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“That’s great,” she said. “But I’m just doing my job. And you did thank me when you had lunch sent down. Which I appreciated and told Janine.”
“Just a small token of my thanks,” he said. “Going out on my own was a hard decision. The right one in the end for my sanity and morals, but still scary as all get out.”
She smiled at him. “I know a little something about big changes in life and careers. I’ve only been here seven months. My last job, I’d been there for years. It was stable and I knew what I was doing.”
“I’m sure you were well-liked and did your job just as beautifully as you do here.”
“You’ve got a smooth way about you,” she said, smirking. “But again, I’m sure that comes with the job. You could probably talk your way out of any situation.”
Normally he’d laugh over a comment like that, but he could tell she was serious with her words. As of it wasn’t a good thing in her eyes.
“I think I’ve always been that way,” he said. “But I’m honest with my words too. I don’t say something if I don’t mean it. Plus, I’m sure you know by now the Fierces don’t hire just any old person. They hold out for the right person.”
Her stance softened a bit and he figured he’d scored some points on that statement. But as he’d said, it was the truth too.
“They do,” she said. “I think that is what pushed me to take the job. Even after it was offered I still had second thoughts.”
“Can I ask why?” he asked. “Just the thought of a change?”
“Yes,” she said. “I did enjoy my last job, but there was nowhere to go with it. Not that there is a position to move up here, but it had more to do with the work itself.”
“I could see where you are a go-getter,” he said. “Can I ask what you did before?”
She was hesitating but finally said, “Sure. I worked at a real estate firm. I was the office manager. I did a lot of work for the realtors and most of the admin work too. I didn’t care so much about being the boss of other people and it turned more into that than doing the actual work for the business that I was originally hired for.”
“Not everyone is comfortable with being the bad guy,” he said. “Not saying all bosses are bad.”
“Janine doesn’t feel that way about you,” she said.
He could see she almost regretted saying that. “I’m sure there are days I’m not as wonderful when the work is piling up,” he said. “But I try to be respectful and I’ve learned one thing in life: if you treat people with respect and courtesy that goes a long way. More than trying to be their friend.”
“Yes,” she said quietly. “It does.”
Trent nodded his head knowing that he probably overstayed his welcome. He got more out of her than he thought and wouldn’t push.
“I’ll let you get back to work,” he said. “Just wanted to let you know that I’m grateful for how wonderful you are at your job. I’m sure I’m not the only one in the building who thinks so. And the community room looks great too. I heard that was your idea.”
“Thanks,” she said. “It was.”
“Not sure I’ll have a ton of use for it as I’ve got more space than I need right now, but it is a nice feature.”
“The Fierces like to entertain. I know they’ve talked about doing things in there for holidays.”
He laughed. His brother had been to those parties with Megan. Raina and Cody too. He was more outgoing than his siblings and would have no problem with it.
“My siblings are familiar with a lot of those affairs.”
“Your sister is Raina and brother is Jonah who is engaged to Megan, right?”
“Yes,” he said.
“I’ve got a flowchart so I know who is who. It’s best to know the players of those you are around.”
Interesting choice of words. Roni was definitely more complex than he imagined.
“You’re starting to sound like a lawyer,” he said.
“God, no,” she said with a straight face. Then she forced a smile, he could see. “No offense.”
