Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 33633 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 168(@200wpm)___ 135(@250wpm)___ 112(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33633 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 168(@200wpm)___ 135(@250wpm)___ 112(@300wpm)
We’re sitting in his small office. He’s reading off a checklist for new employees and I hope it means we’re finally wrapping up for the day.
“Then there’s the safety briefing…”
I grit my teeth. It’s after five and my patience is running thin. I haven’t seen Morgan in hours, and I have no idea if she’s even in the building still.
“But the trainer is out for the week, so we are going to have to postpone that session.”
I have to stop myself from sighing with relief. Thank fuck he’s not here.
Michael looks up from his clipboard. “So I guess that means that you’re done for the day!” he says brightly. “Big first day, huh buddy?”
I chuckle lightly. “It’s been a rollercoaster, but I think it’ll all work out.”
There’s no need to explain to the man that I’m talking about Morgan and not the environmental projects or stacks of paperwork that only continue to grow.
“Absolutely. Anyways, a few of us sometimes grab a beer after work, if you want to mingle with your new coworkers,” Michael offers. “It’s super casual. Just a nice break between work and going home. The job here can be tough, so we try to bond beyond the office when we can,” he explains.
I smile politely. “I really appreciate the offer, Mike, but I have to get back to my apartment. They’re dropping off a new refrigerator today and I don’t want to miss that,” I fib. I’m not big on lying to anyone, but today is about Morgan and I’ll combust if I have to wait another second to see her.
“Not a problem,” Michael says easily. “It’s an open invite. The group varies each time, but we have a good spot, just down the block. You’ll be a regular in no time.”
This time my smile is genuine. So far, everyone at HRA has been welcoming, which is a far cry from what I’ve previously witnessed in big cities with its rush of no-name faces and interchangeable people.
“I’ll hit up the happy hour next time,” I agree amicably. I stand up and reach for the folder holding my employment paperwork. “Oh, I heard there’s a branch at HRA that helps place job seekers,” I say, keeping my tone casual. “Would they have candidates to recommend? I need to build a sizable team to support the environmental studies I’ll be doing.”
“That’s great,” Michael says, nodding eagerly. “I have no idea if they have the type of candidate you’re looking for, but HRA’s database is huge. There’s sure to be someone.” He glances at his watch. “But most of the staff is probably gone by now.”
“That’s unfortunate. I’d hoped to get a jumpstart first thing tomorrow,” I say easily.
Michael nods thoughtfully. “You know what? I bet Morgan’s still here—the young lady you met before lunch? She helps with those projects from time to time.”
“Morgan,” I repeat her name, running the word over in my mouth. She’s so close that I can almost taste her. “Right, I remember her.”
“Great! Go ahead and pop over to her desk—she’s toward the back, far right side in the cube maze. She’s a good first step for figuring out who to talk to about hiring. She can set up some interviews with attractive candidates, although again, I’m not sure we have exactly the skill set you need. Still, it never hurts to look.”
I nod and walk to the door. “Got it. Appreciate everything you’ve done, Mike. See you tomorrow.”
I do my best to keep a slow, even pace as I make my way toward Morgan. As I get closer, I can’t imagine that she’s left for the day, knowing that I’m still here and that I practically begged her to wait for me.
But it’s so quiet in this part of the building, that I wonder if I’m wrong. I wonder if I’ve blown it with her.
Serves you right, I mutter in my head.
Fortunately, as I approach a set of gray cubicles, I hear the sound of a keyboard clacking. I peek over the edge of one of the walls, hoping that I don’t accidentally find a stranger sitting there.
My heart pounds with relief.
Morgan is plopped in front of her computer, her fingers flying with lightning strikes. She’s concentrating hard, wearing headphones and swishing her head here and there to the music. Occasionally, her face curls into a small smile.
I reach over and tap her shoulder gently.
“Oh!” she blurts out, jumping slightly.
“Hi Morg,” I say softly. “I was hoping I’d find you here.”
She scrambles to her feet and brushes at her clothes. “Yeah, well, it seemed like you really wanted to talk earlier.”
We stare at one another, each of us debating the next move.
“I didn’t have any good reason to come and try to find you,” she offers. “Or I would have.”
I nod. “I understand. Are you heading out soon or…?”