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“That made my afternoon much more enjoyable,” he says, and though it’s not a compliment, it’s enough that I feel a glow of pride. “You’re observant. You haven’t worked with me once, but you know my favorite things to eat and drink.”
“I just notice things Russell asks for and that often it’s not for him,” I say.
“Modesty won’t help you here,” he responds. “Do you know why you are here?”
I hesitate, racking my brain to find a reason I might have been called up. Only to shake my head silently.
“I am finding Russell’s replacement. He’s retiring,” he sighs, and I can tell in some way this is a heavy blow for Adrian.
“Oh,” I breathe. I feel like I’ve been punched in the stomach.
The thought that my mentor, who has taken a very keen interest in my direct success the last year, has possibly been training me to take over for him. That he may not be here in a month, maybe less time. When I look up I see Adrian staring back at me, and his expression seems to have softened around the edges.
“I’m sorry sir, but I’m just a maid. I don’t think I can do everything Russell does for you,” I tell him, and though I feel I could pick it up quick enough to please even this man, I don’t want to work with him in close contact every day.
He places the folder down and studies me. I’m not sure what he sees, but then he looks to his cell phone, offering me no further information. I feel the corner of my eye start to tick as he continues to type out a message on his phone, completely ignoring that we were in the middle of an interview, one I don’t even want to be a part of. I start to bite the inside of my cheek, reminding myself with each gnash of my teeth not to speak my mind. Instead to fly under the radar like I always do, like I always have since I was eighteen and left my home country.
“You’re originally from France?” He asks out of nowhere.
I come back from my angry swirling thoughts and my teeth release my soft flesh.
“Yes sir,” I respond robotically, just wishing he’d drop this as his phone vibrates and he looks at it again.
“Why did you come here?” He asks.
I fidget again. I don’t want to answer this. He doesn’t need to know this.
“The opportunities were better for someone my age to work a quality job. The hotel was willing to pay for my work visa,” I say, my fingers curling into a fist against my knees.
He stares at me for a second and I can tell he doesn’t quite buy it, he then looks back down at his phone. My foot begins to tap, and I stop it as my heel rocks back for a third time. Instead I go for the less noticeable and wiggle my jaw back and forth.
“Will you work for this amount of pay?”
I glance up from my fists tight on my lap and stare at the paper he’s slid across from me. I pause as I take in the numbers in the salary and do a rough estimate of how much more that would be considering my hourly pay.
“Can I think about it, sir?” I ask.
“You have until the end of my interviews. You can wait in the hallway,” he replies curtly.
Even though I still have cleaning to do I don’t argue. If anyone has an issue with me missing work they can bring it up with him, and I know for a fact they won’t. So I nod my head and walk out, spine straight.
Once I step out, he calls for Shelley, and as soon as she steps through the door I can hear his snarky remark.
“I don’t need a brainless model, I need someone who can make decisions and meld into the background without being an eyesore,” I recognize that as Adrian’s voice.
Instantaneously I’m on my feet and charging back through the door, losing what little thread of self-control I still had. I pull Shelley behind me whose head is bowed, taking the verbal beating her boss is throwing at her.
“Shut up, you pig-headed ass! Just because you pay us doesn’t mean you can treat us like dirt. If you knew Shelley you would know she is one of the smartest people at this establishment and paying her way through school,” I snarl, stepping right up to his chest, poking him in his crisp button-down while I stare up at his narrowed eyes.
I expect Mr. Saunders to become furious, but he doesn’t. Instead he tilts his head and observes me curiously. His hazel eyes drag over me again, only this time it’s much slower, much more invasive, and I feel my nerves alight with invisible flames. I’m not sure if it’s from fear or desire because I feel like I’m under the gaze of a predator. I force myself not to tremble.
He smirks in the end and I quickly back up and I almost feel my soul leave my body in relief when he waves Shelley away. “Go tell Russell the interviews are over for the day. Ms. Bloom, I’m sorry if my words were insulting.”
As Shelley walks out of the door, I feel lightheaded and very confused, while she stares at me like I’m some mythical being that just walked out of the wall. All I can do is smile awkwardly because I have no idea what’s waiting for me in the next few minutes. I just turn to look at my boss, who is looking at me like he’s found the answer to all his problems.
CHAPTER 3
ADRIAN
