“Morning, Tony,” I said to the doorman after exiting the elevator. Before I could ask him about the team he’d sent up, I saw Suni standing next to a Lincoln sedan out at the curb. It was the kind you saw in movies that rich people were driven around in.
I guessed my interview had already begun. No doubt Suni would report my behavior since from the moment she arrived to Mr. Fisk. Grilling my doorman on why he’d let strangers up to my apartment would have to wait.
On an exhale, I pushed through the doors onto the busy New York sidewalk. I crossed and arrived at the car in time for the door to be opened for me. Suni surprised me by not getting into the car after I did. She ducked her head in and simply said, “Good luck,” before closing the door. Then I was off.
But her appearance wasn’t the strangest thing to happen to me that day. I’d later wonder if I should have ever woken up that morning.
TWO
The restaurant was everything I thought it would be. I felt glamorous in the outfit given to me. The hat even fit the ambiance. l was led from the main room downstairs, bustling with clientele, to a room upstairs. Downstairs had a more casual feel. Upstairs was quite a step above. Elegance from the table set with fine china to ornate chandeliers hanging from above.
The other difference was the room was empty except for one man, who was just as imposing in person as he was in pictures. It was not until l reached the table did he stand.
“Miss Young, I see Suni’s team did an excellent job.”
I extended my hand to take his that had been held out to me. Instead, he captured mine and lifted it to his lips. Surprised by his action, I didn’t speak right away. I quickly rectified my mistake.
“Mr. Fisk, Suni and her team were great.” His smile was anything but gentile. I felt immediate relief when he let me go. I managed not to snatch my hand, but slowly brought it to my side.
“Have a seat,” he said, gesturing to the chair. I sat as he talked. “I hope you are as pleased as I am with the results of my gift.”
I glanced down before meeting his eyes. “Yes, thank you. Unexpected, but a pleasant surprise.”
“I can be a very generous man.”
I didn’t like the creepy feeling I got as his gaze lingered on me. Instead of answering, I smiled without teeth. It was cordial at best.
“Shall we get down to business?”
“Where would you like me to start?” I offered.
He didn’t waste time with an answer. “I’ve read your resume, which is impressive. It begs the question of why you are applying for a position as my admin.”
The question was expected, and I already had my answer planned. “As you’ve read from my resume, I graduated with honors from NYU. I did several internships at Fortune 500 companies. And what I’ve learned is that while working from the bottom up is an honorable path, I want to learn from the best. That’s you, Mr. Fisk.”
By his smile, I could tell my answer had won me points.
He steepled his hands and tapped his fingertips together before he spoke. “Smart girl. The question is, what will you do to get to the top?”
I didn’t take offense with him calling me girl. I did, however, sputter as I interpreted his meaning behind getting to the top from his sly grin. Not wanting to believe the worst, instead, I said, “I’m a hard worker. I don’t mind long hours, as I believe I can be an asset to your organization.”
Gratefully, he went back to a more expected question. “And where do you see yourself in five years?”
Inwardly, I sighed. I’d been wrong. His earlier response hadn’t been a double entendre. “A director, a VP,” I said while grinning. “I’ve worked all my life from babysitting to hostessing and everything in between.”
“What can you do on your knees?”
I spluttered. “W-what?”
“I think you know exactly what I mean. I’m not looking for a partner or someone to groom to take my place in the future, Miss Young. I’m looking for someone who can take care of all my needs. And your mouth looks perfect for anything but talking.”
There had been a glass of clear liquid on my side of the table. Without thinking, I reached for it and flung it into the man’s face before rational thoughts could stop me.
I got to my feet. The chair teetered with my quick moment. “I’m not a whore,” I said, spinning on my heels. I marched out of the room, knowing that my actions could end my career before it began.
Mr. Fisk was a power player in New York. He had friends who had friends and could easily blackball me in many, if not all, reputable companies. What had I done?