Rude Boss

My body stills at the sound of his powerful voice, sending shock waves through my veins, electrifying my nerves and rattling me all over again like he did on Monday. I ask, “Why are you bothering me?”

“Bothering you?”

“Yes. That’s what I said.”

“I was calling to talk about the job—”

“I don’t want the job. End of discussion.”

With a rapidly beating heart, I hang up the phone quickly, drop it on the table and look at it like it has just betrayed me.

It rings again. I glance at the display.

It’s him.

I let it ring.

“Go harass somebody else, bozo,” I say, powering my phone off after the ringing stops.

Not getting a job at DePaul & Company is probably the best thing that could’ve happened to me, especially considering the entitled CEO is a little off his rocker.

I gather my purse, resume and phone and I’m out the door, heading to Dominion. I’m more nervous than I thought I would be when I get there – still a little rattled by Mr. DePaul’s emails and phone calls, but I give myself a pep talk and get out of the car. I meet the recruiter at the site. It’s how they do things. He gives me a vote of confidence, reiterating my qualifications for the position and assures me I don’t have anything to worry about. He reminds me that Dominion is actively seeking five candidates and they’re looking to hire on the spot. I’m determined to be one of those five people.

When I hear my name called, I follow the woman to the conference room while silently cheering myself on, saying, You got this, Quintessa. And I can hear my mom’s voice saying, where there’s a will, there’s a way. I’ve certainly got the will. And nobody’s getting in my way this time.