Chapter 101
Chapter 101
Freya
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The next morning comes around way too quickly. It feels like I only get to close my eyes before my phone starts to sing the song of its people. I groan as I reach for it, irritated because I have the worst headache ever.
Is it from not allowing myself to orgasm yesterday? Can you get headache from that?
Either way, I should be more mindful of my thoughts. I can’t believe I touched myself while thinking of Ethan last night. And that’s bad since his gorgeous ass should never be on my list of “possible future husbands” since he is too young…and rich.
“Rise and shine, sleeping beauty!” Maddie’s cheerful voice cuts through my self–loathing. I’m lying on her couch as she waltzes into the room. “Don’t you have a job interview today?”
I bolt upright, suddenly wide awake. “Shit! What time is it?”
Maddie hands me a protein shake. “8:30. Your interview’s at 10, right?”
“Yes, thank God,” I sigh in relief and open the protein drink. It’s strawberry–my favorite. “I thought I’d overslept.”
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“Nope, you’ve got plenty of time to make yourself look presentable,” Maddie winks. “Not that you need much help in that department.”
I don’t agree with her, but I still smile. “Thanks, Mads. For everything.”
She waves it off. “Th
what friends are for. Now get your ass in gear and go land that job!”
An hour later, I’m standing in front of Steele Hotels dressed in Maddie’s clothes. She is much taller than me, so nothing really fits me, but oversized clothing is still better than going naked.
outfit. You’ve got this,” I tell myself as I square my shoulders. It feels like I’m heading out to war “Don’t worry about you since I’ve never had a job before, but I’m doing my best to breathe normally. “It’s just housekeeping. You can do this.”
I push through the doors leading into the lobby…and want to run.
This definitely is a rich man’s hotel–of course it is. How did I ever assume anything less from the rich–ass–man Ethan Steele?
Still, I can’t falter now! Charge!
I approach the front desk with storm steps. A polished young woman greets me with a practiced smile. “Welcome to Steele Hotels. How may I assist you today?”
“Hi, I’m here for a job interview,” I say with a smile, but never judge a book by its cover–I’m not being brave. I’m actually trying like hell not to shake like an aspen leaf. “For the housekeeping position?”
Her smile falters slightly. She definitely is the Karen of the workplace. That’s what I gather when I see her judgemental eyes flick over my ill–fitting outfit. Still, despite her obvious disgust, she keeps smiling. “Of course. May I have your name?”
“Freya Smith.”
She types
something into her computer. “Yes, I see your appointment here. Please take a seat in the lobby, and someone will
Maker
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Chapter 101
be with you shortly.”
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1 force a smile even though I haven’t been this nervous since the cheerleading auditions back in high school. This is different, though. I can’t cartwheel my way out of this. Here, it’s hy brain and personality they want. Cleaning is easy, but ! also have to meet guests and be friendly. Can I do that? Can I srle even when Karen is breathing down my neck!!
Just as I’m about to spiral into full–blown panic, a voice calls out Freya Smith?”
I look up to see a woman, maybe ten years older than me, approaching. She has a kind face and blonde hair, and something is very familiar about her.
“That’s me,” I say, standing up quickly. Maybe too quickly since in nervous. “H–hello.”
“Hello,” she smiles warmly and offers me her outstretched hand. “I’m Leah.”
Just Leah? Isn’t she going to tell me her position?
I’m confused but shake her hand regardless. “Pleasure.”
Her lips lift a little higher in a signal of kindness, and then she releases my hand, “Right this way. I think there’s an empty room here.
She thinks, or she knows? Shouldn’t she have planned for our interview? Well, whatever. I have no idea how things work here.
We enter a small office and Leah gestures with a nod for me to take a seat. She takes the chair on the opposite side and spins it so that she is facing me.
“So, Freya,” she begins in a voice that is much more professional than the one she greeted me with. “Mr. Steele told me you don’t have any prior housekeeping experience. Is that correct?”
“That is correct.”
“I see,” she deadpans. “Can you tell me why you’re interested in this position?”
Straight to the hard question, huh?
“Well, I’m at a point in my life where I need to start over,” those words aren’t just ones I’ve found online. They are the truth. I’m thinking about my divorce as I speak. “And while I know I don’t have any work experience, I’m a quick learner. I’m also not new to cleaning.”
