You don’t seem like a receptionist. What’s your long term goal?”
Was this a test? Did he want to see if I would just work there for a few months, then move on to a better position in some other company? I had to admit, that thought had occurred to me after they hired me. I would still send out resumes and if I found a better paying position that was more in my field, I would probably take it. I decided to go with an answer that made it sound as though I really liked my position, but was eager to climb the corporate ladder, wherever that could take me. An answer I hoped would be safe. “I like the job so far, but I do have a marketing degree. Down the road, I would like to see if the marketing department has a position for me.”
“I thought you might be destined for something more than the front desk.” He smiled at me and I felt my knees get weak.
The elevator stopped at the sixth floor and the doors opened. I didn’t want to get off the elevator. I wanted to keep talking to him, but I didn’t want to seem too into him. Not that I had to worry; he would never be into a girl like me.
He held the door open. “If things go well for a few months, come see me. I’ll see if the marketing department has a spot for you.”
“That would be great, thank you very much.” I smiled.
The elevator doors closed and I wanted to fan myself. It would take some time to get used to working with him and being around him every day.
By the time I made it back to the front desk, it was nearly five o’clock. Samantha had already gone and I started to gather up my stuff when I saw a yellow post it note with my name on it and a stack of papers from the H.R. department.
I probably could’ve waited until the morning to fill them out, but I didn’t mind working late and showing that I was an asset to the company. I didn’t have a boyfriend to race home to or anyone besides my roommate and she wouldn’t notice if I came home late. Plus, I hoped that while I filled out the paperwork, I might get another chance to see Paul as he walked out.
No such luck. It took me twenty minutes to fill out the forms and I would estimate that most of the building emptied out past me, but there was no sign of the C.E.O.
I was about to leave a second time when a FedEx man came rushing in. He handed me the small box and the electronic keypad to sign my name.
“Last minute emergency package. Sorry for the late delivery. Thanks,” he said then rushed back out.
The package had Paul’s name on it and a stick-on labeled ‘Same Day Delivery’. I thought about leaving it there and taking it up to him in the morning. Or just giving it to the mail staff, which was probably the right thing to do. But, I justified to myself, what if it was something he needed right away? In reality, it was just another chance to possibly see Mr. Hart, and I couldn’t turn that down.
I looked at the package as I waited for the elevator. Curiosity was getting to me. About the size of a shoebox, with no return label. Inside the elevator, I shook it. It didn’t make a sound and nothing moved around inside of it. I imagined it was papers, making the purchase of another company official. Or maybe some sort of computer piece that would lead to Paul’s next billion dollars.
The top floor were all of the executive offices were located was completely empty and quiet. My heels clicked on the tile floor and echoed off the walls.
An empty receptionist desk greeted me. I debated leaving it there, but I decided to make sure it got delivered. I grinned with dumb-pride as I walked past the desk.
On the right was a large glass conference room with a view of the city’s skyline beyond its windows. A large oak desk filled the room, surrounded by plush black leather chairs. I imagined Paul at the head of it, meeting with the management staff as they plotted their next moves. I then imagined myself spread out on the