Page 2 of Unwrapping Romance
“So?”
“You have friends who want your company at Thanksgiving. Please.” She reached across the table and grabbed my hand. “Just humor me this once.”
My phone rang, and when I pulled it from my purse, I saw that the temp agency was calling.
“Hello,” I answered.
“Sierra, it’s Yvonne. Lydia called to tell me she’s going with someone else for the position. I’m not sure why you’re not getting these jobs. You’re more than qualified. I have another that just came through if you’re interested. I will warn you before sending you into the lion’s den. The man you’d be working for is—how do I put it nicely? He’s not an ideal person to work for.”
“And why is that?” I asked.
“He can be rather rude and traumatizing. Nonetheless, he is one of our clients and has been for years. The pay is good, Sierra—better than your last job.”
“How long does he need a temp?”
“At least until after the new year. He wants someone there now. Wherever you are, grab a cab and get to the address I just texted you. You have thirty minutes.”
“But, Yvonne?—”
“No buts, Sierra. You’ve been on eleven interviews in the last three weeks and weren’t hired. In all my years working at this company, I believe you hold the world record. If you’re late and Mr. Atlas doesn’t hire you, then I’m afraid our search for a job for you will have to end.”
I pulled my phone from my ear and looked at it, not believing that she hung up on me.
“I have to go.” I took another sip of my coffee. “I have a job interview.”
“Looking like that?” Becca’s brow arched.
“I don’t have a choice. I have thirty minutes to get across town and make a good impression, or Yvonne will let me go.”
“How are you going to make a good impression looking like that?” she shouted as I walked away. “And you better come to Thanksgiving!”
Climbing into the stopped cab, I gave the address to the driver. When he pulled up to the curb, I swiped my card, climbed out, and looked up at the tall building. When I approached the door, a nice young man smiled and held it open for me.
“Good afternoon, miss.” He nodded.
“Good afternoon. Thank you.” I smiled.
Three people were in front of me to step through the security scanners. Setting my purse in the bin, I cleared the scanner, grabbed my purse, and looked around the fully decorated lobby, which had indeed vomited Christmas. Three oversized, fully lit, decorated trees, garland galore, and red and white poinsettias in every direction I turned.
“Ugh.” I walked over to the directory.
“Can I help you?” A woman wearing a blue suit approached me.
“I’m looking for Atlas Enterprises.”
“Which department?” she asked.
“All I know is I have an interview with Mr. Atlas.”
“Oh.” Her face twisted. “His office is on the top floor, the thirtieth floor. Mr. Atlas occupies floors twenty-four through thirty. You say you have an interview with him?”
“Yes. A job interview.”
She placed her hand on my shoulder as she looked me up and down, noticing what a hot mess I was. “Good luck to you, dear.”
“Thanks.” My brows furrowed.
Walking over to the elevator, I stood with the rest of the people, waiting for one to come down. Hearing the ding, I looked up, and the doors opened. Being the last one inside, I pushed the button to the thirtieth floor. A man standing beside me looked me over.