“Meet me here for lunch at noon and we’ll discuss the finer points.” Before I could object he had shut the door behind him. Shit is he serious? Work as his personal assistant? What would that mean for my Concierge Attendant Traineeship? There were too many questions floating around in my head. Lucinda waddled back in.
“Thanks Alexis, my bladder was at the brink of bursting. Are you ok? You look a bit flushed!”
“I think Mr Clark just offered me your job.” She smiled.
“Well someone has to do it, he has knocked back all the applicants I have shown him so far. So he likes you Hey? Great! No more pointless searching for applicants that were doomed before they had even begun.” Lucinda’s phone buzzed, she hit speaker.
“Yes Bryce?”
“Block out lunch from noon till 2pm for me please and schedule training for Alexis to start as of tomorrow, I’m sure she has filled you in, Alexis what would you like for lunch?”
“Oh, so I get a choice in regards to lunch but the job, that’s been decided for me yeah?” I was laughing but I was still a little shell shocked.
“On second thoughts Lucy, order Alexis a Grilled Calamari Salad and an English Breakfast Tea.” He hung up and I just stared at Lucinda in amazement, she laughed and shrugged her shoulders.
“Do I get a say in this?” It was a reasonable question I thought.
“When it comes to my brother Alexis, no I don’t think you do, he always gets what he wants.” She smiled and handed me the brief.
“I guess I’ll see you at midday then.” She put her hands on my shoulders and spun me around gently pushing me towards the elevator.
“You’re going to love my job Alexis.” The doors opened and a tall, light brown haired, man in a grey suit stepped out, he seemed agitated but smiled and politely said ‘good morning’. He held the elevator doors open for me.
“Gareth, this is Alexis she’ll be taking over from me when I have the baby.” Oh I am, am I?
“Alexis, always nice to put a face to a name.”
“Likewise Mr Clark.”
“Please call me Gareth.” Gareth Clark was not only V.P. of Clark Incorporated but also Bryce and Alexis’ cousin. I stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for Hotel Reception, I nodded to Gareth and he removed his hand to allow the doors to close. I was still shocked at Mr Clark’s proposal, or demand I should say. Working as his P.A. was a great opportunity and would look fabulous on my Resume, but I had studied to be a Concierge Attendant and after only one day I really had enjoyed it. I had to call Rick, I pressed level 2 and dialled his number. I got out of the elevator and opened the door to the sun deck as Rick answered his phone.
“Hi Babe, it’s me.”
“What’s up? You haven’t spilt another drink have you?”
“Ha ha very funny, no quite the opposite actually, I‘ve just been given a promotion…I think?”
“Promotion, what do you mean?”
“Mr Clark has asked me to take over from his sister Lucinda as his P.A. when she goes on Maternity Leave in a couple of weeks.” There was silence on the other end.
“You still there?”
“Yeah, so what does that mean?”
“I don’t know, we are having a meeting over lunch to discuss the nitty gritty. So what do you think?”
“Is it more money?”
“Is everything about money for you? I’d assume so, but it would be longer hours too, I think. Look I will see what he says at lunch and talk to you about it tonight.”
“Ok Babe, talk to you tonight. If it’s more money, go for it.”
“Great help you are, see ya.” Well, he didn’t help much, It’s always about the money for him. I decided I would hear Mr Clark out at lunch and then make my decision, but something was telling me the decision had already been made for me.
The next couple of hours were spent reviewing a list of upcoming VIP guests and events that were planned in the Tower and Yarra Function Rooms for the next month. Midday rolled around quite fast and I found myself rehearsing my questions for Mr Clark in my head. I’ll need to start no later than 8:30am and finish no later than 6:00pm. I’ll need leniency over school holidays. I’ll need an entire Versace wardrobe. I’ll need a key card to your private residence. I’ll need an extensive pay rise and I’ll need to watch you work out in the mornings. As IF Alexis.
I stepped out of the elevator and Lucinda beamed at me.
“Hi Alexis, he’s waiting for you.” She had a ridiculous smile on her face, I rolled my eyes at her and entered Bryce’s office. The sexual tension and electricity that hit me as I entered his space was beyond belief, could I handle this day in and day out?