Chapter 11

Chapter Eleven

Monday morning, I dress in my favorite navy blue dress, slip into a pair of white heels and walk into the kitchen.

“Good morning sweetheart,” my mother greets me.

“Well, what do you think?” I ask while doing a pirouette. “Do I look professional enough to be an assistant manager’s secretary?”

“You look beautiful, and I’m sure they will hire you on the spot.”

“Fingers crossed,” I say as I take a seat at the table where a plate with a stack of pancakes waits for me. “I’m not sure when I’ll be home,” I say as pour myself a glass of orange juice and then drizzle maple syrup over the stack of pancakes. “Millie begins work today too, so I’ll wait for her so we can ride home together.”

“That’s fine, your father and I have our weekly dinner with the Bishops tonight.”

Finishing my breakfast, I take my plate to the sink and wash it before turning back to my mother. “Okay, I’m off to meet Millie. Thank you for breakfast.” I lean over and kiss her cheek.

“You’re welcome sweetheart. Good luck.”

Thanks Mom!” I call before walking out the door. Closing the door behind me, I see Millie walking down her drive. Wearing a pink dress with white buttons, her blonde hair bounces from the excitement in her walk.

“Millie, you look beautiful,” I say as she reaches me.

“Thank you, so do you. I’m a little nervous,” she admits.

“Me too.” I nod as we walk to the bus stop.

We have a short wait until the bus arrives, taking our seats, Millie opens her purse. “I brought this with me for luck,” she says taking out the small lion Don won for her at the carnival.

“That is adorable.”

“He tried so hard to win me a bigger one,” she says laughing, “but it just wasn’t his lucky day.”

“It’s perfect. Now you can carry it with you.”

“Thank you for suggesting the carnival. I hadn’t had that much fun since I was a kid.”

“Me either, I think Paul really enjoyed it too.”

“I know Don did. It was nice to see them loosen up and just have fun.”

“It really was.”

As the bus pulls to a stop halfway between the bank and the boutique, Millie and I make our way down the aisle to the exit.

Stepping out onto the sidewalk, Millie turns to me and takes a calming breath. We’re both a bit nervous, given this is our first day. Giving me a hug Millie says, “Good luck today.”

“Thanks, good luck to you too,” I return her hug. “I’ll meet you at Luigi’s afterward and we can have dinner before going home.”

“Okay, see you then.” She turns toward the boutique and I spin in the other direction toward the bank.

I make my way down the sidewalk, trying to relax. Reaching the front of the building, I take a deep breath, grip the door handle and pull it open to step inside. Glancing at the clock on the wall, I see that I am five minutes early. That should help me make a good first impression.

Walking up to Mrs. Masterson’s desk, I wait for her to acknowledge me.

Sensing my presence, she asks? “Yes, may I help you?”

“Good morning Mrs. Masterson,” I say trying to exude confidence, I only somewhat feel. “I’m Ruby Thorpe. I have a nine o’clock appointment with Mr. Palmer.”

“Good morning Miss Thorpe, you’re right on time,” she says as she steps from behind her desk. Indicating toward the seating area she says, “If you’ll have a seat, I’ll let Mr. Palmer know you’re here.”

“Thank you.” I watch as she walks to what I assumed to be Mr. Palmer’s office.

When she returns, she smiles politely. “He will be with you shortly.”

Nodding my appreciation, I return her smile and wait. A few minutes later, Mr. Palmer emerges from his office and walks to the waiting area to meet me. “Miss Thorpe?”

“Yes.” I stand to meet him.

He’s younger than I expected, perhaps in his early thirties. Sandy blond hair cut short, and a black suit that fit him perfectly, his kind brown eyes smiled as he offered me his hand in greeting. “Dwayne Palmer, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise, Mr. Palmer,” I give his hand a firm shake like my dad has taught me. “Thank you for seeing me.”

Releasing my hand, he indicated towards his office, “If you will follow me, we’ll get started.”

Following him inside his office, Mr. Palmer offers me a seat as he closes the door before making his way around his desk and taking a seat.

“Mrs. Masterson tells me you were inquiring about the secretary position.”

“Yes sir, that’s correct.”

“What experience do you have?”

“Honestly, this would be my first time being employed. I recently graduated from high school, but I did take both typing and shorthand.”

He’s silent for a moment, no doubt considering what I’ve said. Sitting forward he leans his arms on his desk, “I was hoping for someone with a little more experience, Miss Thorpe.”

Stealing myself against the disappointment of rejection, I listen as he continues.

“However, since I am also new to this position, I’m willing to give you a try.”

I breathe out a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Mr. Palmer,” I reply trying to contain my excitement.

“No need to thank me. Mrs. Masterson spoke very highly of you and is willing to take you under her wing.”

“She did?” I ask, unable to hide the surprise in my voice.

Chuckling at my surprise he says, “Yes, it seems you made quite an impression on her. And, believe me, that is no easy feat. Now, let’s go over what is expected of you, shall we?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Mr. Meyers our manager opens the bank in the morning and I close, so you’ll be expected to stay until closing. Your hours will be from nine to five daily, and the bank is closed on weekends and recognized holidays, with an hour for lunch. You’ll be responsible for taking care of my appointments and correspondence as well as filing and other duties with which I may need your assistance. Any questions?”

“When would you like me to start?”

He laughs lowly at my eagerness. “How about today?”

“Today would be fine.”

“Great,” he says as he rises from his seat. “Let’s get you out to Mrs. Masterson and she can show you around and get you settled in.”

Rising from my seat, once again I express my appreciation, “Mr. Palmer, thank you for giving me this opportunity. I won’t disappoint you.”

“It’s my pleasure Miss Thorpe,” he says as he opens the door and ushers me back to Mrs. Masterson.

“Mrs. Masterson, say hello to my new secretary, Miss Ruby Thorpe.”

Looking first to Mr. Palmer and then to me, Mrs. Masterson smiles, “Welcome Miss Thorpe.”

“Thank you.”

“Mrs. Masterson, if you could show Miss Thorpe around and get her settled in, I would appreciate it.”

“Of course, Mr. Palmer,” she replies while rounding her desk.

“Miss Thorpe if you’ll follow me I’ll give you the tour and introduce you to everyone.”

* * *

When the workday ends,I head down the street to meet Millie. Just as I begin to step inside, I hear her call my name. Turning to see Millie walking up the sidewalk, I step away from the door to wait for her.

As soon as she reaches me, Millie threads her arm through mine. “You got the job, didn’t you?”

“I did, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. But first, let’s go inside and you can tell me all about your day.”