Page 84 of Drama Queen

“I took care of that for you. I wanted to ensure you had nothing to worry about while working here. I must ask a few important questions to ensure you are fit for the job.” I added that I would help ensure she was on the right track with me. These questions were crucial to my brand and businesses.

“Of course. Ask me anything. I’m an open book.” She smiled shyly.

“Do you have any HR or labor relations experience?” She hesitated for a minute, and I knew she’d have to be trained for this position. The person she would be replacing was retiring in three weeks. That should be more than enough time.

“I worked various positions during my internship. I have all of the required certifications, and I’m qualified to work in human resources if that’s what you’re asking.” She smiled again, this time with a bit more confidence.

“Lily, I’d like to give you a better picture of what the role involves if you decide to take the job. You'd be stepping into a position where you'll act as a key strategic partner to our business. You'll be on the Executive Committee, which means you'll ensure our people's strategies align with our daily operations and long-term goals.” I paused for a moment, letting her absorb this new information. She didn’t know I would offer her the highest position in human resources. She thought shewould be one of the managers. Nope, she would be much bigger than that. “You'll also work closely with senior management to help drive organizational growth. This will involve assessing and anticipating needs along with developing and implementing effective human resource solutions.”

“Will I be required to stay at the hotel?” she asked hesitantly.

“Yes. In fact, your suite will be right next to mine. I can show you where that is after our interview, if you’d like. Of course, you won’t move in until after Helga has retired or your ninety days are up, whichever happens first.”

It would take a lot of training and hard work, but if she stuck with me, she would have the opportunity to make this her career and retire a wealthy woman. “This role demands strong business acumen and the ability to lead positively in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment. If you’re interested, the full job description has more details that will give you a solid overview.”

“I’m interested in doing whatever it takes to make this work. I’m honestly honored that you’re even giving me such an opportunity.” She said and smiled.

“With mental health concerns on the rise, what steps would you take to ensure our staff has completed all of the required mental health training and awareness programs?” I asked. This topic was of great importance to me as I lost my mother to postpartum depression. We made regular yearly donations to various charities.

“I support all mental health training and awareness programs. I think that is a great idea. I will also make sure that a charity program is rewarded with any programs willing to help us with the trainings. We can also sponsor charities to raise awareness. I’ll make a note to start that once I get hired,” she said before pulling out a notebook and jotting down notes.

“Impressive. Already taking notes.” I smiled before handing her a new Macbook. She needed her business computer to beencrypted and connected to our iCloud so we could be sure all her files were securely backed up. “Your password is your name spelled backward.”

“Wow, thank you, Mr. Brennan. Was there anything else?” she asked before looking around.

“Sure. Let me introduce you to Helga. She’s the one retiring in a few weeks, and she will be happy to train you in the position in the meantime. She’s an absolute doll and like a mother to me. So be nice to her and take lots of notes. I’ll see you in three weeks. Be ready for me, Ms. Buchanan.” I sent her one last smile before leading her to Helga’s office.

“I thought you were taking me to my suite?” She asked in confusion.

“In three weeks. For now, it’s still Helga’s. Once she moves out, it will be yours. Do you need a place to stay in the meantime?” I asked. I could give her an apartment on my floor, but it would be difficult to explain why the last presidential suite went to a new hire while the other was already occupied.

“I think I can hold off for three weeks. Braxton is ready for me to move out, so he can take over the family business. He’s been hounding me lately,” she answered honestly.

“Well, Braxton stays with me. So, if he moves out, you could move in with me. Would that be too awkward?” I asked, breaking all my rules and boundaries. I was old enough to be her father. Luckily, I refused to have children. So, her paternity never crossed my mind. The thought made me laugh to myself. I could easily say, “Who’s your daddy?”And if she said me, it might be a turn on.

“That would be awesome. However, I don’t want to be a burden to anyone. I’ll wait a few pay periods, but I should be able to get my place. Thank you for the offer. Let’s get this party started.”

Lily

Three weeks later

Training had beenan unbelievable pain in my ass. We just had our first snowstorm, which threatened the power a few times but, luckily, we had a backup generator. Ethan was out of town for my first two weeks, and I barely saw him. Even though our desks were right beside each other. Helga’s last day was coming up, and I wanted to ensure that her notebook of cheats and years of notes had every possible scenario listed. Since I’d started, I’d already made some big calls and hired a few tremendous new assets to our hospitality division. I enjoyed everything the company worked toward and our mission.

Finalizing the last details of my current project was a breeze. I worked alongside a few coworkers and helped throw one of the most fantastic retirement-going-away parties. Of course, this was the first one I’ve been part of. However, it was nice to be involved in something that felt like a family outside of family, but it was still work. Did that make sense? Once everything was in place, and we knew she was coming back from her lunchbreak, we got into position, and the entire staff was ready to give her the ultimate surprise!

We counted down from twenty as the elevator passed each floor. Once we heard the finalding,we knew it was time. I looked around, gave everyone the cue, and as she stepped off with her final few boxes and a beautiful bouquet of flowers, we all jumped out and screamed.

“SURPRISE!!”

“Oh, dear lord! What in the heavens have you all done?! It’s not my birthday, you fools!” She looked around in tears. I think that was when it finally hit her. “Oh, you’re ready to finally get rid of me and replace me with the hot new piece of ass!” She walked over and slapped my ass for emphasis. “These are for you. I’m proud of your growth over the last three weeks. I have one more box to remove from my room, and then she’s all yours.” She smiled, but tears furiously filled my eyes.

“I’m going to miss you like hell, Helga!” I sobbed like a lonely, little lost girl. “I know you gave me the best notes on the planet, but I still feel like I’ll be lost without you!” Helga hugged me tighter, trying to keep a leash on her own tears.

“You were trained by the best, Lily. You got this,” one of the other managers cheered.

I gave a watery laugh and reverted everyone’s attention to Helga. “This party isn’t about me or anything to do with HR. This is all about Helga. I know I am new here, but I’m sure that Helga has impacted each of our lives somehow.” I held up my glass of apple juice.

“For one, she helped me learn the ins-and-outs of all your histories, and now I know most of you by name. She has a great system in place that helps with our jobs. Knowing she kept going for almost thirty years is impressive. I hope someday you will all love me as much as Helga,” I toasted, sipping my juice and walking over to join the others.

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