right?
But I figured I had nothing to lose, so I went to the interview just for the hell of it. It changed my life, Jeff. It changed my life.”
Jessica crossed her legs then smoothed the skirt down over her knees.
“You see, what I didn’t know then was that the recruiters are trained to spot potential, to look for certain signs in individuals that indicate they might be right for our company. Back in New York the recruiter saw those signs in me. Just now, Jeff, I saw them in you.”
Even though he knew it was probably all part of some carefully calculated pitch, he couldn’t help but feel a bit flattered. Losing his job had damaged his self-esteem and confidence, and there were worse things than having a beautiful woman sit so close and say nice things about him. “I’m curious,” he said, “what exactly are those signs?”
“We’re talking intangibles here.”
“Can’t even give me one example?”
She thought a moment before answering. “What I do involves instinct, utilizing a highly-developed ability to spot that special something in people that sets them apart. Strength, confidence-”
“And need?”
She relaxed her smile into something a bit more genuine. “And need,” she confessed softly. “But if you’ll notice, Jeff, this area is mobbed with people. The only person I’ve given a flyer to is you.”
“Well, so far anyway.”
“No. I was just about to leave when I spotted you sitting here.”
She drew a deep breath and let it out slowly, turning away from him and gazing out over the square. “Did you lose your job recently?”
“A few months back.”
“Sales?”
“You’re good.”
“I’m well-trained. Were you in management?”
“Right again. Twelve years with the company, nine in management.”
“What line?”
He arched an eyebrow.
“I’m good, not psychic.”
Jeff chuckled. “It was a high-end car audio business. We did sales and installation, but unfortunately the giant discount stores have wiped out most of the specialty chains.”
“I noticed a wedding band. Do you have children too?”
Jeff relaxed a bit and decided to enjoy the game. “You tell me.”
She turned back to him, looked deep into his eyes. “No kids.”
“No.” Jesus, he thought, I’m actually swooning. “Not yet anyway. Hopefully at some point soon but right now we’re not in a position to-”
“Your wife works but doesn’t make a whole lot, right? It’s not enough, is it, Jeff? You’re in financial trouble.”
“It’s getting tough, yes.”
“Then tell me, what in the world do you have to lose at this point? There are a very limited number of slots, and I’ll be honest, I only get paid if one of my finds actually gets hired. So if you’re really not interested just tell me now, OK?”
“I thought I already had.”
“OK,” she said, hopping back to her feet, “it was nice to meet you then.”
“Wait,” he said. “How am I supposed to know if I’m interested when I don’t have any particulars? I don’t know what the job is or what your company does.”
“It’s a multifaceted company,” she told him as she sank back down to the bench. “A great many tentacles, if you will, involved in a great many ventures. It’s better to attend the interview and speak with Mr. Hope directly. He can give you the specifics and discuss things with you in detail. If I didn’t think there was a position you’d be qualified for or worth training for, Jeff, I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you. Look at me, I was a secretary and was trained to be a recruiter, something I had no experience or even interest in until I was hired and saw the potential not only in the position, but in myself.”
“Is this a company or a cult?”
“Oh, definitely a cult,” she cracked. “But you don’t get your official robe and hood until you eat your first baby under the light of a full moon.”
Jeff couldn’t take his eyes from her. “The interviews are today?”
“Yes, Mr. Hope will only be in Boston a few days. His time is limited.”
“What the hell,” he heard himself say, “I’ve got nothing else to do anyway.”
“Awesome!”
“Where and when?”
She consulted her watch, which from the looks cost slightly more than his car. “The next available slot is around noon, 11:45, to be precise.”
“Good, then I have time to run home, get into a suit and grab a resume.”
“Not necessary. You’re fine. Listen, have you had breakfast?”
“No, actually, I-”
“I’m starving.” Jessica stood up, straightened her skirt and picked up her briefcase. “Want to join me for a bite to eat then we can head over to the interview? I’m staying over at the Plaza. They have a nice restaurant there. I hate eating alone, don’t you?”
Jeff willed himself to remain seated. “I’m flattered, but my wife wouldn’t-”
“It’s OK, really.” She smiled at him the way a child might smile at a puppy. “You love your wife and you don’t fool around. I respect that, says a great deal about your character. But I was talking breakfast, not a weekend in Aruba. I’m thinking coffee, maybe a bagel and some conversation, nothing spectacular or adulterous. Unless,” she said, leaning closer, “sharing a pitcher of orange juice constitutes cheating, in which case we’re into some seriously scandalous shit.”
You ass, he thought. She wasn’t making a pass, she was just being nice. Or could be she’s afraid if she let’s me go now I’ll blow off the interview later.
“Come on, breakfast’s on me.” She offered him her free hand.
“OK?”
Still mesmerized, Jeff placed his hand in hers. “OK.”
3
Afterward, Jeff and Jessica took a cab to a small office building tucked away on an out-of-the-way side street in a drab neighborhood not far from the waterfront. They rode in awkward silence, Jessica fiddling with her cell phone-perhaps texting someone, he didn’t look closely enough to know for sure-and Jeff trying desperately to remain calm and appease the tempest raging in his head. He’d no longer wanted to go to the interview, but had gone along anyway, allowing Jessica to lead him there as she might a pitiful, guilt-ridden dog on a leash. But all he could see, all he could think about, was Eden.
And the very thought of her devastated him.
What have I done? Why did I-what have I done?
The building was old and dreary, just one in a line of several brownstones that had been converted into office space. Most looked unoccupied, and but for one burned-out carcass of an automobile near the end of the block, there were no parked cars or any signs of life whatsoever. Jeff took it all in, his depression and regret growing stronger with each passing second. Just tell her you’ve changed your mind and you’re no longer interested. Tell her you’re going home.
When the cab lurched to a stop Jessica put her phone away and turned to him, making eye contact for the
