Page 11 of The Boss Upstairs
4
I’m a nervous wreck as I rummage through my closet. What to wear? What to wear? First impressions are important. I suppose it’s a second impression, but still. What should my work uniform look like? I’m a professional and work in an office. Yet I’m a creative type.
After what seems like a week, I finally settle on a flowy polka dot skirt and frilly white blouse, paired with black Mary-Janes with a sensible heel. Luckily, since the job is only an elevator ride up, I don’t need to worry about boots and jackets. I grab a cardigan in case they keep the space cool. I don’t need to bring a lunch either since I can easily go back down to my place.
“Where’s Winky?” Patricia asks. “I know he won’t nap without him.”
I smile. “I’ll go look.” I’m really blessed. Patricia is the most amazing mother-in-law a woman could ask for. She’s helped much more than my own mother these past few years. My mom, as great as she is, would rather play bridge, go to the spa and go shopping. She’s never truly been the homemaking mom type, and that’s okay. It’s just the way she is, and I still love her. Patricia, on the other hand, loves to bake and clean, and fawn over Ethan. I offered compensation for her help, but she adamantly refuses. She says she loves every minute of it, and I believe her. And I also suspect that she feels sorry for me, and wants to help as much as she can.
I thank the heavens every day for her.
After a frenzied search, I finally find Winky tucked in between the cushions of the sofa. “Found him!” I announce, and we both rejoice. You’d swear we found the Holy Grail.
I kiss Ethan on the forehead. “You be good for Grandma. Love you, sweetie.”
“Luv yo,” he babbles, all smiles.
“Don’t forget to pack Winky when you bring him to daycare this afternoon,” I remind her. “Or he’ll have a fit.”
She smiles. “I know. I’ve seen it. Don’t worry.”
I kiss her on the cheek. “Thanks again, Pat. You’re a Godsend.”
“Good luck,” she says as I leave.
I feel so nauseated, I fear I might get sick in the elevator. I need to get myself together. It’s just a temporary contract job, not my whole life. And I’m up for it. I have the experience and the skills. What I need to work on is my confidence.
I’m trembling when I ring the doorbell. I stare at my Mary Janes as I wait. Finally, Rosetta answers the door, a huge grin on her face. I suspect that it won’t take me long to get comfortable here. How could it not with someone as easy-going as Rosetta? I’m so glad I don’t have to work closely with the Boss Man because as nice as he seems, he also seems really uptight. I’m agitated whenever I’m around him. Just the thought of him being nearby makes me nervous actually.
“You can keep your shoes on,” she says, “but the shirt must go.”
I laugh. “Well, that’s not fair. You still have your shirt on.”
“Well, I can fix that.” She undoes the first button of her blouse, and we both break out into laughter.
“Come in, and make yourself comfortable,” she tells me. “I’ve got a desk set up for you.”
I follow her to the office, and sure enough there’s a desk where the two chairs and table used to be. It’s a simple desk, completely empty, accompanied by an expensive looking ergonomic chair.
I take a seat, and am pleasantly surprised by the comfort of the chair.
“I was just gonna get a cheap chair from Ikea, but Boss Man insisted I get you a top-of-the line chair. He was going on and on about how Designers can suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, tension headaches, eye strain. Apparently, he’s researched it thoroughly. What a nerd.”
“Wow, I guess I should thank him.”
She shrugs. “I guess. He’s sweet that way. He cares.”
“Good to know someone’s looking out for me,” I joke.
“Yep. I’m not looking out for you. I’m in for myself. And don’t you dare touch my food.”
I settle my laptop and mouse on the desk, and get busy hooking it up. I’ve brought extension cords and all my supplies. “I wouldn’t dream of it.” We agreed when I was first hired that I’d bring my own computer in with all the graphics software and fonts I need.
She points to the small stainless steel refrigerator in the corner. “I’ve saved two shelves for you.”
“Thank you. I didn’t bring anything but a bottle of water today.”
“Well, I might share,” she says. “If you’re a good girl.”
