What Lead Me Straight To You
Growing up, I learned that money can get a person to do just about anything.
Whether a small amount, or enough to pay off a debt... A person generally accepts opportunities to make their wallets just a little greener.
That was me, I was one of those people.
And that’s why, as I speak to you, I’m standing in front of this crowd of strangers, naked, as a subject for their next piece.
What was I thinking? This isn’t me. I’m too shy for this.
But in life, there are learning experiences... Like this one.
I learned that there’s one more thing that can get a person to do just about anything; whether in the early stages, or down the line... I look over to the man running the show, the man dominating my thoughts, the man whose taught me to live.
Love. Love is one thing that can blind a person into doing just about anything.
And I don’t think you’re ready for a love story quite like this one.
Monday
“Rosalyn...”
...
“Rosalyn!”
I shot awake, blinded by the fluorescent light above my desk. I let out a small yawn, meeting the gaze of my supervisor.
Shit.
“Honey, why don’t you go home and get some rest?” A general look of concern washed over her face.
Damn it, I fell asleep on the job. Again.
“No can do, Mrs. Maria... I need all the overtime I can get!” I stifled another yawn, only to be met by a look of disbelief.
“Have you considered a roommate to take the load off of your rent?”
I answered her question with an awkward scratch to my neck. If only she knew of the nightmare of a roommate I had previously...
“I have... But I don’t have anyone in town that I can trust to live with.” I shifted in my chair awkwardly, realizing how bitchy that seemed. Mrs. Maria looked me over before a sigh escaped her lips.
“Well, I’m giving you the rest of the night off; it’s important to get rest, Rosalyn.”
“But Mrs. Maria-!” I started, startled that they would let me go home so early. I was interrupted with my supervisor smacking her lips.
“No buts, missy. Your physical and mental health come before the job, regardless of money. I’ll schedule you for Wednesday night.”
“So I’m not coming in tomorrow night, either?!” The panic was evident in my voice; how could I afford rent now?!
“Sweetie, you never work Tuesdays...” She placed her fingers to her temples, “See what I mean? You can’t even keep your schedule straight.”
I shifted again in my chair, feeling my cheeks flush in embarrassment. How could I forget one of my only nights off? Was I really lacking that much sleep?
“Sorry, Mrs. Maria.” I managed to squeak out, before standing from my chair and gathering my belongings that were spread across my desk, “I’ll see you Wednesday.”
And with that, I trudged on out of my shift, embarrassed and ashamed of myself.
After a few blocks of walking and self loathing, I reached the front of my apartment building; Grayson Heights. I live in the nicer end of Atlanta, Georgia... Which explains the trouble with paying my rent. It’s convenient for my commute to work, but independently taking on the finances really took a toll on me.
I pushed open the sleek glass doors, dragging my feet across the newly polished hardwood and towards the tenant elevator.
“You’re home early, Rose.” A voice snapped me out of my trance. Brynn Matthews, the front desk clerk. The strawberry blonde, very pregnant front desk clerk. She looked like she was going to pop at any time, yet the girl still worked her ass off. Bless her.
“Yeah, they let me come home early.” Her eyes narrowed, like she was trying to read me. Like if the reason I walked in through that door was a good one or not. After a brief pause, her lips curled into a friendly grin.
“Well, that was nice of them. Enjoy!”
“Yeah, thanks...” I mumbled, turning and continuing my journey to the elevator.
I slammed my hand on the elevator’s call button, waiting for it to drop down to my floor. Moments passed before it finally arrived, the doors roaring open. After stumbling in, the silver doors concealed me from the empty lobby and my body jerked when the elevator began to rise, level by level.
Floor 2... Floor 3... Floor 4...
Floor 5.
I was exposed to the 5th floor, plodding my way to my humble abode.
415, my apartment number.
I fumbled the keys in my pocket before finally pulling out the right one and shoving it into the key hole. I pushed the door open and trudged all the way to my bedroom, slipping out of my scrubs and into the comfiest pair of pajamas I owned. But, when I slipped into bed... My exhaustion disappeared.
Thoughts of tonight replayed in my mind. Thoughts of how fucked I am after working so hard. Thoughts of how much this hospital is dicking me around.
