3. Ethan

Ethan

I heard the elevator ding and watched as my best friend’s sister stepped out, looking around like a lost puppy. I knew this was going to be a fun test. I was interviewing her to work on the top floor with me. All company heads and head offices were located on the top floor. So once a month, we scheduled each department within the company to meet in the main conference room on the top floor.

Lily would fill the Vice President of HR and Labor Relations position. If hired, she’d oversee both departments. She would help me hire and recruit those needed for the job. She would handle all of the training and education for each employee. Most importantly, she’d fill a critical role and be a highly valued asset to the job.

Typically, we require a minimum of a bachelor's degree, plus ten years of experience to even be interviewed. I was breaking all my rules by ignoring that detail on her resume and giving her the job.

When I watched her step off of the elevator, I knew I needed to protect her at all costs. It was my promise to Braxton, and I would keep it. I waved to her as she walked around, looking a bit lost but also curious.

“Your background check came back clean, and your credit check came back amazing. Great job paying off your student loans. Sometimes, that can mess people up,” I said to her in greeting as she stared, unsure how to respond.

“Thanks. I was sure I had a few more payments, but I guess Braxton took care of that as well…” She looked confused; perhaps she’d had a long day and was tired. Would she be up for the extended test I had planned?

“I took care of that for you. I wanted to ensure you had nothing to worry about while working here. I must ask a few important questions to ensure you are fit for the job.” I added that I would help ensure she was on the right track with me. These questions were crucial to my brand and businesses.

“Of course. Ask me anything. I’m an open book.” She smiled shyly.

“Do you have any HR or labor relations experience?” She hesitated for a minute, and I knew she’d have to be trained for this position. The person she would be replacing was retiring in three weeks. That should be more than enough time.

“I worked various positions during my internship. I have all of the required certifications, and I’m qualified to work in human resources if that’s what you’re asking.” She smiled again, this time with a bit more confidence.

“Lily, I’d like to give you a better picture of what the role involves if you decide to take the job. You'd be stepping into a position where you'll act as a key strategic partner to our business. You'll be on the Executive Committee, which means you'll ensure our people's strategies align with our daily operations and long-term goals.” I paused for a moment, letting her absorb this new information. She didn’t know I would offer her the highest position in human resources. She thought she would be one of the managers. Nope, she would be much bigger than that. “You'll also work closely with senior management to help drive organizational growth. This will involve assessing and anticipating needs along with developing and implementing effective human resource solutions.”

“Will I be required to stay at the hotel?” she asked hesitantly.

“Yes. In fact, your suite will be right next to mine. I can show you where that is after our interview, if you’d like. Of course, you won’t move in until after Helga has retired or your ninety days are up, whichever happens first.”

It would take a lot of training and hard work, but if she stuck with me, she would have the opportunity to make this her career and retire a wealthy woman. “This role demands strong business acumen and the ability to lead positively in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment. If you’re interested, the full job description has more details that will give you a solid overview.”

“I’m interested in doing whatever it takes to make this work. I’m honestly honored that you’re even giving me such an opportunity.” She said and smiled.

“With mental health concerns on the rise, what steps would you take to ensure our staff has completed all of the required mental health training and awareness programs?” I asked. This topic was of great importance to me as I lost my mother to postpartum depression. We made regular yearly donations to various charities.

“I support all mental health training and awareness programs. I think that is a great idea. I will also make sure that a charity program is rewarded with any programs willing to help us with the trainings. We can also sponsor charities to raise awareness. I’ll make a note to start that once I get hired,” she said before pulling out a notebook and jotting down notes.

“Impressive. Already taking notes.” I smiled before handing her a new Macbook. She needed her business computer to be encrypted and connected to our iCloud so we could be sure all her files were securely backed up. “Your password is your name spelled backward.”

“Wow, thank you, Mr. Brennan. Was there anything else?” she asked before looking around.

“Sure. Let me introduce you to Helga. She’s the one retiring in a few weeks, and she will be happy to train you in the position in the meantime. She’s an absolute doll and like a mother to me. So be nice to her and take lots of notes. I’ll see you in three weeks. Be ready for me, Ms. Buchanan.” I sent her one last smile before leading her to Helga’s office.

“I thought you were taking me to my suite?” She asked in confusion.

“In three weeks. For now, it’s still Helga’s. Once she moves out, it will be yours. Do you need a place to stay in the meantime?” I asked. I could give her an apartment on my floor, but it would be difficult to explain why the last presidential suite went to a new hire while the other was already occupied.

“I think I can hold off for three weeks. Braxton is ready for me to move out, so he can take over the family business. He’s been hounding me lately,” she answered honestly.

“Well, Braxton stays with me. So, if he moves out, you could move in with me. Would that be too awkward?” I asked, breaking all my rules and boundaries. I was old enough to be her father. Luckily, I refused to have children. So, her paternity never crossed my mind. The thought made me laugh to myself. I could easily say, “ Who’s your daddy?” And if she said me, it might be a turn on.

“That would be awesome. However, I don’t want to be a burden to anyone. I’ll wait a few pay periods, but I should be able to get my place. Thank you for the offer. Let’s get this party started.”