You Again!

Looking through her email for the hundredth time, Ellen sighed and flung herself onto the bed.

“One, two, three,” Ellen murmured as she mentally counted the number of applications she had submitted. Staring at the ceiling of her apartment, she screamed, raising both hands and legs in the air to let out her frustration.

“I need a job, anything,” she screamed into her pillow.

Most of the applications she’d submitted were long overdue and had received no response. Her rent was almost due, and to top it off, her mom had another therapy session coming up.

Ellen had worked at the Titan Consult in Manhattan for three years; that was where she had met Luke.

“The one you had least expected had resulted in an interview,” her mom told her at dinner later that day. The last application she had made was for the position of secretary; at least she’d had a virtual interview for that already.

“I know, mom, I just wish others would move as fast as that was,” Ellen said to her mom, frustration etched on her face.

A notification sound from her phone startled her.

Picking it up from the table, she opens her phone. “Let it be an employment offer,” she prayed, looking at her mom.

[ Dear Miss Ellen Grater,

Congratulation! You have been offered the job.

Please find attached your letter of employment.

We are pleased to welcome you to Warner Haven Corporation.

You are to resume tomorrow at The Haven Hotel.

Sincerely,

Human Resource,

Warner Haven Corporation.]

Her eye widened in amazement; she had not expected to be selected among the applicants.

“Yeeeeaaaa, finally!” Ellen screamed, jumping from her seat.

“I told you, baby, you’ll get something soon,” Mrs. Grater said, all smiles, as she watched her daughter’s jubilation.

“I’m going to go get ready for work tomorrow, mom,” Ellen told her mom as she sprang to her room all excited.

The night was short, and in no time Ellen was standing at the entrance to The Haven Hotel. She felt a chill go down her spine as she remembered her experience at this very hotel not too many nights ago.

Approaching the reception at the lobby, with a broad smile, she said to one of the ladies, “Good morning. My name is Ellen Grater, and I’m a new employee here.”

The lady smiled warmly at her and responded, “Hello, kindly hold on and let me confirm where you would be heading to.”

After confirming, the lady looked at Ellen and smiled. “Please proceed to the top floor; someone will be waiting for you.”

Ellen thanked the lady and proceeded to the lift. As she rode on the lift, Ellen wondered how luck had shined on her just when she needed it the most.

She stepped out of the lift and was directed by a security guard to a small waiting area.

After five minutes, she was directed to Alex’s desk. Extending his hand to her, Alex introduced himself: “Hello, I’m Alex Gilbert, executive assistant to the CEO. Welcome.”

Ellen took his hand and said, “Thank you, Mr. Gilbert.”

Gesturing for her to take a seat, “we have a little to discuss before you meet Mr. Warner,” Alex informed her.

Alex gave her an overview of what was expected of her. “You would be working directly with the CEO and me,” he said, laying emphasis on the CEO.

“The hotel is diverting into new niches, hence the work load is intense; your experience made you a stronger candidate,” Alex informed her.

“Oh, thank you, sir,” Ellen said. She hadn’t expected that.

“Working with Mr. Warner requires a lot of commitment and loyalty; you’ll be exposed to confidential documents.” He paused, giving her an intense look.

Realizing she was needed to say something, Ellen stuttered, “Yes,  sir, I understand.”

Alex looked at Ellen intently as he studied her. She had the perfect demeanor to work with his boss. She had a calm and attractive face; she was tall and had an aura of confidence. He definitely would get along with her, he thought assuredly to himself, mentally praising himself for a job well done.

Alex coughed to clear his throat as he continued the discussion. “You’ll be on probation for a year, at the end of which retaining your job will be dependent on your performance,” Alex stated. 

“oh?” Ellen’s face creased in confusion as she thought twice about taking the offer. Could she really dedicate one year to being on probation? She had no other offer, and she had to think of her mother. She really had no choice.

Okay, Mr. Gilbert, I’ll do my best in this one year,” Ellen responded as she nodded.

“That’s wonderful!” Alex said, smiling.

"During this period, you're to strictly abide by Mr. Warner's instructions," he added.

“Okay, that being said, kindly go through this contract and sign it,” Alex stated, laying down a two-page document in front of her.

Okay, sir,” Ellen replied as she scanned through the document and signed it.

Congratulations, Miss Grater. Wellcome to the Warner Haven Corporation,” Alex smiled at her.

“Thank you, Mr. Gilbert,” Ellen replied, smiling back at him. She had gotten a job, and to think the pay was more than she had expected She felt renewed strength and determination as she hoped to make this work.

“Come with me, Mr. Warner awaits,” Alex said, leading the way towards Leo’s office.

Leo’s office was at the extreme end of the hall. Alex knocked on the door and entered the office with Ellen right on his heels.

“Mr. Warner, I’d like to introduce your new secretary, Miss Ellen Grater, Alex announced.

Stepping forward, Ellen said, “Good day, Mr. Warner. I appreciate the opportunity to join your team.”

Leo had been engrossed in a document in front of him, but at the voice of the lady who was to be his new secretary, he looked up. His face changed from surprise to anger, and for a moment Alex questioned himself, wondering if he had indeed made the right selection, just as Leo said, “You again!”