You see, I have earned my BSN... I have my certifications... But I’m stuck answering phones in the dead of night. No promotion in sight, and I’ve been here for 3 years. Pathetic, right? Regardless, I worked with the shitty deck I’ve been dealt, and fought for the hours I recently received; it was the perfect starting pay to cover my rent.
But, the hours have been catching up with me. I can’t even handle the workload of a simple receptionist job without falling asleep. How could I possibly handle being a nurse?
I sighed and pulled the covers to my chin, snuggling into the mattress below. I guess I’ll figure out a solution tomorrow.
Tuesday
There’s something about getting up on your day off that gives you a sense of joy. It motivates you to get up and do your favorite activities.
Not for me, there isn’t enough coffee in the world to wake me today.
I took a sip of my cream colored kryptonite, pondering the possibilities of how I’m going to make rent this month. Do I beg for more hours and swear I’ll never sleep on the job again? Do I get a second job-?
Ring ring!
Who the hell dare calls me this early?
I glanced to the lit screen, seeing the name Maisie Rae blinking on the front. I reached for the device and pressed the green button, placing the speaker up to my ear.
“Maisie, hi!” I spoke cheerfully.
“Hey girl... You sound pleasant.”
“It’s the espresso talking, I swear.” I let out a giggle.
“I can believe that... Anyway, you’re off on Tuesdays, right? I’m in town for the next couple weeks for business, and I’m trying to plan some girl time.”
“That sounds amazing, I could use it right now.” I admitted.
“Uh oh, that bad?”
“I’m just tired of the hospital fucking me over, Maisie.”
“I know, babe, I’m sorry...” There was a long pause on her end.
“How about this? Get dressed to impress, I’ll treat you to a couple drinks.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“And you don’t have to be cooped up in that apartment all the time. Remember, dress to impress.”
“You mean sweat pants aren’t acceptable at the bar?”
“... Some things will never change with you, Rose. I’m expecting to be out of here at 6, so I’ll be there around 6:30.”
“Perfect, gives me time to take a nap.”
“... You’re so predictable.”
“How rude of you! Goodbye, Mase.” I hung up, chuckling lightly to myself. I set my phone back on the counter and let out an exasperated groan.
I have to put on real people clothes? Ew.
“You have five minutes to get your ass up, Rose.”
Her words were faint, pulling me from dreamland and back to reality. An audible groan escaped from the cushion my face was resting on.
“Five more minutes, mom.”
I could hear Maisie’s laugh as I slowly picked myself up from the couch.
“Well, you showered, that’s progress. Do you have any outfits picked out?” She crossed her beautiful ebony toned arms, raising an eyebrow.
She’s gorgeous, Maisie Rae. With her dark, perfectly sculpted curls hanging passed her shoulders. Her bright blue eyes contrasted her glowing, dark skin; you could tell she moisturized daily. Her plump lips smacked, pulling me back into the reality that I haven’t chosen an outfit for tonight’s shenanigans yet.
“You’re unbelievable, you know.” She laughed, walking passed me, “Let’s go, princess. We need to make you look hot.”
If anyone knew me, Rosalyn Kennedy, it’s that my sweats and scrubs collection outdoes Kim K’s fancy schmancy dress closet. So, finding an outfit for tonight... Was going to be a struggle.
“Girl, where in the world are your skimpy dresses?” Maisie exclaimed, tossing random articles of clothing out of my closet and onto the floor.
“You know me and skimpy dresses don’t mix.”
“No, you and skimpy dresses make for a hot duo. It’s you and heels that are the hot mess.” Her lips curled into a grin as her hand swiped the silky fabric of one of my old, go to dresses, “Found ’em.”
“Girl, I don’t know if I’ll even fit into half of these!”
“Oh hush, you pretty little thing. Start trying ’em on.” She waved, pulling out some options for me to slip into. Finally, she’s gasps when she stumbled upon a short, black, leather pencil skirt hanging behind the dresses.
“Rosalyn Kennedy, I didn’t know you wore leather.”
“I didn’t either.” I laughed, but she playfully rolled her eyes and returned to her search for the perfect outfit. She thumbed through my tops, gasping again as her fingers grazed a deep plunge, cheetah print blouse.
