“I’m sorry. I…I don’t know what you mean.”
“This résumé of yours states that you were valedictorian in high school and graduated cum laude from UT, then nothing after that. You apparently had a bright future that faded.”
Kylie couldn’t believe the doctor had actually said that to her. “I consider taking care of my child a bright future,” she said defensively.
The doctor raised an eyebrow. “I see you took extensive courses in archaeology and even did some field work. Can I assume you know about cataloguing and the care of antiquities?”
Kylie warmed to the question. “Yes, I spent several summers in Mexico unearthing Mayan ruins. I learned a great deal about documentation, the proper handling and the restoration of finds. It is tedious work, but the rewards are worth it.” Kylie looked at Dr. Evans and smiled. “You need to be a good puzzle person.”
The doctor nodded and scratched her forehead before frowning. “I do have some troubling issues that I feel need answering before I can even consider you for the job.”
“Okay. What do you want to know?” The sinking feeling she had earlier increased.
“You have a child.”
“That’s right. A daughter.”
“If the child gets sick, can I expect that you will need to take time off to be
mommy
?”
“I don’t think that is an appropriate question, Dr. Evans.” Kylie scrunched her eyebrows. It was easy to see why no one would want to work with this woman.
“I need to know if I can count on you being here, Mrs. Wilcox. The work I am doing is extremely important and I need reliable help, therefore my question is applicable to this interview.”
Kylie considered the words and realized it was, after all, a legitimate question. Her never having had a job meant Dr. Evans would have no way to determine her work ethic. “Of course, I understand. My parents, who live here in town, are supportive, and if my daughter is ill or has school days off, I am certain they will take care of her. As to my work habits, I have done extensive volunteer work, and you are more than welcome to call the coordinators and ask how reliable I am. I never missed a day.”
The interview proceeded, and Dr. Evans made no comment on her answers. Kylie did her best to field the questions honestly, wondering if the woman had a heart of ice since she wasn’t in the least bit pleasant.
“What does your husband think of your working?”
That question also seemed to be out of order, but Kylie answered it nonetheless. “He died eight months ago. It’s just Ryan and me now.”
“I see. Have you decided to start working so you can find yourself another man and then quit the job?”
Kylie could not believe her audacity. “How dare you ask me that question, Dr. Evans. Not only is it inappropriate, but it really is none of your business. I’m done here.” Kylie stood and headed back through the maze of shelves to the door before slamming it behind her. “What an arrogant bitch!”
†
When LJ heard the door close, she smiled. She couldn’t help but notice how attractive the woman was. She was slender with shoulder-length, blonde hair, but she certainly wasn’t a classic beauty. Her mouth was wide, her cheekbones high, her chin had a slight cleft, and even though Kylie’s hair covered them, LJ could tell that her ears stuck out. In spite of that, the woman was strikingly good-looking with a great body to match. Her smile was one of those that lit up a room, and LJ found the familiarity of it disconcerting.
She was certainly better-looking than any other assistant LJ had had, but she wouldn’t let that influence her. There was no way LJ would handle her delicately or show her any mercy. If she was right for the job, she’d have to earn it. Not wanting to give anyone the upper hand, LJ would play her cards close to her vest.
She liked the way the woman answered each question honestly and succinctly, challenging only when necessary. Her composure and reticence under fire impressed LJ. If the woman had answered her last question in the same manner, LJ knew she would have found an assistant. She needed to know why the woman’s bright future faded away when she married.
To LJ’s way of thinking, the husband could have been the only reason. She noted the woman’s address and wondered why she wanted a job since the neighborhood in which she lived was definitely upper-class. After thoughtful contemplation, she asked the next most logical question. Was the woman there looking for a new husband?
She hadn’t expected that the woman would walk out on her. No one had ever done that before.
“I do believe I have found the perfect assistant.” She picked up her phone and dialed Rob’s office.
“This is Dr. Evans and I need to speak to Dr. Ludlow,” she told Ruth who answered.
“He’s not in his office at the moment. I will connect you with his voice mail and you can leave a message, Dr. Evans.”
