Chapter 3: JAYNE

Sleep was not a luxury I enjoyed on Sunday night.

On Saturday, I had to deal with a hushed phone call from my mother behind Howard's back to tell me I shouldn't use her relationship with him for my own benefit, and it was greedy to accept such a kind offer.

I still don't see how I used this relationship with her boyfriend. It was Howard who went out of his way to set this up for me.

It wasn't greedy, it was life-preserving. This allows me to afford nice things a little longer, and by 'nice things', I mean food and a roof over my head.

Even though my mother got everything when my father passed away, she hasn't lifted a finger to help me out. Instead she tells me I'll learn nothing if she coddles me.

After promising I wouldn't embarrass her in front of Howard by screwing up my new job, she finally let me go and I vowed to get call display one of these days...as soon as I can afford that luxury.

Shortly after, I got a call from a nice lady who told me I was to report to HR on Monday and they were excited to have me on board. She briefly confirmed my salary and benefits, which came as a complete shock to me since I had accepted the job from Howard without knowing what it paid.

If that isn't the definition of desperation, I don't know what is.

It turns out the pay was almost double my last wage which would go a long way to getting me into a nicer apartment, and further away from my mother.

I guess that's the difference between a struggling start up and a successful company.

So an hour before my alarm was supposed to go off this morning, I gave up on sleep and headed for the shower to get ready.

I was determined not to let the ghost of my mother's words haunt me, not when I have this amazing opportunity in front of me.

The building is quiet as I walk into the lobby. I know I'm a little early but I was crawling out of my skin with nerves just sitting at home.

A few people are spread throughout the area talking to security and sitting on the couches lining the front windows near the entrance. A small coffee shop off to the side of the main entrance has a growing line and the place smells like roasted coffee beans.

Taking one last glance at my outfit, I steady my anxiety.

I have a few professional outfits that I wore on rotation at my last job and my choices were slim, but I opted for tan flare trousers with nude heels and a white wrap around top. I lean toward the curvy side, although my judgmental mother would call me fat, so the heels should make my legs look leaner.

Looking around, I think it was a good choice. I'm professional, but there's nothing that stands out about me. Just like I want to be on my first day.

Taking a deep breath, I walk over to a group of women standing together to ask directions to HR. As I clear my throat to speak, they turn in unison to look at me. I am momentarily taken aback by their poise as they glare down their noses in silent judgment.

I force my grin wider as I attempt to push down the disappointment I feel at the thought I'm going to be working with a bunch of women who remind me of my mother, and I hope they aren't on my floor - or my new bosses.

They're all done up so tight that they look like they could spring apart at any moment. Everything is in perfect place. Their tight skirts and shirts are immaculate and for 7:30 in the morning, their makeup is flawless.

Standing in front of them, I'm immediately glad I can't see my reflection in any mirrors as I don't think I could handle the comparison today..

Glancing from one to the other, my thoughts go to a story I read as a child as I think one of these things is not like the others and my confidence wavers.

I open my mouth to speak, but close it quickly when I hear a crash behind me.

Turning to look, I notice an older man has tripped and fallen over one of the carpets at the front doors and dropped his briefcase.

He groans as he tries to stand up.

"Sir, are you okay?" I rush over to help him back to his feet and look over my shoulder to the women for help. I'm met with ice-cold daggers as they collectively turn their noses up at the both of us and walk away without a word.

I stare at them with my mouth agape. Heaven forbid they should break a nail trying to be kind.

I hope everyone else here isn't like them as I turn my attention back to the poor man still struggling to get off the floor. He smiles at me.

"I'm fine. I just didn't see the carpet. Only bruised my pride, my dear." He winces as I bend over to pick up his briefcase and hand it back to him.

"Well if it makes you feel any better, it was a rather graceful fall." I try to lighten the mood but something catches my attention as I hear someone walk up behind me, clearing their throat.

The older gentleman thanks me once again and hurries away before I can ask him for directions.

I turn to face the man who has approached me and I almost forget why I'm here.

His smile is sinful as he combs his fingers through his brown wavy hair. His suit is tailored, fitting his toned muscles in all of the right places and I clamp my mouth shut to stop myself from panting in his presence.

It's way too early to look that hot, and whoever this guy is, I really hope I'm working on his floor.