Page 150 of Fervency Love

Abby

Today is the big day. I’m ready and heading to the interview.

When I reach the store’s entrance, I introduce myself and mention that I have an appointment with Mrs. Moore.

The girl who opens the door instructs me to wait. After a few minutes, a rather young woman with short blond hair emerges from the store. She points to the bench in front of the shop and suggests that we sit.

“Good morning, Abigail. My name is Martha Moore. We talked on the phone. May I ask you a few questions?”

“Of course, please go ahead.”

“Why are you interested in working at the store?”

“Let me tell you this: I’m starting part-time studies this weekend. I won’t be able to afford them without a job. And since I’m interested in fashion, I thought I could start here.”

“Great, but do you have any experience?”

“Unfortunately, no, but I have an understanding of sizes, a sense of style, and taste.”

“And when could you start?”

“Actually, I’m available immediately.”

“Could you start today? We’ll sign a short-term contract, and from next month, we could swap it for a permanent employment contract if you prove yourself.”

“I understand. What rates are we talking about?”

“Starting with twelve hundred, then more.”

“Well, I can stay, I just need to make a call that I’ll be back late.”

“Okay, great. Please make the call and come inside.”

Not bad, it went quite smoothly. I call Ve.

“What’s up?”

“I got the job, Ve!” I squeal in delight. “They want me to start today, so I don’t know when I’ll be back. Keep that in mind and remember to take Lola for a walk.”

“Sure, great, congratulations! See you at home.”

I put away the phone and enter the store. Martha waves, inviting me inside.

“You can leave your things here, Abby. This is Mandy, the store manager. She’ll show you around and provide training.”

“Hi, Mandy, I’m Abbs,” I introduce myself.

“Nice to meet you,” the manager replies. “I’ll show you how to check deliveries. Take a box; here’s a cutting knife. Make sure to cut along the tape to avoid damaging the clothes inside. Here, on the box, in the plastic, there’s a document. Based on that, you check the delivery. Each item has an EAN code inside. Check with the list to ensure the quantity matches, then scan it with this device.”

After a few minutes, I’m already wrestling with another box. I notice others glancing at me. They’ve probably been here longer. One of the guys walks over.

“Hi, I’m Larry, the assistant manager.”

He’s not tall. I think he might be around five feet seven. But he’s also very fit and sports a black mohawk.

“Hi, Larry, I’m Abbs.”

“And how do you like it here, Abbs?”