“I have figured out your outfit.” She announced, tossing me the skirt and blouse combo. I sighed, heeding her command and slipping out of my PJs and into the little number she picked for me.
Her smile widened, “Damn, Rose. You look like Thanksgiving meal came early.”
“You come up with the weirdest compliments.” I shook my head, reaching up to my hair tie and yanking it from the messy mop of hair on my head.
“Think I could go to the bar like this?” I struck a pose, looking like a brunette Cousin It from the Addams family. Maisie giggled lightly, “C’mere and let me fix that mess.”
I held my arms out and headed towards her direction. She scoffed and closed in the remaining space between us before turning me around and pushing me down onto my knees.
“You could at least take me to dinner first.”
“You perv!” She gasped through her laughter, yanking my hair every which way with a brush she obtained from god knows where. After an hour of torturous yanking and the smell of burnt hair, my hair was now done, sleek, and ready for the night.
“All done, princess. Go apply your make up and I’ll grab the wine.” She jogged out of my closet, leaving me to decorate my face. I stepped out of the closet and in front of my vanity mirror, grabbing the small black case containing my essential tools for this make over.
Lipstick? Check.
Contour? Check.
Eyeliner? On and winged.
Maisie Rae barged into my room with a half full glass of champagne, placing it on the end of my vanity. I dabbed on the last of my golden eye shadow, peering down at the glass.
“Busting out the bubbly?”
“Hell yeah, girl, you know how I do. Now, down that baby... The Uber is on it’s way.”
It wouldn’t be a night out with Maisie if we didn’t have our first stop at the wine bar.
Good conversation and constant laughs helped me forget my problems, and the alcohol was the cherry on top. Having the time of my life, I realized my glass was empty... But I wasn’t the only one who took notice.
“Go get another drink, you’ve been empty for, like, 10 minutes.” Maisie Rae placed her hands on her hips.
“You sure? I really don’t want to-”
“I said I was treating, didn’t I? Put it on my tab.” She waved, at which I responded with an eye roll. I dragged myself to the other side of the bar, where the only bartender was gawking at a male patron. I stood there for minutes, eventually crossing my arms due to the awkward encounter. She was clearly flirting with him, her demeanor screamed ‘take me now, behind the counter.’
This is so unprofessional.
“U-Um, e-excuse me?” I stammered, her neck snapping in my direction. Her soft expression stoned over, her eyes screamed ‘how dare you interrupt me.’
“What?” She smacked her lips. Her full, crimson lips. To keep her description short, she looked like that typical, blonde, preppy bitch who didn’t think her shit stank. The guy instantly lost interest in her, locking his eyes on my figure. His deep blues searched my lady parts, resulting in him biting the corner of his lip... In a way like he was refraining from pouncing on me like a lion in a butcher shop. He ran his fingers through his sandy blonde locks, disheveling them more then they already were. A wave of nervousness washed over my composure; I dug my nails into my already crossed arms.
Please, lord, help me in this awkward time.
“I-I was just gonna ord-”
“Well, spit it out! What do you want?!” She spat, to which I answered with a gasp. What the hell is her problem?
“How about a change in that shitty attitude of yours, yeah?” A voice boomed behind me; Maisie Rae, “My girl is just asking for another dr-”
“I can handle myself, Mase.” I put my hands up to signal her to stop. She took a deep breath, angrily crossing her arms to keep herself from strangling the bartender.
“I just wanted another drink.” I turned, shrugging. The blonde rolled her eyes.
“You just had a drink, like, 10 minutes ago. If you drink too quickly, you’ll get sloppy; and we don’t take kindly to sloppy around here.” She spoke apathetically.
“Excuse me?!” My voice squeaked as my rage now engulfed any rational thinking I had left. How dare you offend a customer when they didn’t do anything to you!
“How about you do your damn job and be professional, or I’ll call your manager!” I threatened, which only raised a giggle from the girl.
“Like that’ll do anything. Honey, I’m the best they have.” She flipped her hair for emphasis. If murder wasn’t frowned upon in all 50 states, I’d have done this world a favor.
