When Christopher returns to the office, Leo follows enthusiastically. Christopher takes off his coat, loosens his tie, and sits down comfortably. There were times when he envied his brother's casual way of dressing.
- These are the CVs of the PA candidates – he says, pointing to the folders on his left.
Leo takes the bottom one off, opens it, and starts reading.
- Bro, you don't want this guy as your PA.
- Why? – the CEO asks, frowning.
- He's ugly as hell and will scare your customers?
Christopher laughs. That was a fact. The man, who was full of tattoos, looked more like a bodyguard or a mobster.
- But he has a good CV. - Christopher says.
- True. Let's see the other ones.
Leo puts the folder down and takes the second one from the pile.
- This is the guy you told me about. You're right; the CV is impressive. He picks up the letters of recommendation. The former bosses don't say why he left, but they praise him a lot. Perhaps it has to do with his wife's work. She could change cities, and he would follow. It says here that he's married. Perhaps you should call him for a new interview and clarify the doubts.
Leo passes the folder to his brother, who looks at it again and places it on the table.
Leo reaches out and takes the last folder.
- Fuck bro, you must really be blind. She is beautiful.
- Focus Leonard. – the CEO says with a sigh.
Leo picks up Saphira's photo and whistles. Then, start reading her resume.
- The second best in the pile, but has an impressive school career—lots of extracurricular activities, an excellent internship, and two years of work in a great company. You told me that she only left the company because of harassment.
- That's what she told me.
- One letter is missing from the previous work, but due to the situation, it is predictable. Oohhhh she's also trying out for the PS spot.
- Yes, she was the only candidate who did it.
- Call them both for a new interview this afternoon. Your PA is the one who's available to come, right?
Leo takes the other pile and reads the CVs.
- They all look the same to me. All of them are secretaries in different companies. They were probably looking for a job that pays more.
- I agree with you.
- If you give the PA job to the man, the other one has a better CV for the PS position. Let me call the PA candidates.
Christopher nods and Leo gets up, and picks up the phone. He dials the number and puts it on the speaker.
- Hallo? Am I talking to Mr Jack Lycat?
- Yeah, who's calling?
- I'm calling from Dreams Came True, Advertising Inc. We would like to invite you to a new interview today... - he looks at his watch - at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Are you available?
- Sorry, but I can't make it today. I already have an appointment.
- Well, in that case, we'll call you back.
Leo hangs up the phone and looks at his brother.
- It seems that he doesn't have that much availability to be your PA.
Christopher sighs, and Leo dials the other candidate's number.
- hallo? Am I talking to Miss Saphira Green?
- Yes, you are. Who's speaking? - a sweet voice with a light Texas pronunciation, says at the other end of the line.
Leo made a pleased expression, and Christopher rolled his eyes.
I'm calling from Dreams Came True, Advertising Inc. We would like to invite you to a new interview today at 4 p.m. Are you available?
- Yes, I am. Where should I go?
- To the same place where you came to the first interview.
- I'll be there at the appointed time. Thanks.
Leo hangs up the phone. Grab the pile of PS candidates, spread them out on the table, and choose the oldest woman.
- This is your new PS. She's 33 years old and has experience. Deserves a raise more than the others. And besides that, she's very pretty, and she makes a good presentation at the reception. Saphira is your new PA. Total availability.
- What am I going to ask that I haven't already asked?
- Nothing. Prepare the contract, tell them how much they will earn and when they will start working.
Christopher shook his head. His 22-year-old brother just made everything easier…. Or not... because then Leo says:
- I will visit you many more times with these two new employees working for you.
The CEO rolled his eyes again.
Leo goes away, leaving his brother to pack the folders. His new secretary would contact the eliminated contestants to give them the news.
When 4 o'clock arrived, the new PA and the new PS arrived too, neither knowing they had already been hired.
- Hi, it looks like one of us will be the CEO's secretary. - the older woman says.
- It seems so. Good luck to you. - replies Saphira.
- For you, too - the other woman answers with a smile.
Sarah Brown was a very beautiful woman, and she knew it. She dressed soberly but sexyly, and Saphira couldn't help thinking that her clothes were too plain, most of which she made herself. Even so, she knew the clothes fit her very well, and as soon as she got an apartment, she would invest in a wardrobe worthy of working in a big company. Despite being a reliable person, she couldn't help but think that, between the two, the CEO would find the other much more professional.
