As a successful black executive Kirk avoids the perils of the casting couch and has learned the value of patience. He never seeks liaisons with women during interviews but knows from experience that by waiting patiently many, especially those of another race, will make an overture. Be it in a week, a month or a year β they do! By serendipity or design many find their way to the board room ... and his bedroom.
Self-proclaimed conservative Italian Carmina is an explosive case in point.
Kirk interviewed Carmina while recovering from a recent bad hire. As a newly minted African American VP, he vowed to do his part for racial equality. He was determined to hire a minority assistant and did, but with awful results. She had limited experience and, he soon learned, lacked the skills, polish and demeanor suitable for the executive suite. She had to go!
Being under the gun, He culled a stack of resumes from HR down to five and scheduled back to back interviews for Friday to make a decision over the weekend. Carmina's resume was a last minute addition at the suggestion of a fellow VP who had used her as a temp. He added her to his list and set a 5:00 PM appointment.
By the time for her interview, Kirk had narrowed his list to two. He was reviewing her resume when the lobby receptionist called to announce her arrival.
"I'll pick her up in five minutes"
"I'm leaving now but will let her know."
He continued scanning β around 40, some college, secretarial work for two companies, considerable time as a realtor in New York City and Chicago, currently an executive agency temp and an avid runner. He tucked it away and proceeded to the lobby.
He was surprised to find two women waiting. One, a tall blonde, overdressed in a blue suit with a tad too much jewelry was poised expectantly on the edge of her seat. The other was more diminutive with olive skin wearing a red dress. Her briefcase leaned against her chair, her back against the sofa cushions, legs crossed and perusing a magazine.
Having just read that Carmina was a runner, he checked out their legs and strode towards the most toned and shapely pair.
"Hello Carmina!"
He was treated to a dazzling smile as she uncrossed her legs with an audible swish, stood and extended her hand. Her handshake was feminine but firm befitting a realtor. He gestured the direction and they walked to his office.
Reaching the door, he stepped aside and pointed to the circular table at one end of his office.
"Let's sit there. I don't want my huge desk to be a barrier because it can be intimidating."
"Not to worry, I'm not easily intimidated."
"I like confidence"
He held her chair for her and caught another glimpse of her shapely legs through a four inch slit in her dress. He doffed his jacket and took a seat across from her.
"Before we start, can I ask a question?"
"Of course!" thinking she might need to make a restroom visit.
"Could you tell me how you knew to approach me instead of the other woman?"
Smiling, "I don't want to offend you but I KNEW! But answering might be against HR policy."
"It was my complexion right?"
"No, even though some equate olive skin and Italian, I know that some Italians are fair skinned and some Caucasians have Italian married names."
"But you didn't hesitate so how did you know?"
"At the risk of offending you and violating HR policy, it was your legs! Your resume indicated that you're a runner and your legs fit the bill."
She smiled brightly, extending one leg and twirling her foot in the air.
"I'm not at all offended. I'm pleased that my hard work is evident. Thanks for the compliment! They told me that you were quite observant. I see that they were right!"
"Why did the question occur to you?"
"I was concerned that I hadn't dressed appropriately after seeing the other lady. Then I saw you in your Armani suit - I just saw the label when you took off your jacket! I'm pretty observant too!"