“Do you think he’ll still like you as a blonde?” Vickie teased.
“You’re not funny. I told you, he took me on part-time until I find a job. So really I should be only one thing to him, and that is appreciative for what he’s doing for me.” Gia didn’t want to overthink Roger’s motive. She knew hers and that was all that mattered.
“Fine, I’ll quit teasing you. But I’m warning you now, when the two of you hook up, I’m going to tell you I told you so.”
Gia rolled her eyes. “Sorry, but you’re going to be disappointed.”
Vickie chuckled, “Not as much as you will be if I’m wrong.”
She wasn’t going down that path again. “Vickie, I need to go. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“You better.”
Gia ended the call and rushed to catch the bus. Roger knew her mode of transportation, but there was no need for Lena to. It might hinder her getting the job. She seemed so laid back, but she was married into one of the richest families in Boston. And rode around in a limo.
Sundays were a different schedule, but so many people took public transportation that there was always one going deep into the city. She hopped on the first one and knew she’d arrive prior to Lena. Or at least she hoped to. She was getting off a block before Henderson Towers. It was a clear sunny day so she should be able to make it that far without incident.
As she sat on the bus, Gia looked over her résumé one last time. There wasn’t a lot to it. Hopefully that played in her favor. It showed longevity. Of course she wasn’t sure how it was going to work as a business reference. Please don’t ask what happened.
Gia also didn’t want to say she was terminated due to inability to perform. Damn, this sucks. She wasn’t sure what to say to Lena. This wasn’t an interview where they weren’t allowed to ask certain questions. This was an information lunch. She hadn’t thought it through. Thankfully it hadn’t dawned on her until now or she’d have been up pacing the floor all night.
Gia slipped the résumé back in her purse and got off the bus. She was dressed much more comfortably than last night, yet her feet were still complaining from those heels she’d worn. As she approached the building, she saw Lena getting out of the limo. She’d also dressed more relaxed in a yellow and white daisy sundress and white sneakers to match.
“Hi, just on time,” she called out. “Don’t mind my shoes. My ankles are swollen and no other shoes fit. You’d think I’d be used to it by the third one.”
“I’m not pregnant and my feet are killing me. Why do we torture ourselves with those high heels?”
Lena laughed, “Because the guys like them. Of course that’s also why we wear those damn uncomfortable bras as well. By the way Roger never took his eyes off you last night, I’d say it was all worth it.”
Unlike with Vickie, she needed to keep up the façade with Lena. “My feet might debate that.” She laughed.
“We’ll make it quick then get right to the restaurant.”
“It’s Sunday, I doubt there will be anyone there today.”
Lena laughed. “Normally I’d agree with you. But I know for a fact the manager is in today. Don’t worry, it has nothing to do with you. Just good timing, I’d say.”
“If you’re sure, because we could—”
“Nonsense. We’re here.” As soon as they were inside the security guard greeted them.
“Mrs. Henderson, is everything alright?”
“We were heading to HR, but I’d like you to call down and see if Brittney can come up. Would you mind?”
“Not at all.” He picked up the phone and a moment later he said, “She’ll be right up. Can I get you anything while you wait?”
Gia wasn’t sure if he recognized her from the last time she was there, but if he did, he didn’t offer any apology for being so . . . harsh.
Lena said, “No, we won’t be long, but thank you.”
They didn’t have a chance to sit down before the elevator doors opened and a woman dressed in jeans and a T-shirt came out. “Hi, Lena. I love that dress on you.”
“I just wish I didn’t look like a balloon.”
Brittney laughed. “You forget what I looked like when I had the twins.”
Twins. No thank you.Although her parents would be thrilled, Gia didn’t even have a boyfriend, so a baby wasn’t something she should think about. It was difficult enough in Boston on her own.