The advertisement was deceptively simple. It stated "Wanted: Private Secretary -- multi-tasking required. Excellent benefits. Forward resume to Day Box 69."
I could ace this job. I had been an executive secretary for many years, but since my boss retired and his job function dissolved, there was no need for me any longer. And I was not about to jump into the typing pool. I remember presenting the CEO with my resignation, effective immediately. He was stunned, and it gave me satisfaction when he pleaded with me to stay and train the new hires. I gave him one week then left. No one new came in, and it was time for me to go. But this ad sounded perfect. I faxed a copy of my resume to the newspaper and referenced the Box number. And waited.
Two days later, the phone rang and a female voice with a distinctive British accent, asked if she could schedule me for an interview at 1:30 the following day. I quickly agreed, almost missing her next request.
"Excuse me?" I asked
"Mr. Sebastian has requested all female applicants wear a simple blue dress and low heeled shoes."
"Really?" I said dryly
"Yes, Mr. Sebastian is very particular." she replied
"That should be no problem. May I ask you a question?" I inquired
"Yes..."
"Are you the secretary that is leaving?"
"Yes I am."
"May I ask why?"
"Of course. I have decided to travel. I have worked hard all my life, and it is time for me to experience the things that I have always dreamed of. In this job, you will encounter a lot of cultural diversity. Mr. Sebastian travels extensively, and you will be called upon to keep the office running smoothly while he is gone. The stress level can be excruciatingly high. "
"Thank you, this job sounds perfect for me."
"When I received your resume, I thought you would fit very well here. You have all the necessary skills and experience. Mr. Sebastian is very organized and needs someone even more so to simplify his life."
"Thank you. May I ask your name?"
"My name is Jael."
"That is a beautiful and unusual name."
"Thank you. I am sorry but I must make more calls. You will be prompt?"
"I have never been late in my life."
Jael laughs. "You are so very much like me that it is eerie. The interview will be relatively brief. Mr. Sebastian relies on me to make most of the personnel decisions."
"Thank you Jael, I will see you tomorrow."
"Yes, you will...goodbye."
The Interview:
I checked myself out in the mirror one last time before leaving. Dark blue silk dress, a matching jacket, stockings, low heeled sensible pumps. I had twisted my long blonde hair up into bun and added my sapphire hair pin. Smart and classy, yet understated. Just the look I was going for.
At 1:15, I stood in front of the door. The gold script lettering simply stated "Mr. Daniel Sebastian, Import/Export". I took a deep breath, smoothed down the front of my dress, turned the door handle and entered. Immediately, all other eyes were upon me, checking me over, then dismissing me. I heard a buzzing of voices as I strode towards the oversized mahogany desk that was centered between two doors.
"Hello Jael, I am Johanna Caspar." I said
Her eyes roam over me, taking in everything in a split second.
"Hello Johanna, it is nice to finally meet someone who listens."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Look around you. Tell me, are any of these candidates fit for this position?"
I glance around. Shades of blue were intermingled with red, pink and green accessories, spiked heels and piercings in places I could see and probably could not see. I shuddered at one applicant who was picking at something inside her thigh.
Jael gave me a wry smile and motioned me to one of the many luxurious chairs provided for waiting. I settled back into the chair and waited for his imminent arrival.
"Excuse me, may I have your attention." she spoke softly, yet all eyes immediately focused on her.
"Will you all please stand up?"
I stood immediately, arms at my side. Glancing quickly out of the corner of my eye, I could see most were a bit uncomfortable at the scrutiny that she was giving. Two that I could see were chewing gum, a couple had their arms crossed, and one looked slightly pissed. I heard a faint buzzer, and one of the doors opened. There stood the most gorgeous man I had ever seen. I sized him up quickly. Six-foot or so, 180-185 pounds, short cropped black hair, well-trimmed moustache, immaculately tailored suit that fit like a glove. He walked into the room like a panther-like grace. His eyes flickered briefly over the candidates, most of who did not look at him and came to rest on me. I met his gaze directly, showing as little emotion as possible, while staring into the most piercing hazel eyes I have ever seen. His lips quirked into a small smile as he inventoried my attire.