Something akin to interest blows to life in her eyes. “You’re not new to cleaning?”
“No.”
When I realize she wants me to give her the long answer, I wet my lips.
“Clark–I mean, my ex–husband owned a huge mansion, and I was in charge of cleaning it. You know, polishing his cars and trophies and every little corner of it.”
“So you
used to be a housewife?”
“Yes,” I blush as I admit it. I’m used to people laughing at me for selling this part, but Leah remains respectful. There isn’t a single hint of her thinking my history is funny. /
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Chapter 101
You’re Leah nods thoughtfully. “Being a housewife is actually valuable experience for this position. You’re used to maintaining a large space and dealing with high standards. That’s a good foundation”
Color me shocked. Maybe I’m not as unqualified as I thought.
“Thank you,” I say, trying not to sound too eager. “I would love to work here, Steele Hotels has such an amazing reputation”
Leah smiles. “We do pride ourselves on our service. Now, tell me about a time when you had to deal with a difficult situation or person. How did you handle it?”
I try to think of the times Clark had parties at our place. As a rather famous football player, he had a lot of women trying to get inside his pants. A lot of the time, they were disrespectful towards me since they didn’t understand why Clark had settled for me, but no matter what, I never threw out.
“Well, when my ex–husband would host parties, there were often challenging guests.” I have no idea where I’m going with this, but I try my best to sound professional, “As the..umm…what is the name? Hostess! I–I had to remain calm even when people were rude or disrespectful towards me since not being polite could damage my husband’s career and make him look bad for having a mean wife.”
Leah nods approvingly. “That’s a great example. Dealing with difficult guests is definitely part of the job here. How do you handle stress and high–pressure situations?”
“I try to stay organized at all times,” I reply. “When things get hectic, like in the kitchen, for example, I try to focus on handling one thing at a time.”
“Good answer.”
The interview continues for about 30 minutes, with Leah asking me various questions. After the grilling is over, Leah looks pleased.
“Well, Freya,” Leah says, “I don’t say this often, but I’m impressed
I’m in shock. “Y–you are?”
“Yes. You may not have traditional work experience, but you have a great attitude and relevant skills. You also have humor which is important to fit into a tight team. I think you’d be a good fit.”
My heart leaps. “Really? Thank you so much!”
“Don’t thank me yet,” she chuckles. “We still need to check your references and run a background check. But assuming everything checks out, I’d like to offer you the position.”
I can hardly believe my ears. “Thank you so much for this opportunity.” I’m smiling from ear–to–ear until I process her words, which doesn’t go unnoticed by Leah.
“Something the matter?”
“Y–yeah,” I don’t even bother to lie. “You said ‘references,‘ but… I only have one.”
Leah’s eyebrows rise slightly. “Only one reference? That could be an issue. We usually require at least two or three.”
My heart sinks. “I understand. It’s just… I’ve never had a job before, and my ex–husband…” I trail off, not wanting to get into the messy details.
Leah studies me for a moment, her expression thoughtful. “I see. Well, given your unique situation, perhaps we can make an
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exception. Who is your reference?”
“The only reference I have is my friend Maddie, who can vouch for my character”
Leah’s lips curl into a delighted smile. “With Maddie, you have two references.”
I blink. “I do?”
“Yes,” she looks down at her papers. “Ethan Steele–my son–is your second reference.”
My jaw drops. “Ethan is… your son?” This woman looks to be around my age! How old was she when she gave birth? The early twenties?!
Leah’s smile grows bigger. “That’s right. And he spoke very highly of you when he recommended you for this position.”
“I… I didn’t know,” I stammer, unsure whether to be flattered or mortified Ethan recommended me. “I mean, I didn’t ask him to-”
Leah holds up a hand, cutting me off gently. “Don’t worry. I wouldn’t just hire you on the spot. Ethan wanted to, but he realized that would be rather unfair to other applicants. That’s why he asked me to interview you properly.”
I smile weakly, but on the inside, I’m still feeling a bit overwhelmed. “I appreciate that. I want to earn this position on my own merits.”
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“And you have,” Leah assures me. “Ethan’s recommendation got you the interview, but your performance today is why I’m offering you the job.”
Relief fills up my chest. “Thank you so much again. I promise I won’t let you down.”
Leah smiles warmly. “I’m sure you won’t. Now, let’s go over some of the details of the position.”