“Well, “dear”, I doubt that.” I used air quotes when saying dear, ” I guarantee a chimp can get me another drink within a reasonable time frame. So why don’t you get your behind on it? Because the only thing sloppy here... Is the way you treat your patrons. Flirting on the clock is unprofessional, and this is outrageous.” I ranted, which left her mouth gaping open.
“You can’t talk to me like that!” She growled.
“I can, I did, and I will continue to do so as long as you keep this bitchy act up. I change my mind on the drink, I will take my business elsewhere; while filing a complaint to your manager and corporate. C’mon, Maisie Rae, lets get out of here.” I retorted, turning on my heels and passed Maisie, who was grinning from ear to ear like a proud mother.
“With pleasure.” I heard her call, as she followed me out.
God, I wish I would have seen that See You Next Tuesday’s face when we walked out. I stepped into the crisp September air, waiting for Maisie to meet me on the sidewalk. She stumbled over to me, the alcohol clearly starting to take over.
“That. Was. AWESOME!” She gripped both of my shoulders and shook me, which resulted in both of us laughing.
“Yeah, I guess it kinda was.” I shrugged nonchalantly.
“You ready to paint this town red?” She grinned, which immediately turned into a frown when she noticed my yawn.
“I’m actually ready for bed.”
“Party pooper! Let’s at least go get drunk and watch movies or something... I’m not ready for the night to end!” She moaned.
“... Can we order takeout?” I beamed. I was on a one track mind, the bubbly I drank now clouding my vision.
“Is that even a question? Of course! Let’s go!”
Wednesday
When you have a hangover, does yours last longer than just the morning after?
If your answer is yes, then I feel you.
Curled up in my office chair, I struggled to keep my eyes open. The excel sheet with the staff directory began to blur together while my head pounded profusely. Coffee couldn’t save me right now even if it tried.
“Ms. Kennedy?”
Shit, that voice. Please don’t let it be him, please don’t let it be him...
I slowly swiveled my chair around to meet the gaze of the director of this unit, Mr. Davis.
Damn it, it’s him.
“Can I speak to you in my office, please?”
“Am I not performing my job correctly, sir?” My heart was racing, my palms were clamming up; I was never good with confrontation, especially from important figures like him.
“No, Rosalyn... Just follow me.” He lead the way out of the reception area and to the back of the hospital, where the director’s offices were. He opened the door for me, which I thanked him with a nod, before taking a seat in one of the black arm chairs in front of his oak stained desk. He dusted himself off before taking a seat and a deep breath.
“Rosalyn, I talked with Mrs. Maria... She’s telling me she’s worried about your health.”
“My health? I’m okay, sir... Really.” I assured, wincing as the stress of the situation only made my head pound harder.
“That’s not what I’m hearing. You know that we care about the health of our employees as much as our patients, Ms. Kennedy. She thinks we’re giving you too many hours, and I have to agree.”
“But sir! With all due respect, I asked for these hours.” I sheepishly rubbed my neck; an idea of where this conversation was going to go popped into my head.
“I know, but you need adequate rest in order to perform your job efficiently. Sleeping on the job is not performing your job efficiently... So, we’ve decided to hire another receptionist to help take the load off.”
My heart sank. Another receptionist means less hours. Less hours means less money, and less money... Means a one way ticket to Eviction Town.
“You’re cutting my hours?! I’ll make sure I drink an energy drink before coming to work, please don’t take my hours from me!” I begged. I needed these hours. Oh, how I desperately needed these hours.
But the next words out of his mouth sealed the deal, “I’m sorry, Ms. Kennedy... It’s for the best.”
Tears welled up in my eyes, my throat burned from holding back my sobs. All I’ve done for this hospital, all the schooling I’ve completed for my certifications, the fight I put up for where I am today... Slipped out from under me.
“I understand, sir.” I choked out, before rushing out of his office door and down the hall for the restroom.
I needed to get myself together before anything else in my life was jeopardized.
I splashed some water on my face, the running water echoing about the empty bathroom. I glanced up at the mirror, watching myself take a deep breath before drying my hands with a nearby paper towel.
You got this, Rosalyn. Finish your shift with a positive attitude, then you can cry into your ice cream carton when you get home.
