Jane Powell sat nervously in the visitors' lobby of Stemford Bio-Tech. The experience reminded her of the times when she had been summoned to the Principal's office at High School. The 'hub bub' and general activity in the office made her feel uneasy. All of the staff looked very professional and gave an air of assuredness which unnerved Jane. There was also something about their manner that spooked her. She sipped at her coffee nervously.
She was about to get up and leave when Jane's thoughts were interrupted by the appearance of a woman on her blind side. "Miss Powell?", the woman asked. She was an elegant blonde in a tailored trouser suit.
"Er, yes. Well it's Mrs Powell actually." Jane said. The woman merely smiled back at her.
"Miss Watson is ready for you. Follow me please." The woman turned and began to walk off and Jane got to her feet and followed. Off to see the Principal.
On entering Watson's office she was greeted by a woman Jane reckoned must have been in her early 40's, but looking good on it. Her black hair was naturally curled and just seemed to cascade over her back and shoulders. She was slightly taller than Jane at 5ft 10" assisted in no small part by the four inch heels on her feet, which enhanced her stunning legs. Yes, they are stunning thought Jane. Jane felt dowdy, even cowed, in the presence of this magnificent woman who seemed to ooze confidence and power in both her manner and dress. Her long elegant fingers seemed to grace Jenny's hand rather than actually clasp it as they greeted. Jane was invited to sit down by Watson.
"A coffee?", Watson inquired. Jane thought about the risks from another caffeine hit but just went along with the woman's suggestion.
"Fine. Thanks." Watson poured her a cup from a filter machine at the edge of her office and then positioned herself behind her desk. With a broad smile she looked on as Jane sipped her drink.
"So what do you think?" Watson asked.
"Wow!", Jane replied. Watson laughed.
"Wow indeed. Well Miss Powell when I saw you at the Austen Conference last month I just knew that I had to have you. Your presentation was very powerful. You're obviously a very bright, and beautiful woman. Those are the kinds of attributes that I look for in my girls." Jane felt herself blush. "I am so pleased that you accepted our invitation to come along for a chat Miss Powell."
"Erm , well thank you. Oh and it's Mrs Powell", Jane said. "But you must of course call me Jane"
Watson nodded her affirmation. "And you in turn will call me Mistress." Jane was taken aback by what Watson had said but did not respond.
Watson reached for a buff coloured folder on her desk and opened it. "Oh yes, you are married. Ah well, not to worry." Jane was left further bemused by Watson's statement.
"Is my marriage a barrier to me in accepting your job offer?", Jane asked.
"That's your decision to make. But marriage can mean many things", Watson said. Jane remained puzzled. "Now, drink up we have your future at Stemford 'Bio' to plan."
Jane dutiful drank down her coffee as Watson continued to detail the package that was on offer, should Jane accept the job. To be honest, the whole job offer had blown away both Jane and Don, her husband. She thought back to how Don's face had looked when she had mentioned that she had been offered an executive's job and salary to match with all of the usual corporate benefits. There was no question that the job offer would turn their hopes and plans for the next ten or so years into reality at the drop of a hat.
She had landed on her feet by chance it seemed. At 26, a woman did not get these kinds of offers every day. She and Don had been together since High School and although he tried to ally her nagging doubts about herself they still remained. And so it was.
"But why me?" Watson smiled a whimsical smile from behind her desk. Jane was drawn to her eyes. Dark pools to drown in. And for some reason Jane suddenly found herself up to her neck. She mentally shook herself awake.
"As I said, I only employ the best. You'll begin to notice that when you start to work here." Jane didn't answer but was reminded of the professional air of the outer office. "I had you checked out after I saw you at the Conference. I like to surround myself with young and beautiful women who are also able to be very professional at all aspects of their jobs. You fit the bill. However, how far we need to take your training remains unanswered at the moment. Now stand."