Total pages in book: 126
Estimated words: 122206 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 611(@200wpm)___ 489(@250wpm)___ 407(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 122206 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 611(@200wpm)___ 489(@250wpm)___ 407(@300wpm)
“Understood, that is very good to know. I see ye have a bachelor’s degree in business and a decade of experience as a receptionist and secretary, which I’m very glad to see. Ye must have started workin’ durin’ your first year of college, right?”
My back straightened.
“Yes, sir, I did. I’ve never worked in a business like this,” I explained. “Daddy runs a large dairy farm, so we deal with multiple businesses purchasing our product. I was in charge of the bookkeepin’, contracts, invoices, payment schedulin’, and dealin’ with all of our clients, staff, and so forth. I think workin’ here might be a whole lot calmer than what I’m used to if I’m bein’ entirely honest.”
Mr Collins chuckled. “I imagine so.”
He went back to reading my CV, and when he lifted his head and sighed, my heart sank. He wasn’t going to give me the job. My gut told me I didn’t pass the interview.
“This is a very odd question.” He rubbed his neck in a sheepish manner. “It’s very personal and rude, so I apologise profusely in advance. I just need to know if you’re single? And if you are, are ye plannin’ on datin’ while ye work here? Me last long-term receptionist was involved with one of me mechanics, and she left when they stopped bein’ friendly. It’s caused me a lot of bother. I’ve hired four receptionists since then who didn’t last for more than a few months each because of the workload. I’ve been handlin’ everythin’ by meself, but it’s too much for me to deal with now that I’ve expanded the garage into the lot next door. I don’t wanna ban ye from possibly goin’ out with one of me lads if you’re interested, but I need ye to be here just for work. No funny business when you’re on the clock.”
My heart nearly burst with hope.
“I am single, sir, but I have absolutely no interest in a relationship right now,” I assured him. “I’m very focused on just bein’ by meself. Movin’ to Dublin is a fresh start for me and me alone. I don’t want a man to ruin’ everythin’. Trust me.”
I wasn’t messing up the chance to be in control of my own life all for the sake of another relationship. Not a chance in hell and I hoped that Mr Collins believed me when I said that.
“Well, Ina, that sets me right at ease. In regard to the job, you’re aware this is a full-time position?”
I wasn’t aware, but full-time work was exactly what I needed.
“Yes, sir. I’m aware.”
“Great. I see ye’ve left the reference number for your father’s business blank.”
“That was on purpose, sir. We’re not on speakin’ terms right now. He didn’t want me to leave home and stop workin’ for him, ye see. Comin’ to Dublin was my decision, not his.”
“Understood.” Mr Collins nodded. “Well, I think I’ve asked everythin’ I needed to ask. Your experience really does speak for itself.” He threw me a lopsided grin. “When can ye start?”
I jolted in my seat. “I got the job?”
“Ye got the job.”
“Thank you.” I gasped, clutching my hands to my chest. “Thank you so much, sir. Oh my God. I can’t believe it.”
“Thank you.” Mr Collins chuckled. “Ye have no idea how long I’ve been lookin’ for someone with experience like yours who can tackle this cluttered, unorganised mess.”
My spine straightened in an instant.
“I’ll tackle it head-on.” I promised with a bob of my head. “I can start as soon as ye like.”
“Monday at nine will be perfect. We don’t open on Sundays, and on Saturdays, like today, I handle the reception and office work. Your hours will be nine to six Monday through Friday with a paid lunch break from one to two in the afternoon. Ye’ll get paid breaks because most of the time ye might have to cut your break short or work through them dependin’ on how busy we are. Your pay is thirteen euros and fifty cents an hour. Ye’ll be paid monthly, and I’m offerin’ health insurance because ye’ll be over the earnin’ threshold to qualify for a medical card. I’m sure the plan I’m purchasin’ has dental as well as sight and hearin’ covered. I’ll give ye all the paperwork on Monday, and ye can ring up the insurance company and find out if ye can save a few quid on a new hearin’ aid.”
I felt like I had just struck gold or won the lottery. I was getting health insurance! I had never qualified for a medical card for free health care because my father earned too much money, and I was his dependent. I never bothered looking into it when I turned eighteen because Daddy never allowed me to have control over anything.
“Oh, that is wonderful, sir.”
I couldn’t believe it.