Thursday
“Yes ma’am, I have you all set for that time for your appointment.” As much as I wanted to scowl and be a bitch, I came in today with a positive, take on the world attitude.
Maybe, if I up my performance and attitude, they’ll give me my hours back.
“See you then.” I hung up the phone and took a deep breath, my eyes darting at the task list on the desk top.
Finally, I have a moment to breathe-
“Rosalyn Kennedy to the break room, Rosalyn Kennedy to the break room, thank you.” The PA system boomed, causing me to jump out of my seat. I grumbled to myself before pushing myself up from my chair and dragging myself the whole way to the break room.
So much for that breather.
Pushing into the break room, my tired eyes widened. My nose scrunched in disgust and I crossed my arms in such a way that the other side of the hospital could feel my attitude radiating off of me.
“Ah, speak of the devil!” Mrs. Maria exclaimed, standing from her seat. Across from her was a blonde who was anything but repulsing. Her contoured cheek bones, shaped by the updo that was ever so pristinely placed. The girl stood and crossed her arms nervously. I could only assume that my stature was part of the cause.
“Rosalyn, meet the new receptionist, Rayna. She’s going to help take a serious load off, so you can relax.”
Relax? Lady you know nothing about relaxing.
Rayna nervously waved at me, and I looked to her with a small smile, “Hi Rayna, it’s nice to meet you.”
“I go on my break in the next couple of minutes, so I can’t really show her the ropes until I get back. Can you get her settled in at the desk? She will be shadowing you until Sunday... That’s when she officially starts.”
Son of a bitch.
I plastered on the fakest smile I could, before replying, “Sure, Mrs. Maria, anything for you!”
I thought the sarcasm was dripping from my response, but apparently not. Apparently it went right over my supervisor’s head.
“Oh thank you, sweetie! I think you two will get along just fine!” Her last sentence trailed off as she exited the room, leaving me alone with this... This job stealer.
“C’mon, Rayna, our desk is this way.” I turned on my heels, rushing out of the staff room. She tried to hasten her steps to keep up, but I knew the only way to manage my frustration was to keep a brisk pace and some space between us.
When we reached our destination, I took a seat in my chair. She stopped right behind me, awkwardly crossing her arms again. I fumbled with a few things on the desk, before her mousy voice broke the silence:
“So, what should I do first?”
Oh my god, her voice even annoyed me. This was going to be a long night.
“How about nothing?”
“Excuse me?” Her voice cracked, startled by my bluntness.
“This is my job, not yours. So why don’t you take your business elsewhere, since you’re practically worthless here.” I spat. A twinge of regret lingered in my mind when her eyes welled up with tears.
Calm down, Rose. It’s not her fault.
It’s not her fault.
“I-I’m truly sorry. I... I have to use the restroom.” She turned and ran out of the cubicle, sniffing and covering her face.
A sensitive soul, bless her.
A wave of guilt washed over me; it’s not her fault my hours were cut. She just applied for the job, and here I am being an asshole to someone who doesn’t deserve it. I never act out like this towards anyone... The bartender, Rayna...
Maybe everyone’s right; maybe I do need to catch a break. I dropped my head in my hands, groaning loudly enough for the whole room to hear.
I have to apologize.
After about 10 minutes, Rayna slinked back behind the cubicle. Her eyes were slightly puffy, making it evident she had a sob sesh in the bathroom stall. I glanced up from my position, taking a deep breath.
“Hey, Rayna... I’m really sorry for how I just acted. You don’t deserve the treatment I just gave you.”
“You were really rude...” She agreed softly.
“I know, and I didn’t mean it. I’ve been going through a lot lately; and they just cut my hours to give me a “break” when it’s really doing me more harm then good. I’m high key freaking out.” I vented, and Rayna just nodded her head in acknowledgment.
“I’ve been here for almost 3 years, I’m fully certified to be a nurse and yet here I am, answering phone calls in the graveyard shift because I take what anyone can give me.” I felt a weight slightly lift from my shoulders; maybe what I needed was a new set of ears to talk to. Someone that I didn’t already predict what answers they were going to give me.
“I’m so sorry, I had no idea!” She said in a startled tone.
“Like I said, it’s not your fault... I’d like to start over if you’d like?”
