Chapter 11
She almost forgot about her interview. Gia almost called Brittney to cancel, but both her mom and Gary told her, more like insisted, to go. It was funny how they tried to prepare her with off-the-cuff questions. Not saying that it had been a while since either of them had been interviewed, but the questions they asked were illegal.
Yet as she sat with Brittney, who was totally professional, she knew she didn’t need to worry about it.
“Would there be any issue with you starting next week?” Brittney asked.
Gia hadn’t expected the job offer to come immediately, and wished she had time to discuss it with her family, but wishing was worthless. It was decision time. Family or future? So much to weigh on, and she didn’t have time to stall. Any delay in response might play negatively on her. Then she remembered Roger. He said to use her skills to obtain what she wanted. Surely he wasn’t talking just about her family. It was in her life in general.
Holding her head up high, and internally crossing her fingers, Gia stated, “If it wouldn’t be an inconvenience, I’d prefer to make it the following week.”
Brittney didn’t even blink an eye and said, “That works as well. In the meantime, I’ll email you what information you might need to know prior to your first day. Are there any questions you have for me?”
Gia shook her head. “Not at this time. Thank you again for meeting with me so early.”
“It actually worked out. The Hendersons are all in town and called a meeting. If we made it any later, I would’ve been forced to reschedule. I’ll walk you out.”
“Thank you.” She gathered things and followed Brittney to the elevator. As the doors opened, a tall well-dressed man was getting out.
“Brittney, I was just coming to see you. My wife hoped you could meet with her regarding HR policies later today. Would you be available?”
“Of course. Please let Allyson know we can meet whenever is most convenient for her. By the way, let me introduce our latest employee to you. This is Gia Gravel. Gia, this is Caydan Pintino. One of your new bosses.”
Roger had spoke about a friend named Caydan, but he was a Henderson. Once again, she knew there was a story behind it all. If Roger was still in Boston, she’d ask. What the heck? He was gone, and she was very capable of finding things out on her own. Managed okay before Roger, I can after him too. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I heard your name before. Would you know a Roger Patrick?”
Caydan cocked a brow. He looked her over, and she wondered if asking had been wise. “What are you doing for dinner?”
She wasn’t anticipating that response. “I . . . I don’t have any plans.” That wasn’t entirely true. Gia thought she’d be going to Maplesville and updating them on the interview.
“Could you join my wife and me for dinner?”
Like saying no was really an option. Brittney just said he was her boss. But why he was inviting her was a mystery.
“Yes, I can. Was there something you’d like to discuss with me?”
“No. Why?”
“I wanted to be prepared if needed.” Gia had been out with Lena for lunch, hopefully Allyson would be as warm and friendly. It was hard to gauge, since Caydan seemed . . . standoffish. “Would you like me to meet you someplace?”
Caydan pulled out his phone and typed something before answering her. “How about six and here?”
“Excellent. I’ll see you then.” She turned back to Brittney, “Thank you again, and I’ll see you in two weeks.”
When her feet finally hit the sidewalk, a limo pulled up. Her heart skipped a beat, hoping it was Roger. Although they texted daily, it wasn’t the same as seeing him. He was being so damn thoughtful, trying to give her time and space to do what she needed to. What he didn’t seem to understand was how much she needed him. They had become close in such a short time, but that didn’t mean she didn’t feel his absence.
But when the driver walked around and opened the door she knew it wasn’t Roger. He never let anyone hold a door for him. To her surprise, it was Lena. She rushed right over and gave her a hand getting out.
“Thank you Gia,” Lena said as she stabled herself. “Can you believe they’re having a meeting and forgot to ask me?”
Gia chuckled. “I’m sure it was an oversight.”
Lena rubbed her belly. “I’m going to guess they didn’t want me delivering on the conference room table. I’m okay with natural childbirth, but that would be more natural than I want.”
“Are you going in anyway?” Gia asked then realized it was none of her business.
Lena shook her head. “Actually I was here hoping I’d catch you before you left.”
“Me?”