throughs in the building. I’m not predictable though, and I take different routes at different times.

“Good morning, McKenzie. Anything new to report?”

She begins talking and I give a critical look around as I move through the huge building. A boss who doesn’t walk each space of his own business is an owner who will fail. I know the people who work in my mailroom all the way up to those who sit on the top floor. I’m filled with pride as I move through this building my brothers and I have lovingly built.

The building is done in varying shades of beige, red, and blue, and it sports expensive crystal chandeliers, unique furniture, and tasteful plants. Elegantly dressed men and women sit and chat with potential clients and co-workers, their voices low, their conversations muted.

I recognize a congressman in the corner with a talented young architect and I smile. Our services aren’t cheap, and we’re known for being the best... as it should be.

I’m careful who I hire. I don’t want office politics. That means I want someone serious, who loves working hard, and who has drive. I’ve gone through three secretaries in five years because two have moved up in the company. A person can start at any level in my business and rise to the top... or close to the top as my brothers and I will never step down from our positions.

I look around and nod before we move to the elevators and go to another floor. Even after many years, I find it amusing how people stand at attention when I come into a room. I’m well aware I’m one of the elite in society. That, of course, means my ass is kissed on a regular basis, which annoys me. I prefer honesty. Then again, my brothers and I are cynical because of all we’ve been through. That’s okay. It’s all part of the world we live in and created for ourselves.

The three of us learned from our mother at a young age to trust no one, not even those we should be able to trust above all others, and that depressing lesson actually helped us. If we don’t wear our hearts on our sleeves, and don’t allow anyone even remotely close to the recesses of our hearts, we don’t risk ever being traumatized again. This is the world we’ve created. It’s a good world.

Our greatest strength — our fraternal bond is paramount with us — it’s also a weakness. If an enemy wants to get to one of us, he or she can do it through one of our siblings. We’d kill for each other, and we’d go to the ends of the earth, though we’ve never spoken about that. We try not to think about it.

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