A woman opens the door to the CEO's office. It is a lady close to 50 years old, very pretty for her age, who walks up to them and introduces herself.
- Good afternoon. My name is Mrs. Caroline Jackson, and I'm the Chief Human Resources Officer. Please accompany me. Mr. Dixon awaits you.
The two women get up and follow the director. In the office, they sit side by side, opposite the CEO, and wait expectantly.
- Good afternoon. I want to thank you for the availability of the two in having attended this meeting at such short notice. I assume you are still interested in the work you set out to do.
- Yes. - both answer and nod.
- Well, I want to welcome you two to the company. When can you start working? - The CEO says, looking at the older woman.
The company I work for is in a difficult situation. The pandemic hurt them a lot, especially after the CEO's death from COVID-19. I can probably be available from today to 8 days. If you want me to come sooner, I can come to work tomorrow. I don't think my boss will impose obstacles. The eight days would be enough for me to give my work to someone else. It's more a matter of conscience than anything else.
- That's good professionalism. You can start in eight days without any problems. And you miss Green? - He says, looking at the younger woman.
- I can start immediately, Sir.
- Perfect. Please accompany Mrs. Jackson. She'll take you to Human Resources. I want to warn you that I don't like delays or excuses. I expect the utmost professionalism from you two. Once again, welcome to the company. – the three women bow, and when they prepare to leave, the CEO calls:
- Miss Green, I expect you to be in my office tomorrow at 9 am with my coffee.
She bows again, and the three go down two floors to the Human Resources Department.
As they pass the new co-workers, the men don't take their eyes off them. “the CEO has very good taste,” one of them says to a colleague through gritted teeth, and they receive an aggressive look from their Director. They lower their eyes and immediately return to work.
The Human Resources Director's secretary was waiting for them with the contracts ready to print.
I need the two IDs and some data. You can sit down. My secretary will take care of you.
After the contracts were duly drawn up, they were given to the women to read and sign. They were told to return to the CRHO office.The contracts were individual, and they did not know what each contained.Sarah was the first to enter the CRHO office, and when she left, she had a happy expression on her face.- See you in eight days, Miss Green. - she says to Saphira, already in a professional tone. Saphira would be her superior.That didn't sit well with Saphira, but she would sort that out when the woman started to work.She got up and walked into the office. Caroline Jackson was sitting at her desk, and although the office was smaller than the CEO's, it was impressive.- Miss Green, please be seated. Have you signed the contract yet?Saphira sits down and hands the Director the contract.- Yes, Mrs. Jackson.The director takes the contract and sees it is duly signed and initialed.- Perfect.She hands the contract to the secretary, who photocopies it and gives Saphira a copy. Then,
The next morning, she gets up at 6:30 a.m., showers, and wears her new clothes.A tight black dress that accentuated her curves and shoes of the same color, with higher heels than she usually wore.She puts everything she needs in her new handbag, and in a small lunchbox, she puts two cheese sandwiches, one apple, one banana, and a bottle of water. That would be her lunch and snack, as she couldn't go out for lunch.She goes to the bus stop, and the other passengers can't help but stare.As soon as the bus stops near the office, she goes to Starbucks to get the CEO's coffee. At that moment, she remembers that she doesn't know how the CEO drinks coffee. With a sigh, she decides to buy several.She takes the tray and elegantly enters the reception. She shows the card she already has on her chest and enters the elevator, going out on the top floor.The clock on the wall indicated that it was 8.15, and she feared that the CEO was not there yet and that the cafe was getting cold.She knock
- Can I speak to Mademoiselle Éloïse? This is Christopher Dixan. - He looks at Saphira, who glares at him. - Mademoiselle Éloïse, Comment vas-tu? Je voudrais te demander une grande faveur. Non, ce n'est pas un cadeau pour ma maman. Mon nouveau PA n'a pas de garde-robe digne d'assister à certains événements. J'aimerais que vous l'aidiez à choisir des vemtements. Ne regarde pas les dépenses. Environ 12 ensembles. Chaussures et sacs aussi. Ce sera là après le déjeuner. Merci beaucoup Mademoiselle. Toujours un plaisir de faire affaire avec vous. (Miss Éloïse, how are you? I would like to ask you a big favor. No, this is not a gift for my mamma. My new PA doesn't have a wardrobe worthy of attending certain events. I would like you to help her choose some clothes. Don't look at expenses. about 12 sets. Shoes and bags too. She will be there after lunch. Thank you so much miss. Always a pleasure doing business with you.).Saphira knew French, and her mouth was open as she watched the CEO.- S
As per the CEO's order, Saphira took the afternoon off, went to the motel, changed her dress for a simple white dress she had recently made and headed to Mademoiselle Éloïse's shop. With great astonishment, she discovered that the "Mademoiselle" was not as young as she thought. The woman was a Frenchwoman in her sixties, still pretty for her age, extravagant, and with heavy makeup.The woman spoke in a very… French way and Saphira felt like a fish out of water as soon as she introduced herself to her.- Ma petite fille (my little girl), welcome. Oh, you are très belle (very beautiful). - the woman says, both hands clasped to her chest, as she circles around Saphira. – What is your name, mon cher? (my dear?)- Saphira Green, mademoiselle Éloïse (miss Éloïse). - she replied with a smile.- N'importe quelle tenue devrait vous aller bien, (any outfit should look good on you).- Thank you, mademoiselle (miss). - replies Saphira with a smile.- Ah tu parles français. (oh you speak French).