“Fine.” LJ was annoyed that she couldn’t speak directly to the curator. When she heard the beep, she said, “Rob, it’s LJ. Listen, I think Mrs. Wilcox is perfect for the job, so why don’t you go ahead and hire her. Call me when you have all the particulars worked out.”
†
Kylie’s shoulders stiffened as Rob called out to her as she reached the exit “Kylie, wait up. How did it go?”
Kylie flashed the man a scathing look. “I can see why she hasn’t found anyone to work for her.” The sight of her friend made her anger abate somewhat, though, and her body relaxed and the tone of her voice softened. “Rob, thank you for giving me the opportunity to interview for the job. It was a good learning experience.” She closed her eyes in resignation. “Maybe I’m kidding myself in thinking I could work at a real paying job. After all, I have no experience.” She shrugged. “Once I start volunteering in the gift shop again, maybe we can have lunch together.”
Rob took a long, deep breath. “She can be difficult. I am sorry it didn’t work out, but don’t give up on trying to find a job. As for experience, I think all the volunteer work you do counts as that.”
Kylie laughed. “Rob, there’s nothing for you to be sorry for.” She shook her head. “I think I sealed my fate when I just left.”
Rob growled. “Unacceptable! I cannot allow anyone to be so intimidating and offensive that someone interviewing for a job in my museum feels the need to walk out.”
“Rob, it could be that I irritated her. You know yourself that I can be rather blunt at times. Ted would always say I could aggravate a saint if I put my mind to it.” She let out a small laugh.
“It is still unacceptable, Kylie. It makes the museum look bad, and I can’t have that. I think it’s time I have a talk with Dr. Evans.”
Kylie glanced at her watch. If she didn’t get going, she’d be late meeting her friends, Lynne and Jodie, for lunch. “Rob, thank you for giving me the chance.” Her eyes flicked to her watch again. “I need to go or I’ll be late for an appointment. Will you please tell Louise I will call her later this week?”
“Of course I will.” Rob smiled. “Maybe we can get together over the weekend.”
“I would like that. Sorry, but I really do need to go. I’m late. Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the job.” As she left, Rob headed down the stairway toward the basement. “Serves her right.” She shook her head. “I can’t believe I defended someone so obnoxious.”
†
No more than ten minutes after she called Rob, LJ once again heard rapid footsteps coming her way. When she looked up, LJ saw Rob and thought he’d received her message. As he got closer, however, the look on his face told her this wasn’t going to be a friendly social call.
Rob stood in front of her desk with his arms folded and a scowl on his face.
“Did you get my message?” she asked.
“What message?”
“The one about wanting to hire the Wilcox woman.”
“You want me to hire her?” Rob stared at her with a perplexed expression.
“Yes. She impressed me, and I think we would work well together.”
“Excuse me? Are you talking about the woman that felt the need to walk out of her interview with you?”
LJ frowned. “I need an assistant, and although she’s not highly qualified, she was willing to stand up for herself, and I liked that. So what’s the problem?”
“Exactly what makes you think she’d want to work for you after you browbeat and intimidated her?” Rob shook his head and leaned over the desk so he was eye to eye with her. “That is absolutely unacceptable, Dr. Evans.”
LJ shrank back a little when he used the word
doctor
. “Look, I don’t need this aggravation. What I do need is an assistant I can count on. The work I do is tedious and sometimes downright boring, but for me, the rewards outweigh all of that. I knew I wanted to hire the woman after her first reply, but I needed to have all my questions answered.” She took a breath, trying to collect her thoughts enough to make her words sound convincing. “I needed to know how far I could push her in order to know if she’s up for the job. I must say she passed with flying colors in all areas.” She pursed her lips. “We both know I’m not the easiest person to work with.”
“That’s an understatement and still doesn’t change the fact that she walked out and you made no attempt to stop her. Do you have any idea how bad that makes this museum look? Frankly, I’m not certain she even wants to work for you now.”
LJ realized early in life that sometimes it was necessary to eat humble pie to get what you wanted. “Rob, you’re right, I was way out of line. Would you like me to call Mrs. Wilcox and apologize? I really want her to work with me.”
“No, let me do it. I’m not sure she would welcome your call. I’ll get back to you with her reply.” He began to leave, then turned back to face her. “LJ, we’ve known each other for a long time, so I feel I can say this…. Holly is gone.”
