Chapter 28
[Addison]
Five interviews. That’s how many times I’ve been rejected without being seen.
My first interview was called off without an explanation, canceling it only minutes before I entered the building.
The second interview I had arranged was canceled the night before.
Today’s interview, scheduled at 9 am, is with the law firm, Maverick and Sons. While not on the top of my list, is still a fine company. The pay isn’t as good, and the benefits are moderate, but it’s a foot in the door and that’s really all I can ask for as I
start over.
“We’re sorry, Mrs. Stone, but we’ll need to reschedule your interview to next week, our interviewer has had some home complications and…” The receptionist at the other end of the call rattled on. I’m not feeling very compelled to listen. I know what I need to know from the apologetic tone of her voice.
I’m being sent away, again, before anyone has had a chance to meet me.
Frustrated, I reschedule and then hang up. It’s hopeless. I’ll have to look further afield.
Scanning the job postings, I find an opening as a legal aide at a non–profit in New Jersey. I’ve been mostly sticking to Manhattan, trying to stay close to Livy, but if this is the only place I can find work, then I’ll just need to make the best of things.
A foot in the door is a foot in the door, no matter how small the footprint.
Dialing the number in the ad, I am greeted by a cheerful feminine voice. As I go over my experience and qualifications, her voice becomes even friendlier, grateful as she asks “Are you sure you want to apply for THIS position? You’re overqualified and could do so much better at one of the New York law firms. We’re only paying…”
“I’m sure,” I cut her off a bit more abruptly than I had intended. “It’s just, I’m eager to start working again. I’m returning to the workforce after 5 years as a stay–at–home–mom and…”
“Say no more,” Karen, the cheery woman on the other end replies. “Can you make it here by 10 am today?”
“Yes! And thank you!” We spend a few more minutes on the phone discussing logistics and I email over my resume and
references.
Today is going to be a better day, I can feel it. Karen seemed trustworthy and eager for my help. Even if it isn’t the job I wanted, maybe it’s the job I need right now as I start over and build myself up again.
With a hopeful song in my heart, and wearing my favorite ivory–colored pantsuit and lucky red heels, I dance my way out of my room humming my way downstairs.
Only to stumble over the wide hem of my pants, missing the last three steps.
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“Ahhh!” Closing my eyes, I brace myself for the fall.
But my body never lands. Instead, strong arms support me, and as I open my eyes I see Hunter’s amused grin.
onus
My heart skips. From this angle, I can’t help but notice how excruciatingly handsome he is with the sunlight glowing though his black hair like a dark halo. He looks like a fallen angel–strong, fierce, and too beautiful to be real.
“Mr. Grant!” I gasp as he helps me stand on my own feet. “I…I thought you’d be at work.”
“I’m working from home today,” he grins. “Good thing too, since you needed a helping hand.”
Straightening my blazer, I tell him my good news. He seems genuinely happy when he hears I have a promising interview, but the joy doesn’t quite make it to his eyes.
He’s concerned about something.
“We should grab lunch after,” his smile is tense. “To celebrate. Also, I have some things I’d like to discuss.”
“That would be…great!” I’ve never been nervous around him, but today I feel a bit of trepidation about meeting with him. What could he have to share that would put that worried frown on his face? “I’d…I’d like that.”
“Text me when you’re done and we can meet downtown,” he offers, handing me the keys to one of his less conspicuous coups.
“I’ll see you then. Good luck,” Hunter places a firm hand on my shoulder. “I know you’ll do great.”
I wish his confidence and surety had followed me to New Jersey, because only moments after arriving, Karen greets me in the
front lobby, twisting her fingers nervously.
“Come to my back office,” she invites me, her gray hair sweeping behind her as she walks me back in her casual attire. The vibe of
this office is cheery, with light–filled windows, soft cushions, and overgrown houseplants on several surfaces. As a non–profit
helping impoverished women and children, it has a nurturing element seen in everything from the warm color of the walls to the
box of toys in the corner for visiting children.
A woman’s space. A place for comfort and care.
Which is why what Karen had to say felt even more painful.
“I’m sorry to say this, but I can’t hire you,” Karen looks apologetic as she reaches over to take my hands. “There’s nothing I can
do.”
“What do you mean?” I’m floored. This was the last thing I was expecting to hear.
“You’ve been blacklisted,” she frowns. “Normally I’d hire you anyway, considering the person responsible, but he seems to have
some very dangerous, very powerful friends who made it very clear that if I were to put you on payroll, they’d shut our entire organization down. And they can do it, I checked,” she frowned. “I’m sorry you had to come all this way, I really wanted to make
it work. You’d have been an excellent addition to our team.”
Her grip squeezes mine as an unwanted tear rolls down my cheek. “Can you at least tell me why?”
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Karen tilts her head, surprised at my confusion. “Oh, I figured you probably already knew.” Her frown deepens. “It’s your husband, Mrs. Stone. He’s the one who had you blacklisted.”
