Thursday.
I met Kathy at the agency just before noon. I had cleared it with my boss that I might be a little late getting back as I gave him the reason. He told me don't worry about it.
Kathy looked immaculate... very professional. The white short sleeved button-down blouse had a ruffle down the middle. The upper button undone. A delicate gold cross pendent lay at the base of her smooth tanned neck. The dark blue skirt that fell to just above her knees hugged her tiny waist that was accentuated by a wide white belt. She wore white heels. It was the first time I had ever seen her in heels. I love the way that heels make a woman's calves even sleeker and more pronounced... and Kathy's were no different.
I kissed her cheek and told her she looked fabulous. She grinned and blushed a bit. I was pleased.
The receptionist ushered us to a small conference room. Opening the door we were greeted by the aroma of pizza. We were told that Robert would be with us in a few moments and to help ourselves.
We had just sat when the door opened and Robert came in.
"Bill. It's good to see you again," I rose and shook his outstretched hand.
"Good to see you again."
"How's the new job going?"
"Good. Nice people. Still getting acclimated."
Turning to Kathy, "You must be Kathy. I'm Robert," Kathy stood and held out her dainty hand. "I must say, the photo Bill showed me doesn't do you justice."
Kathy grinned and blushed. It was cute.
"I thought we would have a working lunch, as I know you're on your lunch hour. It is nice that you could attend. So Kathy, tell me what you picture your perfect job would be like."
Kathy went on to describe her idea of being a company's PR person. Setting up and attending trade shows. Doing promotions and stuff. She added that she thought her minor in business would help.
Robert listened attentively.
When she was finished he said, "Well, I think you could certainly do well in that kind of role. I have a couple of companies in mind, if that's what you
really
want to do."
Pausing, as if gathering his thoughts.
"Let me throw out another possibility for you to think about. But first, let me be candid. You are a very beautiful woman," I saw her look down and blush a bit.
Robert, realizing that he did embarrass her, backtracked a bit, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you. I just want to make a point. You are very articulate with a
very
easy-going personality... the type of personality that draws people to you."
I nodded in agreement, as I knew what he was talking about... the "Kath Effect".
"Companies like those three qualities in the people that are out representing them. The fact that you dressed professionally for this interview says a lot also. I've had newly graduated people, looking for professional positions, come to this interview dressed in flip flops, shorts, and tank tops.
"Anyway, I have no doubt that you would fit into such a position you described earlier. I just want to make sure you understand what would be involved. I'm not trying to dissuade you. I just want to point out some things that
might
happen in such a role, that you may not have thought about."
Again, pausing.
"You would be part of a team at trade shows, representing your company. These trade shows are attended by mostly men. Older men. Usually these trade shows go on for a number of days. You'll be staying in hotels, most likely by yourself in your own room. There are usually hospitality suites that companies provide away from the trade show, that have liquor. It's where clients can have a more up-close and personal encounter with your company."
Taking a deep breath, "Kathy, please don't take this the wrong way. You'll be hit on. Flirted with. I'm not saying that you are the type of person that would go along with that. I'm just laying some things that
might
happen. That
could
happen. I like you. I like both of you. Just the few minutes I've spent with you two, I can tell you two have something very special. I would hate to have anything interfere with that. The companies that I would send you to for interviews are large reputable companies. I don't see that being a concern with these companies; but, if, and when, you change companies, and stay in the same role, it's something you should be aware of. Deciding you don't want to be in that role anymore, and starting over from scratch would be difficult. Not impossible. Just difficult, and time consuming. "
Kathy and I both sat there dumbstruck, as we took in his last few sentences. She reached over and took my hand under the table. I looked over. She was on the verge of tears. Her lower lip trembling. I had never seen her look like that.
Robert noticed, and softly said, "Kathy, I didn't mean to upset you. I..."
Kathy raised her hand to have him stop. She gathered her thoughts. Her hand now gripping mine.
Taking a deep breath, looking up and directly at him, "You said these things
might
happen. Do they? I'm trusting you. I'm just an innocent girl. Right out of school. Looking for my first real job. Doing something I want to enjoy. Something I can look forward to going to every day. Not something that would cause me emotional distress. Cause
us
distress," her hand giving mine a squeeze.
"I thank you for your candor, and your caring. I have a feeling a lot of agencies would just want to get me a job. And not worry about any after affects."
"First off... you're right. There are a lot of 'head hunter's out there that are only after the buck. To make a quick and easy placement, so they can move on to the next. That's not how I operate. I want the placement to be a good fit for both parties. I want to build trust and confidence with those that I place. I want you to come back to me in the future, when you decide to change jobs, and you will... change jobs, that is. I want you to send your friends to me. If Bill, here, hadn't felt the trust and confidence in me, you would probably be sitting in someone else's office right now. Hoping that whoever it was would be looking out for your best interest; but, not knowing. Believe me... I have both yours's and Bill's interest in
my
best interest.
"Thank you," she said with a bit of a sigh of relief.
"You asked, 'Do they?' All I can say is that I
have
seen it. Not a lot, but I
have
seen it. Some of the women were, shall I say... experienced, and knew how to fend such things off. Others would be embarrassed, and offended. Let me add, companies know this. You would not be out there by yourself. Like I said, there would be other women and guys from your company there too. They would look out for you, as they look out for each other. On the other hand, there would be socializing at the end of the day, with your team. Not saying anything beyond that... just pointing it out."
We listened attentively. Kathy's grip on my hand loosening... relaxing.