In comparison to the majority of jobs he'd interviewed for this future working space was spacious and bright. It offered a stunning view through the large open windows showcasing the beach. As well as offering ample sunlight it also offered opportunities for ogling attractive women in their bikini's, which was better than his previous job where the bloke opposite him had been known as fat Dave.
Before his imagination got too carried away, he instead focused upon the sharp-looking woman before him, who continued fiddling with several papers before her before speaking.
"So," she asked, "you are happy with the offer?"
Nodding, Victor couldn't quite believe the salary and benefits that went in it for what, on paper, appeared to be a basic receptionist position.
"Very," he admitted, "but I am confused by the generosity of the offer. Apart from my degree, I've only got two years experience working..."
"The Directors are aware," the woman interrupted, "but as is mentioned in the contract there are several special requirements that, if not followed, do reduce your pay to a base level, as well as the first six months being probationary. The expectation is that you follow any and all requests of both Directors, although you will be exempt from anything other than polite courtesy from the remaining managerial team. You answer to Director Manning and Director Donaldson only."
"Anything you can tell me about these special jobs?"
Smacking her lips, she seemed annoyed by the very question.
"Legally, not until you've signed the contract, as it binds you to an NDA."
Concerned that this job would lead to his involvement in illegal activities, Victor knew that if he turned down the offer he'd probably never get the opportunity to earn this much again. Being an insurance business, surely there wasn't too much illegal that he could be asked to do. Was there? According to the job specifications, he was barely going to be involved in that side of things anyway, rather being focused up sorting appointments and keeping the two directors happy as the bulk of the work.
Having met both Directors earlier he surmised that Director Donaldson was late forties, early fifties if he was any judge. She wore basic makeup and plain clothing over her frame, while her face was that of a teacher he once fantasized about. Sharp, prone to scowling, but when she finally smiled it caused shivers down certain organs. It didn't hurt that her hair was closer to silver than grey, attracting him like a bird to shiny things.
On the other hand, Director Manning was younger, in her mid-thirties, with dyed bright blonde curly hair, she was tall and curvy, wearing light blue shirts that clearly revealed her hefty bust. Her plump lips were bright red and her blue eyes sparkled, yet he felt like there were hidden depths not yet revealed.
Both of them, when they'd had brief conversations in their individual offices located directly next to the other, had been polite but stern.
If he took the job, Victor would be working for them, a necessary cog in their machine, but not a unique cog. They had been quite clear that, if he wasn't willing to put in the effort, there were others who both could and would.
"Then," Victor smiled, looking over at the sharp-faced woman, "if you're happy, I will sign."
"Good," she nodded, clearly happy even if she still didn't smile, "you will not regret it. If I didn't need to move in with my mother in Wales I wouldn't leave. I'm glad that both of them will be looked after by someone competent and able. Although," she admitted quietly, lowering her voice, "when they chose your application between them I was surprised. You'll be the first man in this position since it started a hundred years ago. Not," she raised an eyebrow as if imparting a secret, "that Directors Manning or Donaldson were around then, no, they are of course more recent. but historically, it's very strange."
"Colour me surprised," Victor smiled weakly. Putting down the pen, his signature on the contract, he couldn't get his mind off what had been dangled before him, so he asked once more.
"What exactly are these special jobs?"
------
Upon learning the content of the jobs, his eyes froze upon her face.
"Really?" He asked stiffly, "I'm expected to..."
"Yes," she confirmed, "the instructions are as I have informed you. Each office has a different manner to inform you if they require your services. Director Manning will call you in for a 'special meeting', while Director Donaldson presses her call button three times."
"That," Victor gulped, "is not what I, I must admit I don't, well, I didn't think..."
"It would be a shame if you changed your mind now," she warned him, "as you may find it difficult to find a job elsewhere, especially if any of the information you have just been told was leaked. It would be denied of course, the torrid revenge story of a man who was never offered a job in the first place. Or," she added, finally smiling, although it could have been smirking at Victor's discomfort, "you can turn up on Monday, get paid generously, and gather valuable experience as you do so."
He could leave. He could if he wanted to, and the special jobs... He was twenty-three years old! Was this really what he wanted to do? But also, he considered, he was
only
twenty-three years old. Did he want to lose his chance at such a role just because he lost his nerve?
"I'm in." He agreed.
Standing up to shake his hand, the previous receptionist smiled.
"You've made the right decision, Victor, and with good timing." This time her smile appeared genuine as lights flashed on her desks landline. "Director Donaldson is calling. Enjoy your weekend young man because, come Monday, you're going to find out if you're good enough to earn that paycheck."
Walking out of the office, removing the tie that was stifling even without the twenty-five-degree heat, unusual for spring. He walked along the beachfront, completely ignoring a gang of bikinied beauties walking before him. Even the sight of women essentially wearing thongs in public couldn't take his mind off his current worry.
Either he'd made the best decision ever, or the absolute worse. Only time would tell which.