When she saw the building, she was amazed. Sousa was patiently waiting at the door, smoking a cigarette while looking at his F******k account.- Mr Sousa? - Saphira asks fearfully.- Miss Green? – Sousa says, looking her up and down. Christopher had excellent taste. She was, without a doubt, one of the prettiest girls he had seen recently.- Yes, it's me. I come to see the apartment. But in this place, I don't think I'll make it...- See the apartment first. After, we'll talk about numbers. You may be surprised.Saphira was doubtful but followed Sousa to the elevator.When he opens the apartment door, Saphira is delighted. This was more than she could dream of. Her old Texas apartment, which she had rented after having to sell her parents' house, could fit in there twice.- This is the room. Unfortunately, it does not have an entrance hall, but the view from the balcony compensates for this absence. The porch is…Saphira could no longer hear anything. Her eyes looked at the space that
- Miss Green, Steve Carson speaking.- Good morning, Mr. Carson. I would like…- Yes, yes, I know. My PA told me. Tell Mr. Dixon that tomorrow at 7 p.m., I'm available to have dinner and talk about business with him.- That's how I'll do it, sir. I will contact your PA with an indication of the restaurant.- Another thing, Miss Green. Tell Mr. Dixan to bring you. I'll take my PA too.- I will, sir.It was part of her job—not having hours to get home and attend all kinds of meetings. Without giving the matter much thought, she walked into the CEO's office and briefed him. He grimaced when he knew he had to take her but didn't comment. He handed her a card, which he took from his card folder, and told her to book a table at the Italian restaurant.Saphira had heard of the “Stivale”. In addition to having the comical name “Boot,” it was one of the most expensive restaurants in the Big Apple, and reservations were made three months in advance. Getting a table for four the next day wasn't
When 5:00 pm arrives, Saphira needs to change her clothes. She takes her suitcase and the chosen clothes and quickly showers first. She knew the meeting with Mayer was scheduled for 3:30 hours, so she decided to hurry up and get the bathroom ready for the CEO.She undresses, showers, wraps her long hair in a towel, and puts another around her body.She takes out the black and lacy lingerie she bought when she arrived in New York—a wonderful Victoria's Secret set that had cost her dearly but was the only gift she had bought for herself.She drops the towel and pulls her panties on, adjusting them to her body.Christopher's meeting with the mayor had gone well. He was commissioned to make a tourism promotional film for the city, which would earn the company millions, not to mention the prestige of the advertisement, which would take the company's name to an international level. He wanted to expand to Europe, and that was good publicity.He enters the office, puts down the folder he had
Saphira Green enters the office building near Central Park 30 minutes before the scheduled time. The receptionist gives her a visitor's card and directs her to the elevator that will take her to the top floor, where the CEO's office is located.When she exits the elevator, a secretary takes her to a waiting room where several people are waiting their turn to be interviewed.She really needed that job. She had moved from a small town in Texas to the big city of New York. She was stuck in a crappy motel until she got a job and money to rent an apartment.Her curriculum was quite reasonable. She had an undergraduate degree in business and financial analysis from MIT, interned at a large company on Wall Street, and worked for two years at one of the largest companies in Texas.She left the job only because she could no longer fight against the constant harassment of her director.She sits down in a free chair and places the folder she was carrying on her lap. Looking around, all the women