"What is your name?" he asked. His voice, though quiet, seemingly echoed through the room.
"Johanna Caspar, Mr. Sebastian." I spoke softly.
His hand flicked out towards Jael as she handed him my resume. He glanced at it quickly. Not more than a minute had gone by when he handed it back to Jael.
"Any others of interest, Jael?"
"No, sir, well except perhaps Mr. Baker."
Her voice lowered as she said "But I do not believe he is right for the job, Mr. Sebastian."
"You are probably right, but I will see him also."
"Very well, Mr. Sebastian."
"Mr. Baker, Ms. Caspar, please stay. All others may leave."
Grumbling is heard among those who were not selected. Jael's voice rings out, "Perhaps if you listened to the instructions more carefully, you would not be dismissed, ladies. Thank you for your time."
As the last dismissed candidate closes the door, Mr. Sebastian beckons Mr. Baker and myself into the inner office. WOW, what an impressive office. Tapestries from the far east adorn the walls, beautiful old pottery chards are in a glass case to discourage handling, a Ming vase rests in a shadowbox inlaid in the wall. I scan the framed pictures on the wall and note a couple of excellent copies among the originals. I note that there is a door in the center of one wall, floor to ceiling glass windows that are darkened, creating the illusion of dusk. The office itself is lighted by crisscrossed track lighting that is imbedded in the ceiling.
Mr. Sebastian sits behind his desk as Mr. Baker sits in the only chair in the office.
"I am sorry, Mr. Sebastian, I was just admiring your collections." I hurry to sit, noting the only places left are the love seat and a long couch. Moving to the couch, I turn towards Mr. Sebastian and seat myself on the edge, my stockings whisper against each other as I cross my legs.
"Thank you both for applying for this job. As I am sure that Jael told you, I am very busy but very organized and I need someone who is more so to run my day to day affairs. Tell me why you feel you are qualified for this position. Ms. Caspar?"
"Mr. Sebastian, excuse me sir, but Mr. Baker was here before me, so it is only right that he goes first."
"That may be true, Ms. Caspar, but ladies should go first." Mr. Baker replies.
"Ahh yes, in many things, Mr. Baker, thank you, but not business. Gender should never be a factor. Please proceed."
Mr. Sebastian smiles at this exchange and turns his attention towards Mr. Baker, who starts reciting his resume. He is well qualified for any job having a variety of experience but the job will be mine, I am sure of that. It is a bit stuffy in the office, so as quietly as possible, I slip off my jacket. There is a rack with a few hangers on it, and I take this opportunity to get up and cross the room to hang it up. I hear Mr. Baker's voice falter as the back of my dress is revealed. A high-necked halter top that rings my neck like a collar but reveals a back that is naked. I smile to myself as I know exactly what they are thinking. I stride back towards the couch but notice a Limoges coffee cup next to a pot. Glancing over at Mr. Sebastian's desk, not seeing a cup, I briefly stop and fill the cup. The absence of a spoon indicates he likes his coffee black, and I walk back to his desk, placing it in front of him. He takes a sip and acknowledges his approval with a slight nod. Mr. Baker, cute as he is, is droning on, but Mr. Sebastian has lost interest. Mr. Baker pauses to take a breath.
"Thank you, Mr. Baker" Mr. Sebastian says, without taking his eyes of me.
"Ms. Caspar?"
"Well, frankly, Mr. Sebastian, my resume speaks for itself. If I must sum it up, my boss is the center of my world. Anything and everything I do will be for him. I am fiercely loyal and trustworthy. I expect to work closely with him and have him rely on me for all his needs. You will never have to tell me anything twice and, over time, I will learn to anticipate your desires. I am not afraid of new challenges and I look forward to having you teach me."
"I don't need any more time to make my decision. Mr. Baker, thank you for coming in. You are a well-qualified candidate but you are not exactly what I am looking for. There is another position that will be opening up here soon, and I would like you to consider it."
Mr. Sebastian presses a buzzer, and Jael knocks and opens the door.
"Yes, sir?"