John Collins left the office feeling defeated. Just a month back, he graduated with honors from Bryan College. MBA in hand, he went from business to business assuming he'd be set for life in a rewarding career in management. He was past 'beginning to lose hope' as he pressed the elevator button.
Dawkins and Sons were far from the Fortune 500 places he started with but after being told how tight the economy was over and over, he decided to expand his search. This company looked promising as they were well funded, its P&E was solid, and he liked the area outside of the city. Christie had driven out to the area with him for good luck. Her search hadn't been any more successful, but the demand for Social Studies teachers was more promising, especially out in the suburbs.
Christie climbed out of the car, her smile fading fast as she read his body language. She knew in her heart that they'd both get jobs and that they'd settle into the lifestyle they both wanted but these initial heartbreaks were tough to get past.
John smiled ruefully as he saw his beautiful wife. She'd gone all out to look good today wanting to bolster her husband's morale. Her straight blonde hair glowed in the bright sun, her tight womanly body displayed under the snug-fitting dress, and her long shapely legs fully exposed to just below her crotch. All-out was an understatement, John thought as he came to the car.
Christie hastily pulled down the hem seeing her husband's smile after checking her out. They might be slow to get started on their careers, but that didn't dampen their ardor. She hugged him not caring if anyone saw as he stroked her ass, "next one," she said. You're too, smart, too great a guy to not get an offer."
Dale Dawkins stood looking out at the parking lot. "Jessica, who is that?" he pointed to the young man in the suit with the stunning blonde hugging him.
The CEO's EA stood next to her boss and smiled, "I'll find out. She is beautiful, isn't she?" she said as she turned away.
Dale watched until they climbed into the car before getting back to the dozens of emails requiring his attention. Jessica intercepted 99% of them but that still left hundreds per day. He was distracted by the memory of the stunning blonde in the parking lot. He pressed the intercom, "Jessica."
"The blonde is Christie Collins, 23, 5' 11", 115 pounds. She wears a size 4 dress. 36D bra size...anything else?" Jessica finished.
"Who's her husband?" Dale asked.
"Oh yeah, John Collins. Just got his MBA from Bryan College. He was being interviewed for the Level 1 management position over in Operations...you know, Ted's spot?" Jessica said. "Should I call him back in?"
"Contact Bill, if that's who interviewed him, but let's keep these two on our radar," Dale said as he released the button.
"Let's go get lunch," John sighed, "I have the interview at the Heights at 1."
"You'll get a job. Remember Dr. Nolan's advice," Christie asked, "You have the ability, the brains but without persistence, you'll never truly realize success. And never forget, the more you fail the more you learn."
"I remember. I'm so fucking smart now," he smiled.
They were on the highway heading to one of those 50's burger places when his cell buzzed. "John Collins," he said as he looked with surprise over at his wife. "Yes, sure. I'm five minutes away. We were just going to get lunch...oh, my wife Christie. Yes, thank you, sure," he smiled. "That was Bill Waters, he said they'd made a decision and if I'm interested..." he told her about the offer and the position. "Oh, and he wants to meet you," John said to his wife. "After this, we're going the Jason's rather than the burger place," he grinned.
Bill stood as John and Christie Collins were shown in. He could see why Jessica called him to let him know Mr. Dawkins was, and she quoted, 'Intrigued by John Collin's potential with the company.' John Collins married above his level, Christie was a 10, and though John was a good-looking guy he would rate as a 7. "I hope we didn't scare you off with the abrupt change of heart," he smiled as he indicated the two chairs. After the couple took the chairs, he sat behind his desk and pulled out the folder containing John's resumΓ© and his notes. "Let me start by saying welcome to the company. I looked at my notes and as I compared them to the other candidates, I am embarrassed to admit I overlooked your impressive college record as I was focusing on experience. None of the candidates with experience have the potential I see in you, so I hope you understand," he smiled at the couple.
John shook his head, "No need. It's been the one frustrating thing in the entire job search, without experience I cannot qualify for positions that value experience," he chuckled.
"Well, it looks like you'll be able to list this experience in the future, though I'm hoping you'll not want to do that soon." Bill stood and put out his hand, "Welcome to Dawkins and Sons," he smiled.
Christie was all smiles as she took the HR Director's hand, "I'm so grateful. John is the smartest man I know and you'll be thrilled with what he can add," she said happily.
* * *
All went well for the first 6 months, John and Christie settled into their new home, and Christie was able to get a foot in the door as a substitute teacher. They attended the company get-togethers at which Christie was a hit.
She felt like every man at every party wanted to dance with her or get her a drink. John seemed oblivious which was fine with her as she was always able to kindly reject all advances...except for the dancing. She loved to dance and accepted most requests. She was impressed with how everyone treated everyone else, from the owner, Dale Dawkins, down to the mailroom guys. What made her even more comfortable was the half-dozen times Mr. Dawkins had asked her to dance, not once had he suggested anything inappropriate.
All-in-all, it looked like John and Christie Collins had found a home.
One Friday evening, John came home handing an envelope to Christie, "We're going out. We need to celebrate!"
Christie opened the envelope and gasped. "$10,000? Wow! You've been there just 6 months," she smiled.
"Look inside," John nodded at the envelope in her hand.
"A gift certificate for $100. What's Josephine's?" she asked.