The CEO'S Assistant

I was walking out of the big double doors of Rosemont community college. This would be the last day that I would have to endure the long hours of schoolwork and the teacher's long speeches that seemed like they lasted for hours. I had my books in hand and I was walking to my car. My phone vibrated in my pocket. I shifted my books to one side and tried to grab my phone. As soon as I did, all of my books fell to the ground. At that point, I just left my books where they were, and read the text that was sent to me. Tammy: Summer called out again. Could you please pull a double tonight? I sighed and rubbed the bridge of my nose. This is not how I wanted to spend my last day being free from college. I hesitated to answer her back but I did need the money. I was barely sitting above water when it came to rent and bills. Not to mention I was still taking care of my parents, and traveling between New York and New Jersey can get expensive when you have no money and you're going three times a week or more. I told her that I would come in. I just needed to go home and change. I picked up my books off the ground and continued the walk to my car. I unlocked it and got in. I threw my books in the passenger seat and started up the car. Of course, it took my car a couple of times to start but I didn't have the money to fix it. I started making my way home and as soon as I turned onto my street, my car came to a rolling stop. Smoke was rising from the hood of the car and I just turned it off and laid my head on the steering wheel. This can not be happening to me right now. I didn't have the money for a tow truck and had no other way to work. I called Tammy and told her that I couldn't come to work. I thought she might blow a fuse. The tone in her voice was harsh and unsympathetic. I walked the rest of the way to my little run-down apartment. It was small and just enough for one person. I unlocked my door and walked in. You could smell the slight mildew from some water damage. The landlord refused to fix it because it was still considered "Liveable", and he was cheap as they came. I put my stuff down on the small table that I considered a dining room table and went to my bedroom. I decided I would just change into my nightly shorts and a tee shirt. I walked out, grabbed a snack, and pulled out my laptop. It was time I tried to find another job. Even though I don't have much experience except with some local diners, I have worked since I was 16. I scrolled for what seemed like hours until something caught my eye. "Personal Assistant" "35/Hr and no experience required" "Candidates would need to be able to run errands and answer phone calls and emails to the CEO of Talson Industries" "Candidates would also need to report to Talson CEO himself for any reports needing revising or any tasks that need to be completed" "At Talson we pride ourselves on our high-quality products as well as keeping our clients happy." "A driver's license and reliable transportation are needed, (If needed we can provide transportation if approved) I jumped at the opportunity and applied. Considering my experience, I wasn't expecting a callback but I took the chance anyway. I know the job description is vague, which should be a red flag, but maybe they don't want too much information out there. I did look up Talson Industries, considering I had never heard of them. From research, I gathered a lot of former disgruntled employees, about how the CEO is a d**k and how he doesn't care about anybody but himself. I also know he started the company from the ground up. He works every day, barely taking a vacation, so he is in the loop of everything. I get it he doesn't want his company going into the toilet, but sometimes you need a break. Although some of the comments and articles made me a little discouraged about my chances, I still hoped for a call. I shut my laptop and turned on the TV in my apartment. The only reason I had this one was because it was from when I lived with my parents before they got sick. I could hear my phone buzzing on the table. I groaned and I answered. I didn't even look at the caller ID because I knew it was probably Tammy wondering where I was. Even though I told her I couldn't come in, she would still find a way to say I was still required to be there. "Tammy, I told you I was having some car issues, there is no way I'm going to be able to make it, and I can't afford a taxi to bring me to the diner" I spoke into the phone, but as soon as the woman spoke I knew it wasn't Tammy. "Ma'am I'm sorry but this is not Tammy, can I speak to Stella Molloy?" She spoke softly but firmly. I stood there confused for a second and then I replied to her question. "This is Stella. May I ask who is calling?" I said as politely as I could. "Yes, Ma'am, this is Stacey Carter from Talson Industries. I was following up on the application we received. I was calling to see if you were still interested in the job and see if we could schedule an interview for you?" she said over the phone. I tried to contain my excitement as much as I could, but then I remembered if we set up an interview, how was I going to get there? I would be embarrassed to tell them I couldn't because I didn't have a car or money to get there. "I would love to set up an interview but I don't have a way there, my car broke down and I can't get it fixed right now," I said feeling embarrassed that I told someone of her experience and it's not like she would care anyway she works for Talson Connors for crying out loud. "Oh, I see well how about I ask Mr, Connors if he would approve of a car being sent for you and I give you a callback. I know he is in desperate need of an assistant and, considering your circumstances, he might approve if he hears someone is interested in the position." I didn't want to ask her to do that. What if it got around that they had to send for me I would look like a joke in front of everybody. I knew at this point I had to put my pride aside and try. "That would be great, thank you so much" I replied politely and she said her goodbyes and hung up the phone. I took my phone away from my ear and just stared at it, excitement running through me. I laid my phone on the table, turned off the TV, and went to bed.