She studied me for a moment, before the corners of her lips turned upright.
“I would really, really enjoy that.” She reassured me with a small smile. I returned the smile, waving her over to the computer. I stood up and motioned for the chair I was just sitting in.
“Come, sit. I’m going to show you how to input patients into the appointment spreadsheet.”
It should be illegal to be this tired.
Stress is no joke, ladies and gents; it really takes a toll on your body. You could sleep all the hours the world could give you, but when stress has you in it’s grip, it will make it feel like you took 30 minute cat nap. In a weeks time.
And when I reached the door of my apartment, stress stared me in the face. It was in the form of an overdue rent notice.
My eyes wildly danced across the ink, seeing I only had until Monday to pay my rent before “further actions would be taken.”
No, no, no! I thought I still had time to pay this! I don’t get paid until Wednesday!
I ripped open my front door, feeling panic well up in my throat. What do I do? I’m going to lose my home!
Okay, deep breaths. Think, Rose... What could I do to solve this?
I could try and call Brynn and see if she can extend my due date? She owes me a favor anyway.
Maybe... Maybe I need a second job? But what if my first job sees that I’m not taking my time to “rest?” Could they let me go because of it? Are they that spiteful?
Okay. Don’t panic just yet, Rose. Let’s call Brynn and see what she says.
I fumbled through the pockets of my scrubs for my phone, dialing the number for the front desk. The conversation was short and sweet, I begged her for this favor. I even threw in a lifelong babysitting service, and she happily agreed to see what she could do. She told me she’d call me back with the news, and I sighed after the call ended, slumping down onto my couch. I can’t keep living like this. I’m tired of the monotony of my everyday routine. I want something exciting to happen; I want to get out of my comfort zone and live.
And it brings me back to one of my earlier ideas.
I whipped out my phone and dialed Maisie Rae’s number; it took a couple of rings, but she finally picked up. I didn’t let her get a word in,
“I need your help... How fast can you get here?”
About an hour passed after the brief phone call to my best friend, until she finally barged in through my front door. She looked worried, frantic actually.
“What’s wrong?! What’s the emergency?! I know Taekwondo... And 50 other dangerous words!” She spoke so fast, she stumbled over pronouncing Taekwondo. I laughed lightly and stood from the couch.
“Okay, just an FYI... That’s not threatening. Like. At all. Anyway... I got another overdue rent notice.” I felt the heat rise in my cheeks. Embarrassment? Why would I feel embarrassed in front of Maisie? Sure, she’s a successful apprentice under one of Atlanta’s biggest firms... Okay, maybe that’s why I’m slightly embarrassed.
“Girl, if you keep this shit up, they’re going to evict you. What are you on, your last notice?” She crossed her arms in a ‘I-told-you-this-was-going-to-happen’ manner.
“Yes...” I answered sheepishly, “I know... Which is why I need your help. I’m... Going to get a second job.”
“You know, it would just be easier to get a roommate-” She started, but she knew damn well my reasons for refusing another disaster.
“I am well aware of this! But, because of my trust issues with the last roommate, I refuse to do so until marriage.”
“Oh honey, you’re hopeless.” She moved her fingers to her temples and took a deep breath, trying to rationalize my desire for more stress in my life. I gave her an awkward stare, crossing my arms in front of my chest. The room was silent for a minute, and it was a heavy, heavy feeling. Is she thinking less of me?
“You’re really sure about this?” She raised an eyebrow. I nodded.
“I am... And I know you’re good with this stuff, since you are practicing to be a boss yourself.”
“Well thank you. If you’re so sure about this, lets fire up that laptop and start submitting some applications!”
I never want to look at a damn computer screen again.
I blinked repeatedly at the words ‘Your application has been submitted!’ I just submitted, I shit you not, 13 applications.
“Girl, you’re on fire! I think that’s enough.”
“Oh thank god,” I breathed, then let a yawn escape my lips, “What now?”
“We wait.” She shrugged. And that’s precisely what we did.
We waited.
And waited.
And waited some more.
The second hour of waiting passed and we were both on our way to Snooze Land. Maisie was curled up in a ball, her head resting in her hand. I was sprawled out like an impolite man, feeling myself slip in and out of consciousness.
