Page 81 of Trial By Fire
"Yes, Lindsey Ashby." I take a glance at the waiting area, wondering if I'll be part of a cattle call. I don't see anyone waiting, so maybe that's a good sign?
"Follow me. She's expecting you."
I follow the young woman down a hallway to the end where she gently knocks before opening the door.
A gorgeous blond woman swings around in her office chair, phone pressed to her ear. Her eyes twinkle as she listens to whomever is on the other end of the call, but she waves me into one of the chairs across from her desk.
"That sounds wonderful, but I have to go. My interview is here." Her cheeks become flushed, and she shakes her head. "Later," she stresses. "But don't forget what you've said. Love you. Bye."
She ends the call and flashes me a warm smile. "My husband, Elias. Someone you'll get to know if you decide to work here. Come on, let's move to the couch. It's more comfortable."
I follow Quinley to the seating area near the windows, and we settle in.
"I've heard so much about you; I feel like I already know you, Lindsey," Quinley says. "And I've already done a deep dive into your references."
"That was fast."
"I need someone fast. My assistant was fantastic, but she's decided quite abruptly to go on tour as a fill-in guitarist."
"Oh, wow. Anyone I might have heard of?"
Quinley names a popular band. "It's very much a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I can't blame her for taking it. But," she says, tapping one perfectly manicured nail on the file she carried with her from the desk, "it means I need to find someone I don't have to train from scratch. And according to this—that's you."
"I'm flattered."
"You've worked on some fantastic campaigns, and I'm sure the experience is invaluable. I'd ask what brought you to Carolina Cove, but I'm guessing Bronwyn has something to do with it?"
I don't want to get into the dirty details of my work life in California, so I nod. "She's my only family, and I'd like to be close by. Especially now. She told me you know that I'm expecting."
"She did. Legally I can't ask?—"
"I know," I say, shrugging. "But I'm already wearing a borrowed dress due to the fact I'm showing, so it's not like it's something I can hide. Or want to. But I'll be a single mom, and while I'm sure it'll take some juggling in the beginning to get into a routine, I am very much interested in this job and working for you. I've always been independent, and I did a bit of research on your company as well. I love that it's female focused and allows women-owned companies to be better served in what's been a male-dominated field for so long."
The conversation shifts into the various aspects of the job requirements, salary and other things.
"You'll work hard," Quinley says, "but I take care of my employees. It's the only way to have a happy, healthy company. And since I know from island gossip you're looking for a place, I'll even offer a sign-on bonus to help get you settled."
"That's very generous of you."
"So is that a yes?"
I grin. "It's a yes. But when would I start?"
"I'd like to say today, but it'll take time to get paperwork and the background check sorted. Plus I'm guessing Bronwyn probably expects you to be around and handy for her wedding this weekend?"
I nod firmly. "She does. I'm opening and running the bookstore until Bronwyn and Gabe get back from their short honeymoon." I tell her the dates.
"It is short, but I'm glad they're taking a few days away."
"Me, too."
"Okay, so let's plan on Monday the following week then. Oh, and here. I forgot to give you this," she says, flipping open the file to remove a sticky note.
"What's this?" I ask, seeing the name of a coffee shop.
"It's the best coffee on the island, and you'll get to know it and my preferences well," Quinley says, smiling. "I'm totally addicted. But London also has an apartment above the shop, and it's now empty since my last assistant was the one who rented from her. I thought I'd mention it in case you're still looking."
"I am. Thank you." I hold the sticky note a little too tight, but how can I not? A job and a potential apartment in one afternoon? Yes, please!
