My eyes widen. “No,” I say drawing out the word and lacing it with disbelief.
This is a really strange conversation to be having at a job interview, but I feel so at ease with Scotty, it’s hard not to treat him like an actual friend.
“Yes,” he says firmly. “I’ve been Jared’s assistant for years, but I’m moving to New York next week, and I have to find someone to replace me. I’m at my wit’s end. I have a good feeling about you, but I need to ask you a few questions, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course,” I say, nodding.
He returns the gesture and stabs a finger against my resume. “You have the right credentials for the position, more so than anyone I’ve interviewed thus far. How do you work under pressure? Are you flexible enough to work late nights, early mornings, and weekends, if needed?”
“I’d like to think I do well under pressure. I’m a problem-solver, by nature, and love a good challenge,” I say, injecting confidence into my voice. It’s mostly true. “And yes, I’m available at all hours.”
“No spouse? Boyfriend or girlfriend?”
I don’t see how that’s relevant, but I shake my head anyway.
“I know that seems inappropriate, and again, I apologize. But, here’s the thing. Jared can be…demanding of your time. I can’t hire you only to have you quit in a month because someone is jealous of the amount of time you’ll be spending with him. I need to know he’s covered and well taken care of.”
The sheer loyalty in Scotty’s voice and expression makes me feel a little warm and fuzzy. If Jared Hart inspires this kind of devotion in his employees, I think I’d enjoy working for him even if the hours are long and chaotic.
“I understand,” I say.
“This is probably the weirdest job interview, ever,” he says with a chuckle. “I appreciate your patience and understanding. Jared and I have become close over the years, and I consider him one of my best friends. If my boyfriend hadn’t gotten a job on the east coast, I’d never leave this job.”
“That’s good to hear,” I say with a grin. “I’ve had my fill of working for evil tyrants.”
“Oh, I never said he isn’t a tyrant,” Scotty shoots back, returning my grin. “But you’ll get used to that. He cares about his employees, provides fair pay and extensive training, and offers a generous retirement plan. There’s a three-month probationary period for all positions, but after that, you’ll receive a full benefits package. Health, dental, and vision coverage, a 401k, and a week’s vacation for the first two years. After that, you’ll get two weeks every year. The position is salaried, starting at sixty-thousand dollars per year with regular bonuses and yearly raises.”
“That sounds…amazing. Does this mean I’m hired?” I ask, my voice filled with hope.
“You’re hired,” he says firmly. “If you’ll wait here, I’ll clear out the other applicants and get the paperwork you’ll need to fill out.”
I nod, and the second he walks out, slump back in my chair. I can’t believe how easy that was. I have a job! And a good one.
My mouth curves up into a smile. It looks like my run of bad luck has finally ended. Thank God.