Until the ringing phone jolted us awake.
I quickly reached for my phone and swiped the green answer button, catching my breath before replying with a “Hello, this is Rosalyn.”
It was a receptionist from one of the first applications I submitted. She congratulated me for scoring an interview, and they would love to have me come through around 4:30 pm. I reluctantly agreed and hung up, excitingly dancing about my living room.
“I have an interview at 4:30!” I cheered, doing what Maisie calls “getting down with my bad self.”
“That’s amazing! But 4:30? That’s in an hour and a half-”
“FUCK, I NEED TO SHOWER!” I screamed, rushing passed Maisie and hopping in the shower. I scrubbed my body as efficiently and quickly as I could before rushing back out into my closet, ripping off the first blouse and skirt combo I could find on a hanger and slipping it on. Maisie did a cute little updo with my hair, and I applied some red lipstick before we both rushed out my front door and began the journey towards a possible solution to my financial problems.
When we reached the office building, Maisie told me she’d wait at the coffee stand across the street, and to meet her there when I was finished. I nodded, taking a deep breath and straightening my posture to show I radiated confidence rather than nervousness. Pushing open the sleek glass doors, I made my way to the front reception desk. The young, attractive receptionist greeted me with a warm smile.
“Can I help you?”
“Uh, yes... I have an interview at 4:30 with Mr. Mallory?”
“Oh, yes! He just told me to keep an eye out for you. Follow me.” She bowed her head and slipped out from her post behind the desk, coaxing me to follow her down a long, narrow hallway to my right. I followed suit, feeling my anxiety try to come up through my throat. We reached a huge mahogany door, and she pounded her fist against it three times. After a few seconds, a male voice was heard telling her to come in. She opened the door slightly, leaving enough room for me to squeeze passed and make my entry. She shut the door behind her, leaving me alone in this fancy, executive office with this man who looked like he could be my grandfather. He was well kept, clean shaven... What a typical “boss man” would look like. Only his eyes never left the monitor in front of him, and his face looked to be in a scowl.
I stood nervously, crossing my arms in front of my chest like I normally do. A minute or two passed before I finally cleared my throat; he still didn’t turn his attention to me.
“Mr. Mallory?”
If an eye roll could send someone traveling to the next century, this one would. He scoffed, still not tearing his eyes from whatever was preoccupying him.
“Not now, Lorelei.” He groaned, putting his head in his hands.
“Sir, my name isn’t Lorelei... I’m Rosalyn Kennedy...”
His neck snapped from his computer screen and to me, his eyebrows raising. He looked me up and down, taking in the sight before him before a grin curled onto his non-existent lips.
“Well hello, Ms. Kennedy. I’m so sorry, please... Take a seat.” He gestured for the black lounge chair in front of his desk. His voice had a very... Flirtatious tone to it. I took slow strides towards the chair and took a seat, suddenly feeling... Nervous. Very, very nervous. He glanced my direction and soaked in my appearance again before glancing back over to his screen.
I don’t like how he’s looking at me.
There were a couple moments of silence where he would continually glance between myself and the computer screen. And his gaze... Was at my breasts. I shivered, feeling my stomach turn.
Gross.
“Sir, is there a problem?” I finally spoke up, my voice cracking slightly.
“If I’m being honest... I’m just envisioning your pretty little self doing everything I say. And I mean... Everything.” That last word dripped with bad intentions, and it took everything in me to not throw up all over his thousand dollar Calvin Klein suit.
“Excuse me?! With all due respect, sir, that’s extremely inappropriate!” I responded, which seemed to only annoy him.
“And this is my office. So, if I want to envision your pretty little ass running around here in a tight skirt, I will. If you want this job, you better get used to how things go, toots. I’m the boss.”
I could only gasp at his response. Repulsed wasn’t even the word for how I felt. I was enraged; how fucking dare you for talking to a woman like that. I knew there was a reason behind why I felt uncomfortable, and it was because my sexist pig radar was going off.
“You’re disgusting!” I screamed, standing up from the chair. He looked me up and down again, almost as if he enjoyed getting a rise out of me... Like this... Turned him on.
“Go find another woman to degrade.” I replied, storming out of his office, out of the building and passed towards the coffee shop. Maisie was engulfed in her phone, taking sips of her latte.
