Page 11 of One Bossy Date
“Unfortunately, they closed. We’re a cat grooming boutique now.”
“My, how coincidental! The owner of the coffee shop used to do pet sitting.”
“So, I’ve heard, yes. We do offer nanny services, which includes feeding and checking in on them every day.”
“You do? Oh,hon, I’ve been searching for someone to look after my boss’s two rascals all week already.”
I chuckled, knowing she meant that in the most loving way. Cats could certainly be little menaces sometimes. “Well, I’d be happy to help.” It honestly surprised me that she hadn’t been able to find anyone else to look after her boss’s cats. The competition in this city was high, part of the reason business was slow.
“Why don’t you come over to our offices tomorrow morning, let’s say 8:30 a.m., so I can give you the keys? We’re right down the street from you at the Windham Construction offices. And before you change your mind—my boss is willing to pay at least twice the amount you normally charge to make sure his babies are properly cared for.”
“Oh? Wow, okay, wonderful! No problem, I’ll be there.” Did I sound overly happy? Yes, yes, I did. Maybe I could finance the advent calendars with some of the money I earned from Caroline’s boss?
“See you. Bye.”
“Bye! Thanks!”
We hung up.
Well, that was easy.
Itmustbe divine intervention, the universe finally sending a bit of luck my way, although it wasn’t exactly what I’d asked for. I chose to be thankful and not question the wisdom of the universe. What were the chances that a high-paying client just happened to be in a bind? And he was willing to pay at least double? Perfect! I wassohappy. We needed the business, and I hoped this wouldn’t be a one-time deal.
Breathing easier now, I grinned at Jim’s “told you so” face.
5
ZOE
Here I was, in front of this beautiful Art-Deco-style building, seventeen floors, sleek, linear appearance, with stylized ornamentation. Low-relief decorative panels adorned the entrance and windows, and along the roof edges. This was unreal.
I went in.
And…my jaw dropped.
The offices of Windham Construction were absolutelyimmaculate. I’d never regarded offices that were quite so…inviting? Was that the word? Yes. It just had this welcoming atmosphere, with marble tiles, minimalist paintings on each wall, and soft couches in secluded corners. The CEO had such good taste. Immediately, I imagined a warm, affectionate, cordial person running the company, surrounded by his two cute rascal-y cats. I liked the boss already. The ceiling panels produced indirect, warm lighting in those corners, with more luminous lighting above work areas. Situated on the upper floors of the high-rise building, I supposed just about every office had a view of surrounding Manhattan.
The friendly woman who had called yesterday—Caroline—met me at reception where the company name was displayed in big white letters across the wall above the desk—also illuminated with a warm glow. Along with the kind, quiet greetings of passing employees, the whole place gave me a pleasant feeling. If I were the type to take a desk job, I’d want to work at a place like this—no doubt.
With a wide, welcoming smile, Caroline greeted me. “Zoe, it is so wonderful to meet you in person.” She reached for my hand, I assumed to shake it, but instead, she held on with both of her own, giving mine a warm squeeze.
“Yes, I’m really glad you called me.” I grinned excitedly, expressing my glee over landing a job with such an obviously prestigious client.
I must be the luckiest personever.
Looking her over, she appeared slightly older than I’d originally thought when I’d spoken to her on the phone, but she immediately struck me as a busybody and someone who cared less for her own needs than she did others. Her mouth slowly gaped as she took me in. “My oh my! Look at this wonderful dress!”
My cheeks heating from the attention, I jutted out my hip in a quick, playful pose. “You like it?” It was a knee-length white dress—uncharacteristic for me, I usually wore brighter colors—but it was decorated with small, sewn-on yellow flowers, densely packed at the bottom, but fading out toward the top haphazardly. It was one of my special pieces I kept for more professional occasions.
“It’s stunning! Come, let’s go sit down for a coffee.”
While walking through the office, she explained her position in the company. “I’m the CEO’s assistant. Supposed to be on a professional basis, but as I’m sure you’ve picked up, I handle some personal matters as well.” Her wink was playful. “Anderson Windham is the current CEO. His grandfather started the company, and it’s been passed down for three generations.”
“That’s very impressive.” My eyes scanned the offices, landing on the tasteful potted plants in every nook and cranny. They werereal. Likelivingplants. You didn’t see that in offices very often. On the walls were massive images depicting construction sites and moderately dirty workers. I had to admit I was impressed with the positive vibe they had going, but what struck me even more was the fact that the men in the pictures looked real. These weren’t posed photos with actors pretending to be workers.
We ended up in the café with coffees while Caroline explained the expectations of the job. “As I mentioned on the phone, Mr. Windham needs somebody to look after his pets. Their food will be in the fridge and labeled for you with the right portions. So, all we’ll need from you is to enter the apartment once a day, preferably during the morning, to feed them—and give them some love and attention.”
“Of course.” I beamed. That was my strength: taking care of the cats entrusted to me and giving them all the love they deserved.