Page 9 of Kent's Honor
“I run a private foundation and a charity to help battered women and children find safe places. We focus on education and helping them get on their feet so they don’t go back to their abusers.”
“Wow. That sounds amazing and stressful.” Dixie had volunteered at a shelter when she’d been in high school as part of her service project. All she ever wanted to do was help people, only she never could manage to help herself. One bad decision after the other left her alone and broke. She literally had a hundred dollars to her name.
“It’s both, but I’ve got an amazing team and one hell of a husband.”
An alien ringtone echoed from inside Tilly’s purse, and she jumped. “Oh my God. I hate that sound. My husband is constantly changing my ringer, thinking it’s just hilarious.” She dug into her bag and pulled out a cell. “I’m sorry, I’ve got to take this.” Tilly stood, taking a few steps away from the bench.
Dixie’s gaze went between her son and the little boy stretching in the stroller. Life here seemed so much easier in this seaside town. Peaceful. Something she hadn’t felt since beforeher father died. Since that day, her life was a constant, uphill battle where just as she was about to climb to the top, something shoved her down, sending her rolling out of control.
“Sorry about that. One of the hazards of being the boss is I never really get a day off,” Tilly said, tossing her phone into the bag before bending over and resting her hand on the baby’s tummy. “This little fellow sleeps more than Annabelle has in her entire life.”
“How old is he?”
“He will be a year next week. We’re having a birthday party. You should come and bring your son. Looks like he and Annabelle have hit it off.” Tilly pointed across the park to where Annabelle had wrapped her arms around Nicky.
“I’m shocked he hasn’t pushed her away. He can be a little devil sometimes.” Dixie watched in amazement as Nicky hugged the cute little girl with curly blond locks like her mother.
“I wish we could stay longer and let the kids play, but I’ve got to get back to my office. My assistant is moving in a couple of weeks, and I haven’t found a replacement yet, so I need to meet with a couple potential applicants.”
Dixie sat up straighter. Her heartbeat increased over the idea she’d even ask this stranger for an opportunity to interview for the job. It would be too forward, but maybe she could ease into it with a few questions. “What does your assistant do, exactly?”
“There is a lot of office work, but also helping me create new programs, assessing current ones, and making recommendations to improve them.”
“Sounds interesting.” Dixie sucked in a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “Does it require a college degree?”
“Not necessarily. It all depends on the applicant. Their experiences, both professionally and personally. I also take into account whether or not I like them.” Tilly tilted her head. “Why? Do you know someone or are you looking for a job?”
“Watching Elle is temporary and after that, I need to find something and I don’t want to wait tables,” Dixie admitted with butterflies in her stomach. “But I’m not sure I have the kind of experience you’re looking for.”
Tilly held out a small business card. “Send me your resume but focus on any volunteer work you might have done. Also, include any education/course work you’ve had. I don’t care about the degree, but knowing what you’ve taken helps me see your interests. My assistant would spend a fair amount of time with me visiting shelters, talking with the very people I’m trying to help. And on the flip side of that, we also do various charity events seeking financial support for our programs.”
This had to be too good to be true. Dixie swallowed. “I’ll get it to you by morning.”
“Great. I’ll look it over and set up an interview. I can’t promise anything. I’ve already got five applicants, but I can guarantee you that you will be given a fair shake.”
“I appreciate the chance.”
“My pleasure.” Tilly stepped behind the stroller. “I’m glad I came out here today. I look forward to reading your resume, and I hope to see you at my son’s birthday party this weekend. I’ll send you the information regarding the party when I get your resume. Or get it from Kent.”
“I wouldn’t want to impose.” Dixie rose, collecting her things, and walked with Tilly back to the sandbox. She wanted friends, and friends for her son, but she didn’t think it would be smart to become too friendly with a potential boss.
“You’re not.” Tilly scooped up Annabelle, who protested wildly, wanting to stay and play longer. “I’m going to insist you come.”
Nicky joined right in, standing up and dancing in circles, flapping his little arms.
“Someone is tired,” Dixie said.
“Mommy!” Nicky wailed.
She bent down, holding her son by the shoulders. “I see you met a new friend.”
“I want to play more,” Nicky said, wiping his tired eyes.
“How about we set up a playdate?” Tilly said, holding Annabelle, while the child squirmed. “Would you like that?”
“Yesssssss!” Annabelle waved.
“When you come to the interview, bring him. I have a babysitter for when I’m working, so they can play. No problem,” Tilly said. “Trust me. I understand how hard it is to find quality sitters.” She winked. “Besides, Kent did mention that you’re a single mother.”
