My eyes scan the store, taking in the impeccably dressed women who gracefully navigate the space. They exude confidence and elegance, their designer dresses hugging their figures flawlessly. Immaculate makeup enhances their features, and their perfectly styled hair adds to their allure. I can’t help but feel a pang of self-consciousness, acutely aware of the contrast between their refined appearances and my more modest attire. The only thing that gives me confidence is Blake’s hand on the bottom of my back, guiding me forwards and toward them.
“Good morning, ladies,” he greets them. “This is Lily Johnson. She’s going to be assisting me out back this week. I’m going to be training her to be Mina’s replacement. Please make her feel welcome.” Blake talks with a commanding tone, and I can tell that each woman there hangs on to every word he says. I can’t blame them. He’s attractive and despite being a bit prickly, he radiates charm.
“Hi,” I say, feeling a little silly. They look at me but don’t say anything.
“Any questions?” he asks. And without giving them a chance to respond, he says, “Great. Don’t bother us.”
I look at them sheepishly, hoping they can’t see how hard I’m blushing right now.
“Come on, Lily,” he says and then walks off without even waiting for me.
I hurriedly follow him, trying to focus on putting one foot in front of the other without falling flat on my face and humiliating myself. My footsteps echo on the polished marble floor, a reminder of my presence amidst this world of luxury. I can feel the weight of my insecurities, the nagging self-doubt that whispers in the back of my mind.
We walk into the offices out the back and down a long corridor to a door that Blake opens with a key. It looks like an empty manager’s office.
“Are you always so rude?” I ask once the door has closed behind us.
Blake gives me a stern look. “You need to toughen up, Lily. Those women are all spiteful and shallow.”
My mouth drops open.
“You don’t know that. Maybe you misunderstand them.” I like to try and see the best in people which I will do with the women. Right now, Blake is making it hard for me to see any good in him when he’s so dismissive and rude.
“They seemed…nice.”
“No,” he disagrees, looking at me like he knows better. “They’re gossiping, backstabbing, lazy workers who will throw you under the bus if they get the chance. If you want this job you’ll need to learn to navigate this kind of environment. You need to grow a backbone and it’s not something I can teach you.”
His words only build more frustration and annoyance. It reminds me of why I’ve sworn off men and have decided to stay single. Still, I know better than to argue with my new boss. He’s doing me such a big favor because of his love for his twin sister. Way more than he has to.
“I just…I think there’s a better way to deal with that than speaking to them like that,” I say, the words pouring from me before I can stop them. Oh, God, why can’t I stop talking?
“Oh, you do?” he asks, taking a step toward me. “And how many businesses do you own? How many staff do you manage?”
He peers down at me, frowning at me with that annoyingly handsome face. I gulp and look up at him in frustration. My mind has gone blank. He folds his arms across his chest, his jaw muscle twitching in his annoyance.
“Because I own a conglomerate that encompasses high-end retail stores spread over twenty locations. As well as the prestigious jewelry shop where I employ you,” he continues. “As well as three hotels, and two very successful, major online stores.”
I gulp thickly, completely floored by his words as he looks down at me.
“I have curated a portfolio of businesses that cater to those with refined tastes. Each store embodies a distinct sense of luxury and quality, offering a range of exquisite products that appeal to those who appreciate the finer things in life. That requires a team of staff who know their stuff, Lily. I’m willing to train you. So be grateful for the opportunity. Working here part-time will make you double of minimum wage and if you step up and work hard, I’ll be happy to provide you with a company car. I know independence is important to you.”
I gulp as I process his words. He’s right. I’m used to working for tacky fashion stores, grocery stores, and small businesses that cater to the working class. Here, I am completely out of my depth. I’m lucky to even be standing here in the office, having the CEO personally walk in me, chauffeur me to work, and on top of that, be willing to train me. He could have dropped me here this morning and left me to drown, but instead, he’s standing with me face-to-face and trying to get me to understand what it will take to be successful. The offer of a company car makes me feel desperate to have this work. My ex took my car when we broke up and at the time, I was too heartbroken to fight it. I haven’t been able to buy a new one since. I just can’t afford the initial expense.
“Fine,” I agree.
I’m just going to have to be out of my comfort zone for a while. I’m determined to make this opportunity work, I’m willing to put in the effort and go the extra mile. I eagerly sign the contract Blake prints for me, grateful for the Monday to Friday schedule from nine until two-thirty. The wage is more than I could have hoped for, and the hours perfectly accommodate my responsibilities as a single mother. Blake also hands me a cheque for work clothes with instructions to ask Olivia what to buy.
“It should be enough for a couple of items,” he says. When I see the amount, I have to resist rolling my eyes. It’s so much money for just a couple of items. I take it with unsteady hands, feeling out of my depth. He’s right about needing Olivia. I wouldn’t know where to start buying expensive clothes and shoes. I usually buy whatever is on sale.
I try to be friendly and approachable to my new colleagues, introducing myself to them as they pass by the back office or when I’m in the front of the store. Their responses are lukewarm. I can’t shake the feeling that they’re giving me the cold shoulder. It’s disheartening and I remind myself not to take it personally. Perhaps they’re just used to their routines and are not quick to warm up to newcomers. I think about Blake’s words, and I wonder if he’s right. Maybe I shouldn’t focus on making friends but on doing my job well.
Throughout the day, I immerse myself in reading the store’s policies, absorbing the intricacies of the business. Blake provides me with some basic training on the different types of jewelry, their features, and how to assist customers effectively within this kind of environment. He’s thorough and patient, and I appreciate his guidance. His mood seems to improve. He’s not half as grumpy by the time we leave for lunch. He takes me to a little bistro around the corner and we try to find common ground, mostly talking about Olivia and the kids.
Before I know it, the day comes to an end.
“Come on, Lily. Home time,” Blake says, appearing in the front of the store.
I’ve been tasked with polishing the glass and I hesitate. There’s so much that I only got halfway through. I tried to do it properly, making sure it was gleaming and not a single fingerprint remained.
“Leave that. Tiffany can finish it.”
To the side of me, Tiffany scoffs, looking less than pleased.