Swallowing my pride, I clicked on the post and opened a chat window.
Charly: Is the job still available?Chapter 3MAXXI sat at the old desk, running a hand through my hair. It had been another busy day—another day of falling behind on all the things that needed to be done. I grabbed a bottle of water and drained it, tossing it into the recycle bin.
I clicked the mouse, checking the computer. I needed to order some parts and get to the bank. I needed to do a lot of things that I never seemed to have the time or energy for these days.
I clicked on the job site, scanning through the messages. I’d had a dozen replies to the ad, all of which I dismissed quickly. Four were bogus, and one shared far too much personal information. A few wanted way more money than I offered. A couple frightened me, the women responding too old to be working. They were looking for a place to live, not a job. I didn’t have time to look after anyone. The others weren’t serious, which pissed me off. I didn’t have time to deal with idiots. The guy who had sent me a message last night had been a bit of a surprise. He certainly had an attitude and told me what he thought of my posting. He’d made me laugh, to be honest. It was a little sexist when I reread it, but I hadn’t had time to change it today. I disliked technology, mostly because I didn’t understand most of it. When I was younger, I was far more interested in the mechanics of an engine and spent all my time in the garage with my dad. I could use technology I was trained on for mechanics—the rest I found overwhelming and, frankly, annoying. Facebook, Instagram, websites—all of it. I used what I had to, but I also knew I needed someone with more experience to help me figure it out.
I was surprised to see a new message from Charly. Even more surprised when I saw he was asking if the job was available. At least, I thought that was his question—part of me wondered if he just wanted to spar again. Before responding, I checked his profile, seeing it gave little information, except he had experience in office management and was seeking a job immediately. Both of those pieces of information were welcome. Otherwise, it was set to private with no picture or other personal details.
Cycleman: Is this a general inquiry so you can criticize or a real question?
Charly: It’s a real question. It is a job, right? I need to be clear on that.
Cycleman: What else would it be?
Charly: Your post makes it sound like you’re looking for a spouse. If so I’m not the right one for you. I mean, Girl Friday—a little outdated.He was right. It was outdated. But I didn’t want to waste any more time since I already knew his opinion.
Cycleman: You made that clear last night. My first time posting. I need someone to look after my shop and the house. The title was something I was familiar with.
Charly: Maid/Go-fer might be the best description.
Cycleman: Okay, fine. I am not looking for a spouse. At all. How about Assistant? Can you work with that description? Are you interested? I’m a busy man.
Charly: Busy—so you’ve said before. Keep your shirt on. I’m interested. I have a lot of experience in running an office and keeping a house clean. Been on my own for years. I can do both. Not a fancy cook, but you won’t starve. And I can bake a pie. How big is your dog?I pursed my lips. At least he was asking questions now. I replied.
Cycleman: He’s a Golden Lab. Big but friendly.
Charly: Okay. I like Labs.
Cycleman: Do you have a resume?
Charly: attachedI opened and scanned it. It told me very little about the person, although I could see he had been working for over five years. The name on the top said C.L. Hooper and a phone number, but there was no address. The date of birth gave me pause. He was only twenty-five—twelve years younger than me. I rubbed my chin, deciding that didn’t matter. As long as he worked hard, I didn’t care. He was going to be an employee, not a friend. I was pleased to see a mechanic shop listed under past employment. I hated to admit it, but so far, he was the only viable candidate.
Cycleman: You worked in a garage? You know engines?
Charly: I get by. Not an expert. I was in the office more than under the hood.I grunted in satisfaction. I didn’t want a mechanic, but someone who understood what I did was a bonus.
Charly: There is a reference from my last boss attached.I scanned the document from Peter Phelps. Loyal, hardworking, honest, bondable were the keywords I picked up on. Those were important traits to me—especially now. The fact that he stated he would hire C.L. Hooper again in a heartbeat spoke well. There was a phone number to call for further details, so I could check that this was legitimate. As soon as I had time.