She looked up, tears in her eyes, and said, “But I thought you wanted me to stay with you.”
“That isn’t the point. I do, I really do. But I want you to stay because you want to, no because you have to.”
She began to understand and gave him a quick hug. “I know we can’t be obvious here in the office. I appreciate what you’re doing for me. I get what you’re saying, and I hope you mean it.”
“I mean everything I say. Now, you are going to learn to be an executive secretary starting today. You will be working with Irene, and she will be teaching you what you need to know. We are also going to get you in some adult education classes to get your GED, and then we can work on college. One thing at a time. I am starting you at the bottom of the pay scale, and as you show what you can do the rate will rise. This will all be done as business decisions, no personal feelings allowed, and if it gets in between us I will do whatever is necessary to make things work. Do you accept this position?”
“If you don’t treat me right, can I complain to the owner?” she said with a twinkle in her eye.
“No. I here he’s a real dick anyway” he laughed.
“Well, I accept your terms anyway. How can I say no to you?” she said.
Irene knocked on the door and came in. She saw them sitting and looking at each other, and she said, “Hey girl, quit ogling the boss and get to work!” Jill blushed bright red and Irene just grinned. “Look, I’m happy for you both, but it’s work time! Mike, you have an appointment at 9 with Tony, I think the documents are almost ready to sign.”
“Good!” Mike said.
“Can I talk to you alone for a sec?” Irene asked.
Jill said, “I will go pull up a chair to be at your desk.”
Irene waited for her to leave, and eyed Mike. “Are you treating her right? ‘Cause if you’re not, I’m going to quit.”
“I hope I am”, Mike said.
“Now for the question I want to ask. Tony Alvarez….is he a good guy? Is he anything close to you? He wants to go out, and I know I don’t work for him, so you’ll allow it I hope” she said.
Mike laughed, “You are free to go out with him. I’ve known him for several years, and he seems like a good guy. Go for it girl!”
“I just wanted to make sure before it became anything. I trust your opinion, and he is easy on the eyes too!” she said.
The day went quickly, and the agreement for the LLC was signed by the end of the day. Mike finally pushed his chair back at 6pm and decided it was time to go home. He stepped out and told the girls it was time to shut it down for the day. “So, how did it go today?” he asked.
“Great!” said Irene. “You have a smart one here. I show her once and I’m done!”
Jill smiled, “I just have a great teacher”.
Irene said, “One more thing before you go, and it has to be alone in your office.”
They went in and closed the door. “First, she really is smart. She picks things up quickly and easily. This won’t last as long as you think. Second, I need to show you some things that Tony pointed out to me. This is big, boss” she said, opening a folder.
“I’ve seen her documentation Irene. What is so important about this?”