I didn’t realize I’d be coming face-to-face with the big boss today.
She leans in as we walk down the corridor side-by-side. “Don’t worry about your skirt. Gabriel has strawberry jam on his lapel from breakfast. It’s his daughter’s favorite.”
Turning to her, I breathe a heavy sigh of relief.
“It works to your advantage. We’re not looking for perfection, Olivia. We’re looking for commitment, and you’re committed to rocking that look right now.”
I laugh. “I’ll run with that.”
***
“Tea for you, Olivia?” Gabriel’s assistant smirks as she hands me a cup of tea.
I run my hand over my skirt. “Thank you.”
Gabriel reaches for his cup of coffee. “As I was saying, we’re looking for someone who wants to grow with the company.”
I’ve been listening intently to him since I sat down next to this conference table ten minutes ago.
Cathleen took a seat beside me. She’s been quiet for the most part, blindly nodding her head in the appropriate places and smiling when she feels I need encouragement.
I haven’t had to pitch myself yet, but I sense that it’s coming.
“Tell me about your first day on the job, Olivia.”
“My first day?” I question for clarification. “Do you mean my first day as the District Operations Manager or…”
His hand darts into the air to stop me. “Your first day as an employee of Liore lingerie.”
“I was nineteen. I was hired to work as a sales associate at the boutique on Fifth Avenue.”
A smile graces his handsome face. His dark eyes widen. “One of the stores you oversee now?”
I nod. “It was a wonderful introduction. I learned a lot there.”
“You’ve worked your way up the ranks.”
I’ve clawed my way up. I had to fight tooth and nail to land the position I have now. “I believe that hard work is the key to success.”
“I believe that too.” He gazes at Cathleen before he looks in my direction again. “Cathleen tells me that you’re a dedicated employee. You envision a long-term future with us.”
“I do,” I agree with a smile. “I believe I have a lot to offer. I’m smart and I understand the market.”
“I don’t need to be convinced of that.” He points at the open laptop in front of him. “You’ve improved employee turnover rates in the stores you’re overseeing. Sales are up compared to our other boutiques in the region.”
In the region?
I’m surprised. I’ve always kept my head to the grindstone, but I keep an eye on what’s happening with our stores in the northeast. I had no idea that I was surpassing the expectations I set for myself.
“You can see yourself living in London?” He picks up the coffee cup and takes a drink.
I nod enthusiastically. “I can see that.”
“It’s a life-changing move,” he points out as he lowers the cup to the table. “Don’t underestimate the changes you’d have to endure.”
“I’ve given it a lot of thought,” I assure him with a warm smile. “I would do wondrous things for the company in London. I’d make you proud, sir.”
“I believe you,” he says as he snaps his laptop shut. “You’ve given me a lot to think about, Olivia.”