Page 215 of Callan

Rose looks at Mrs. Goodman.

“We’re finished here,” she says.

Whatever that means.

I’ll still only be a secretary, even though it’s an executive position. I’ll still only fetch coffee for some guy and follow him around like a lost puppy.

“Good,” Mrs. Goodman says as Rose pushes out of her seat, and I don’t know what to do with myself.

Should I rise? Should I remain seated?

“Is he here?” Rose asks Mrs. Goodman under her breath, but not quietly enough so I can’t hear her.

“Yes. He just arrived. He’s in his office.”

Mrs. Goodman flashes a grin that has joy in it.

He, whoever the hell he is, must be a great boss.

Rose gives her a faint smile.

“All right… So, is everybody ready?” Rose asks, and I still don’t know what to do next and I wait for the two women to give me some directions.

“Not yet. Someone else is interviewing for this position,” Mrs. Goodman says.

This position? Does she mean my position?

Fangs of panic sink into my neck.

I probably look livid when Mrs. Goodman glances at me and notices the change on my face.

“No, no,” she says, smiling. “Whoever else they’re hiring will be working with you.”

This makes no sense. Please make it make sense.She shifts to me and speaks in secrecy.

“Our boss is a bit finicky. He likes to have several secretaries. And two of our current secretaries leave at the end of the month.”

“Uh-huh,” I mumble.

She turns to Rose.

“She’s such a worrywart,” she says to Rose before moving away from the table where I sit. “Let me check with him. Maybe she can pop in, and I can introduce her to him,” Mrs. Goodman drones on, waiting for the other woman's reaction. “If this is all right with you?” she says.

Rose flicks her eyes to her coworker.

“Yes, of course. We’re done here. She’s great.”

I don’t know what makes her say that.

I don’t remember doing great as much as I don’t remember not doing great.

I don’t remember anything that happened these past few minutes.I’m really worried about my state of mind.

Mrs. Goodman looks at me again, pondering something.

“You know what? Leave your things here and come with me. We’ll see him now.”

I do as I’m told and follow the woman out of the office.

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