“Are you trying to say that I only want to hire a receptionist if she’s good looking? I’m offended.” I feigned indignation.
“So, their breast size had nothing to do with your opinion? Because I can’t find a redeeming quality in any of them.” Lena grit her teeth.
“What’s wrong, Marlena? Is someone a little jealous?” I knew I was stepping over the line and the likelihood of her slapping me was pretty high. I sort of wanted her to. I wanted to see how far I could push her before she snapped.
God, I wanted her to snap.
Lena opened her mouth, most likely to tell me off, but then seemed to think better of it. She took a deep breath and turned away from me, looking at the last resume on the pile. “I have a lot of faith in this last candidate. I think she’s going to be the ticket.” Her voice was much calmer and I was disappointed that she had put an end to our sparring.
I got off on her anger. I liked to see her ready to explode. It turned me on.
“Yeah, okay. Bring her in.” I sat back in my chair preparing myself to niggle Lena some more. I wanted to push her enough to lose control.
Lena left the room and went to get the final interviewee. I popped a mint and made myself comfortable, a smile on my face. She returned a minute later with the familiar-looking woman with the red hair I had seen earlier.
“Whitney, this is Adam’s partner Jeremy Wyatt. Jeremy, this Meg’s sister, Whitney Galloway,” Lena introduced. And then it all made sense. Why she looked so familiar. She and her sister Meg—Adam’s fiancé—looked a lot alike. They were both beautiful, but whereas Meg had a natural, easy-going beauty, Whitney was more put together. And a lot more tense and buttoned up. She gave me a tight smile and held out her hand, which I shook.
Her being Meg’s sister changed things.
“Thanks for asking me to come in,” Whitney said with sincerity and just a twinge of something that could only be desperation.
Lena gave her a sympathetic smile. “I’m so glad you’re back in Southport. We’ve all missed you.” Lena gave her a hug and it was obvious Whitney meant a lot to her. I knew that Meg and her family had always been close to Adam’s family, so it made sense that Whitney and Lena knew each other well.
Whitney took a seat, looking slightly uncomfortable. She has dressed much more appropriately for an interview than the last few candidates, so that was working in her favor.
I was bewildered as to why she was here though. I took her resume from Lena’s hands, reading it over and then looking back up at Whitney. “I don’t mean to be rude, but it doesn’t seem as if you have any administrative experience. You’re a makeup artist. What makes you think this would be a good fit?” I was being blunt, but I was also sick of doing interviews. And even though Whitney was Meg’s sister, I didn’t do nepotism. She wouldn’t simply be handed the job because of who she knew.
Lena glared at me but didn’t say anything. Whitney chewed on her bottom lip as she mulled over my question. This was a woman whose confidence had been shaken. I had seen the expression on my own face enough times, though I had learned to hide it. Whitney had yet to develop that particular skill.
“I’ve worked in the movie industry for the past decade. And yes, I primarily worked as a makeup artist, but I had to wear many hats in that position. I was a gopher. I was a therapist. I was a project manager. I had to think on my feet and learn to be flexible if shoot requirements changed on a dime. I am a hard worker and a quick learner. And while I may not have experience answering phones and jotting down appointments, I am incredibly adept at interacting with all kinds of people. I had to get on with not only Hollywood stars, but also the crew. I was one cog in a complicated machine and I quickly learned how to be a team player.” She took a deep breath before continuing. One thing was for sure, the woman knew how to sell herself. “I’m a college graduate with over ten years of experience working in a high stress, quickly evolving work environment. I know how to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines. Not much phases me. I know how to keep my cool. I can do this job in my sleep.” There was confidence. I could tell Whitney Galloway believed she could do just about anything.
I sat back in my seat. I sensed Lena was pleased. But there was something bothering me. “You’ve achieved a lot of success in your line of work. Meg has told me about the awards you’ve won and the circles you move in. Why the hell would someone of your caliber give all that up to come back to Southport and work as a receptionist? It doesn’t make sense.”