LJ put her hands over her face. “Rob, I know she’s gone. It’s been fifteen years, but I still wake up and look for her.” She looked at him and shook her head. “When she died it left a hole in my heart that runs so deep it can never be whole again.”
“I understand,” Rob said softly. “But you’re shutting everyone out and letting life pass you by. Don’t lock yourself away anymore. The LJ I know is a wonderful woman who is caring and kind.”
“I think you have the wrong person.”
Rob shook his head. “We both know I don’t. Give yourself a break. You have so much to offer.”
“There’s nothing left to give.”
“Let it go and join the world of the living.”
“I’m happy where I am.”
“Suit yourself.” Rob turned and left.
He closed the door behind him, and LJ pursed her lips. “He doesn’t know what he is talking about. How could he?”
Kylie slammed the heel of her hand against the steering wheel as she drove away from the museum. “Who the hell does she think she is? How dare she ask me those questions?” Ted had told her often that she was well suited for volunteer work to help the needy and that the grind of a daily job wasn’t something she could handle. What did he think running a household, raising their daughter, and all the damned volunteering was if not a full-time job? Her anger continued to boil over as she braked for another red light.
“Why is it I get every one of the damn lights whenever I’m in a hurry?” Kylie ground her teeth while waiting for it to turn. The downtown traffic seemed heavier than usual, and all she wanted to do was see her friends. They would commiserate with her about the interview and the horrible woman who had subjected her to such humiliation. Her attention turned to the melody of her cell, and she pressed the hands-free button. “Hello.”
“Kylie, this is Rob. Is there any chance you might consider turning around and coming back here? I have a job proposal for you.”
“Rob, the last thing I want is for you to force me on her.” Irritation bubbled up at the thought of him putting her in a position where she might have to grovel.
“No. You don’t understand.
She
told me she wanted to hire you.”
Kylie shook her head. “Hold on a minute, Rob, the light just changed.” She maneuvered through the intersection at Congress and Sixth and had to stop again for the backed-up traffic. “I’m back,” she said. “Listen, it was clear to me that she didn’t think much of me or my life choices, so why would she want to hire me?”
“Please, just come back, get the forms from Ruth, fill them out, and then meet with both Dr. Evans and myself. Please, Kylie, I am telling you the truth.”
Kylie took a moment to weigh the pros and cons of working with someone like Dr. Evans. “To be honest, after meeting her I don’t know if I can.”
“I understand, and if after a week you are still haven’t adjusted, you can quit and I will find you another job. You said you needed to change things for you and Ryan, Kylie. Dr. Evans is giving you that opportunity. What do you have to lose?”
Kylie considered the truth behind the words and realized that if she were going to branch out, she’d have to take opportunities when they came her way. “Okay. I guess I could give it a try for a week,” she said reluctantly. “I won’t be able to return for at least two hours. As I told you earlier, I have an appointment I must keep first.”
“Okay. Come directly to my office when you get here.”
After hanging up, Kylie said, “Call Lynne” and waited for an answer.
“Hi. Are you on your way?” Lynne asked.
“Lynne, I got the job.”
“Kylie, that’s wonderful! You’ll have to tell us all about it when you get here. Hurry, we’re famished.”
“Traffic is horrible. Is Jodie there yet?”
“She is.”
“Order me the usual and I will be there as soon as I can.”
†
Fifteen minutes later, Kylie entered the restaurant and saw Jodie waving from a table in the far corner where she and Lynne were sitting. She walked quickly to the table and sat in a vacant chair. “Finally I’m here. Sorry to be late.” Lynn and Jodie were her oldest friends, and she couldn’t wait to share all the details of her new job with them.
“No problem. Tell us all about the job.” Lynne smiled at her.
“I knew you were thinking about working but didn’t know you actually had an interview,” Jodie said. “Where? Doing what?”
“I called this morning and went for the interview first thing. I’ll be working at the history museum in the archaeology area. Not sure what I’ll be doing yet, but I expect I’ll find out when I go back this afternoon.”
“Interesting.” Jodie sipped her drink.
“Good for you.” Lynne patted her hand.