“C’mon, let’s go.” I growled, stomping passed her.
“Woah, what’s wrong? What happened?!” She exclaimed, startled at my behavior. I could hear her heels behind me, clicking against the concrete in a hurry to catch up.
“I... I just want to go home.” I whimpered, fighting back tears. I never felt defeated before this moment. My ego was bruised, my mind was racing, and I quite honestly just wanted to curl up in a ball and die. Maisie hounded me on our walk back to my apartment, until I finally caved and told her everything. It took a lot of bribing to keep her from going back to that office and kicking that grandpa’s ass. She finally took a deep breath to calm down, before looking lost in thought.
“I know what will make us feel better! Ice cream!” She exclaimed, which got a smile out of me.
Maisie lead the way down a few side streets, swearing the best ice cream was in the heart of Atlanta. As we turned a street corner, I noticed a bright red “hiring” sign in the window of a small art gallery. I backed up to get a better view of the place, turning to see Maisie still walking with a mission.
“Maisie, look at this!” I yelled excitedly, stopping her in her tracks. She took a few steps towards me and raised an eyebrow.
“Well, would you look at that; the art studio is hiring. But for what?”
“They could hire for many possibilities, and it seems like it would a fun job! C’mon, let’s check it out!” I didn’t hesitate to wait for her answer, I went straight for the front doors and yanked them open, taking a step inside.
It was empty in regards to spectators, but with art it was filled. Each piece had a unique style; I have never seen any of these pieces, making me wonder if these were the owner’s, or-
“Well hello, ladies! How can I help you two beautiful little pieces of art?” A voice called from the opposite side of the room. I turned on my heels, seeing a Latino man sculpted by an artist himself. His bright emerald eyes contrasted his honey glazed skin; captivating and inviting.
I’d be attracted if he didn’t just use that lame pick up line.
He winked our direction, causing Maisie and I to erupt with laughter.
“That’s your best pick up line?” Maisie called as we both stepped over to the service counter.
“A for effort, I suppose.” I shrugged, giggling.
“Hey, can’t blame a man for trying.” He shrugged back, “Anyway, how can I help you?”
“I saw your sign outside... You guys are hiring? I was wondering how to go about applying...”
“Oh! Great!” He replied, almost startled. I raised an eyebrow in confusion; did he forget about his own hiring sign? He rubbed the back of his neck nervously, “I mean, well... I’m not the owner; he’s my best friend. He’s currently out of town on a family emergency... And I’m not supposed to stick my nose into any of the boss’s business.”
“Oh, shoot... I was hoping I could apply as soon as possible.” I frowned, giving sort of puppy dog eyes. He rubbed his chin in thought, almost like he was contemplating breaking the rules. Finally, he broke the silence by snapping his fingers.
“Tell you what, let me get your name and number, and I’ll relay the message to the boss man. I promise, I won’t use your number... Unless you want me to.” He winked again. Maisie and I both giggled at his failed attempt of flirting.
“Thank you so much! My name is Rosalyn Kennedy, and my number is...” I relayed my phone number, and he typed it into his own cell phone.
“I’ll delete the number as soon as I give the information to him, scouts honor.” He raised his hand as if to make it official.
“It’s fine, really. I’m not really looking for anything at the moment, so you would just get boring replies.”
“Fair enough, no offense taken.” He lifted his hands in a ‘my bad’ kind of manner.
“Well, thank you...” I started, waiting for him to introduce himself.
“Oh! Dallas, my name’s Dallas.”
“Well, Dallas, it’s nice to meet you... And thank you so much.” I gave a small wave as Maisie gave him a small wink, and we headed out of the studio and back on track for ice cream.
“What was that?” I playfully shoved her.
“What was what?” She said slyly, a giggle escaping her lips.
“You think he’s cute! Oh my god!” I screamed, as she shushed me.
“You’re unbelievable, Rosalyn Kennedy.” She rolled her eyes, picking up her pace as I trailed behind her, giggling like a little girl.
I felt... Better. I had high hopes for this interview. I had confidence that this is the break I needed.
What I had no idea about, was that this is what would lead me straight to you.
