I sat in the waiting room of the law office, nervously picking at my nails. I had just graduated and had received a certificate in administration from the local community college and this would be my first full-time job. My friend Bonnie had made a recommendation, for which I was grateful, but I couldn't seem to get her advice out of my mind; "Just remember to keep an open mind. I know you'll love this job!"
...Keep an open mind? That seemed a bit of an odd comment, considering I was just here for an Office Administration job. I shrugged it off as some well-intentioned, if misleading, advice, and looked around the waiting room.
It was a nice place, that's for sure. Dark brown leather chairs, glass tables, and gleaming tile floors. The secretary sat behind a huge desk, and behind her on the wall a waterfall sculpture that descended into the pond below, where Koi and goldfish swam lazily. The thought of how much they must pay their employees excited me, while at the same time increasing my nervousness. I needed this job.
"Jennifer?" I heard the secretary call, "Mr. Theadore will see you now."
I thanked the secretary and stood up, smoothing my pencil skirt to ensure there were no creases or wrinkles from sitting on the leather chair. She walked me down a hall and knocked on the door before opening it and ushering me in.
My first impression was that it was spectacular. A large window wall overlooked the city. Tall shelves of books decorated one side of the office, while the other side boasted loveseats, a couple of chairs, a small minibar, and a large TV screen inserted into the wall. Mr. Theadore stood behind his immense desk in front of the windowed wall.
"Miss Patterson? Thank you so much for coming. Welcome!" He extended his hand and I shook it. His handshake was firm but gentle and I was immediately put at ease.
Mr. Theodore looked to be in his late 40's, but was still very attractive. Brown with some gray beginning to show at the temples. Eyes that sparkled and the sexiest dimples I had ever seen on a man.
"Thank you so much for seeing me," I said, as I took the seat in front of his desk.
"Of course, Miss Patterson. You come very highly recommended by Miss Verona. How do you happen to know her?"
"Yes, Bonnie is my soccer coach at school. She's a wonderful person and now that I've graduated, still one of my good friends. I think she worked here."
"That's true. A good worker, too. We'll miss her, but of course, we understand that life goes on. Especially for an expectant Mother!" I nodded because that was my understanding as well.
Since I didn't have anything approaching experience to talk about, He seemed interested in personal details, asking me questions such as; was I married? (I laughed out an amused no), In a relationship (still a no), Was I healthy (yes), What did I do to keep happy and physically fit (yoga and swimming)?
"Well, Miss Patterson, I have to say, I am impressed so far. I think you'd be an excellent fit here. I must ask you though, did Miss Collins give you any idea as to what this job entails?"
"In all honesty, Mr. Theadore, not really. She mentioned that it was a sort of administrative job and that I would help in any way I can. He smiled and said "I do not doubt that you are qualified, Miss Patterson. However, I have a feeling this job isn't exactly what you think it might be."
I didn't know how to respond to that, so I stammered a small "...oh?" and waited for him to continue.
"We here at Thomas & Thomas Law are the most prestigious firm in Albany. We deal primarily in sensitive cases for high-profile clients."
I had certainly heard of the firm's reputation before, so this was no surprise to me. He continued.
"Our lawyers are constantly and consistently under a great deal of stress. They work long hours and are under a lot of pressure." I wondered where he was going with this.
"Your job is to help these men and women relax, by whatever means they need, to ensure they can do their best work and remain focused. We market this job as an 'administrative' job because there is no other title for it."
"...Arrrrlright", I said slowly. I was beginning to understand why Bonnie had told me to 'keep an open mind'. "So, is it safe to assume you're not just talking about bringing coffee and booking travel arrangements?"
He chuckled and said "No, Miss Patterson. There is a great deal more to it than that," and at that moment I knew exactly what he was asking of me. He looked at me levelly and continued. "In recommending you, Miss Verona indicated that you would be not only open but well suited to the demands of the job. Was she in error about this?"
My mind immediately snapped back to a conversation that occurred one night in a local bar. I had run into Bonnie and we had adjourned to a booth and frankly had a few too many shooters. That was the night that Bonnie had told me that she was pregnant, and then with a slightly inebriated laugh told me that while she knew the exact day she'd been inseminated, the father was somewhat of a mystery since she'd taken on six guys that night.