“Tell us about your new boss, and don’t skip the good stuff.” Jodie grinned.
“Not a lot of good stuff to tell. From what I could tell, work seems to be her number one priority, and I didn’t see much of a personality beyond that. I’ll have to let you know more once I start working.” Kylie put her fork down. “So what is going on with you two?”
They spent the next half hour catching up.
“I have an idea. Why don’t you come over for dinner tomorrow night? Isn’t it poker night for the guys? Or has that changed.” Kylie looked at her friends hopefully.
“No, they still get together the second Friday of the month. Unfortunately, I already have plans,” Lynne said.
“Hey, why don’t we go to the Rusty Nail Saturday night? I hear the band will be great.” Jodie’s eyes sparkled.
“I can’t go then either, but Tim is going out of town on a fishing trip with his buddies the following Friday. How about we go then?” Lynne grinned. “It will be like old times.”
“Sounds good to me. It’s been a long time since I’ve been there.” Kylie looked at her watch. “Sorry, but I’ve
gotta
run. I need to get back to the museum to fill out papers before meeting with the person I’m going to work for.”
“Great. I am so happy for you about the job. It’s time you got on with your life,” Lynne said.
“You’re right. It is time. Thanks. I’ll call you both later on and firm up plans for our Friday excursion.” Kylie gathered her purse. “Love you two. Bye.”
As Kylie drove back to the museum she was happy to have such supportive friends. Lynne was right. It was time to move her life forward.
†
LJ’s phone rang, and she stopped what she was doing to answer. It was Rob. “I hope you have good news for me,” she said.
“You’re in luck. She’s coming in to fill out the forms after a meeting she needed to attend. I’ll call you when she gets here.”
“How long?”
“I’d guess a couple of hours at the most.”
“Did it ever occur to you or her that I might be busy in a couple of hours?”
“I’d suggest that if you want her to work for you that you be available when she gets here.”
“Fine.”
“I’d lose that attitude too, LJ. You’re skating on thin ice as it is. I’ve tolerated your bad manners because I’m aware of your situation and have given you leeway. It won’t last much longer. Is that clear?”
“No attitude. Check.”
“That isn’t helping.”
“It’s the best I can do.”
“I expect you to be pleasant and kind. If you need an assistant as bad as you say you do, you will be on your best behavior when you meet with her.”
“I don’t appreciate you speaking to me like I’m a child.”
“Then stop acting like one.”
Rob hung up before LJ could reply. “I’ll give him pleasant.” Her forehead creased. She didn’t care whether the woman was happy or not. All she wanted was someone to do the work and not bother her with anything personal. Yet from the moment she’d lain eyes on the woman, something about her drew LJ in, and that was disconcerting. She rubbed at her neck where tension was building.
I wonder if I’m making a mistake. Maybe I should have held out for some lackey from the university that needs credits.
The thought made her cringe. She’d have to put up with grad students invading her space in preparation for the next dig, and that was sacrifice enough. The Wilcox woman was a far better choice.
LJ was lost in her research when her phone rang again. “Hello. Okay, Rob, I’ll be right there.” She slid off her stool before heading quickly upstairs.
†
When she entered the outer office, LJ saw the Wilcox woman sitting near the door, and she felt uncharacteristically out of her element. She didn’t know what to do other than take a seat and wait. When the woman smiled at her, she again realized just how stunning she was. Her linen suit hugged her taut body nicely, and the color accentuated her eyes. LJ couldn’t tell if they were blue, green, gray, or a mix of the three. She knew she was on thin ice with Rob and wondered if she should say something, but she eventually decided to remain silent.
While waiting, LJ realized that if she continued to be cold and uncaring toward the woman, she’d most likely not be working for her. In order for the woman to accept the job, LJ knew she’d have to make the offer so attractive that turning it down wouldn’t be an option. That meant she’d have to allow a softer LJ to come out, and she didn’t know if that persona still existed.
Kylie looked at the doctor sitting across from her. Now that they were no longer in the dark basement, she looked different, and Kylie noticed how remarkable her looks were and that Dr. Evans had the most brilliant blue eyes she’d ever seen. As much as she didn’t want to, she smiled and was disappointed when LJ didn’t return it.
The uneasiness between them didn’t last long as Rob entered and motioned for them both to come into his office. Once inside, they all sat down around the smaller of the two tables in the room, making it impossible for Kylie to sit anywhere but next to or across from Dr. Evans.
“Mrs. Wilcox, thank you for coming back,” Rob began. “We need to talk with you about hours and salary before you and Dr. Evans get together and work out what your job responsibilities will be.”
Kylie nodded.
“Dr. Evans, how many hours would you need Ms. Wilcox to be here?” Rob asked.
LJ sat watching the woman covertly and found herself attracted to her although she was certain she didn’t have a snowball's chance in hell with her.
“Dr. Evans, what do you think?”
Suddenly, LJ realized it was her turn to speak and cleared her throat in an attempt to collect her thoughts. She couldn’t comprehend why she was daydreaming. She never did that.
She sighed deeply. It was time to shit or get off the pot. “Rob, I am very impressed with Mrs. Wilcox’s knowledge and enthusiasm. I know we have a starting salary based on experience, and I suggest we start her off at that salary or a higher one. Also, since she has a daughter she needs to get off to school, I suggest her hours be from nine to four with a forty-five minute paid lunch.” The compromising words sounded alien to her.
Rob’s eyebrow raised before he cleared his throat. “That sounds good to me. What do you think, Mrs. Wilcox?”
Kylie was just sitting there with a curious look on her face.
“Mrs. Wilcox?” Rob said louder.
“Oh, I’m sorry. Yes, that is most generous of you both. I’m in shock. I can’t believe this is happening. Thank you, Dr. Evans, for your kindness. This way I won’t have to burden my parents with getting Ryan off to school or picking her up at the bus stop in the afternoon. Thank you.” She was looking directly at LJ.
“Great, now that that is done, you two can head down to the catacombs.” Rob got up and went back to his desk. “Kylie, when you’re finished, please return to my office. If
you
”—he directed his gaze at LJ—“decide the job is indeed what
you
want to do, then you can finish the rest of the paperwork. Ruth can tell you where to go to get a physical.”
Kylie nodded.
“Right, shall we go, Mrs. Wilcox?” LJ stood and started for the door.
“Sure.” Kylie followed close behind.
LJ shook her head slightly at Rob’s parting words. She knew he was warning her that hiring Mrs. Wilcox was not a done deal and she would need to be on her best behavior.
As soon as they were outside the director’s office, the cold, uncaring demeanor Dr. Evans had during the initial interview was back in place. It made her wonder if the job, including the flexible hours and generous salary was Rob’s idea rather than Dr. Evans’. This whole thing seemed ass-backward to her. Shouldn’t Dr. Evans have shown Kylie what she’d be doing before she decided to work there or not?
She would make sure to ask him if she returned to his office. In the end, it didn’t really matter to her. Her goal wasn’t to be friends with Dr. Evans—she already had friends—she was there only to do a job.
†
As they entered the workroom down the hall from LJ’s office, she pointed to a locker. “You can use that one for your coat and personal belongings. If you want a lock, you will have to purchase your own.” She moved farther into the room. “Down here is the area where you will spend most of your time.”
They arrived at a series of worktables mapped out much like a dig site. There were numerous large compartments on each table each with an assortment of bags and photographs. LJ looked over the tables. “This entire project was my idea, my study, my find, and when finished, I’m sure it will redefine Wari’ history.” LJ had to stop herself from gushing further. Just looking over the table and realizing the possibilities brought about an excitement that little else compared to. The previous summer’s dig at a never-before-explored site had uncovered a bevy of artifacts bearing glyphs unknown to the archaeological world.
“I know my way is a bit unconventional, but I like things visual so I can recall the exact time each artifact was found. I’ll need you to start by making sure everything in each compartment matches up with the catalog. After that, we’ll start to recreate the pieces. I’m hoping we will be able to piece together complete or nearly complete items.” She pointed to a series of shelves. “Over there are all the tools you will need for the reconstructions.” She pointed to large magnifying glasses on each of the tables. “These will come in handy during the process.” LJ looked at the woman. “I am assuming you are familiar with reconstructions.”