Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Alison was surprised to see Helen’s name on the screen so early in the morning.
“Helen, are you all right?” she asked

“I’m just fine, honey. I called to see if you have time for lunch. Both of my men are occupied today and I didn’t want to spend such a beautiful day alone. What do you say?”

“I guess we could, if we meet early. I have my coaching call with Henry at 2:00, and I won’t miss that for anything.”

“I understand. Can we agree on 11:30 at George’s by the river?”

Alison thought for a minute, calculating the time she’d have to leave.

“Let’s make it 11:00. I want some time back here to prepare for his call.”

Helen’s head flipped back and she emitted a heartfelt laugh. “That’s it, girl. That’s why he kept you and fired me. See you then.”

Alison was suddenly unsure if she’d done the right thing. She found herself outgrowing their relationship. She could not imagine sitting down to talk trash for two or three hours, especially about her two men. Her thoughts turned to Henry. She hoped he was all right and the chose to proceed on that basis.

Going into her desk, she pulled out notes she had written for this call, almost a dozen questions, far too many for a forty minute session. She wished he was here to go over them. There was so much to learn. And, she just wished he were here.

Helen looked stunning in a new summer outfit, a gift from George she said, who went with her to pick it out. He didn’t mind sitting while she modeled some new arrivals. Alison knew then that this was the last they’d lunch together. As they waited for their entrees, Helen announced her decision to accept George’s proposal.

“He’s a wonderful man,” she said gleefully, and he loves me. What’s more he’s not so pushy, sexually, I mean. Lou, that’s all he wants is sex. Dinner out and sex.”

Alison looked longingly at her phone, praying for a call. To her surprise, it rang. She did not recognize the number.

“Hell-o.
“Yes, this is she.
“Yes, I remember. That was some months ago as I recall.
“Yes, I’m very interested.
“Monday at 9:45 a.m. That’s fine. I am looking forward to it. Thank you for calling.”

Helen stared at her for a moment before asking, “So, who was that?”

“It was the HR department at Morgan Engineering. They called me in for an interview on Monday morning. For a supervisor’s job. I don’t remember sending them a résumé.”

“That’s great!” Helen exclaimed to the annoyance of other diners. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Don’t be too hasty. First of all, it’s a manufacturing company. I know nothing about manufacturing. Secondly, I’m not sure if it’s what I want to do. Thir…”

“Stop a minute, honey. Think about this. You’ve got an interview. With fifteen million people out of work, you got an interview. Second, it doesn’t matter if you get the job or not. You get the opportunity to experience the interview process, to hear their questions, to ask some of your own. Honey, you’re going to need that experience when you decide you’re ready. This is a gift.”

Alison sat quietly for a few minutes considering Helen’s counsel.

“You’re right. It’s been so long since I’ve sat across from someone to discuss my future, I guess it doesn’t matter how it goes, as long as I put myself out there in a professional way.”

“That’s my girl. Of course, that’s why I’m marrying George, so I won’t ever have to do that. My pre-nup will take care of that. But, for you, it’s perfect. Wait ‘til you tell Henry.”

“Oh, right, Henry.” Alison looked at the time and sighed in relief. There was still plenty of time. She ate slowly, and thought about what Henry might say. She left early, with apologies to Helen.

Henry’s call was right on time.

“Alison?”
“I’m here, honey, are you all right?”
“Everything’s fine here and we’re getting a lot done here.”
“And the war?”
It’s not a ‘war’. Well, maybe for them it is. But we’re far from it. I’ll be fine. Are we ready?”
“Yes, but first there’s some news.”
Henry sat up in his chair as Alison recounted the conversation with the HR department. He was quiet for some time. When he spoke, it was in a low voice and paced.
“That’s a wonderful opportunity. And Helen is right, even if it’s only an interview, it gives you valuable experience.”
“But manufacturing?”
“So you’ve never done it before. You have worked with people, you know how to influence and lead others. Don’t over think it. Just do your homework on the company and demonstrate your talents. We both know you have them.”
“I’m not so sure.”
“I am. Trust me.”

Smiling, her head tilted to one side. “I miss you.” Thank you for your guidance.”

“You’re welcome. Let’s stay on track. I will call you tonight to regale you with all my successes and to tell you what’s in my heart.”

“You’re right. For starters, I have some questions. …”

Alison’s spirits soared as she finished her conversation. She knew they couldn’t get through all the questions but what they did discuss served to pump her up. She understood what he meant, that she was ready for a trial run and the interview was step one. She went straight to the internet to research the company using some sites Henry knew of that would help. She actively filled the hours between their talks with work and play, taking some time to meditate and maintain her balance. She realized how much Henry meant to her, and how far she had outgrown Helen. It was perhaps time for new friends.

They passed the next few days happily engaged in learning more about each other and finding so much to like. For Henry’s part, it was like a dam had burst, one of his own making. He found himself sharing more and laughing like never before. On Sunday night he told her that his clients said he was different, a bit less formal. They had always enjoyed him and his quick mind but they felt like he was holding himself back. “They like the new me. It is your gift to me.” he told her, and it brought them both to tears. Just eight more days, he told her, to her surprise. The new, happier Henry is also more productive. “Anything to get back to you.”

Monday morning at 9:45 a young lady from HR greeted Alison and took her for a battery of tests, followed by a brief meeting with Maria Rodriguez, Assistant Plant Manager. At just 36 years old, Maria was one of the youngest managers in the company, responsible for over 300 employees. Alison was impressed by her poise, confidence and apparent command of her job, which she had assumed less that a year before. Their conversations, scheduled for 20 minutes, lasted over an hour. Maria told her that, if she made the cut, she’s be invited back for a second interview.

Alison was as eager to share her experiences with Henry as he was to hear them. He listened intently as Alison detailed almost every sentence. Then he spoke.

“You did a great job. They now know who you are and what makes you a prime candidate. And you know what they’re all about and what they want. So, what are your thoughts about them?

“I’m still not sure why they would talk to me, especially with my lack of experience and no education – not to mention my age. Damn, I felt old being interviewed by a woman almost my son’s age.”

“Look, she’s only been in the role for a few months herself. Ask yourself, ‘Why her’? In a county that small, how many people do you think they have to choose from, even in this market? Take a deep breath, pat yourself on the back, and wait for the call. If it never comes, you still learned a lot.”

“Can we talk about something else? Can we talk about you, and coming home, and how much time we have this trip?”

Henry’s voice deepened. “Where are you right now?”

Smiling, Alison’s ears perked up. “In the bedroom, sipping wine,” she replied her voice taking a sultry tone.

“Then we should talk about all of that – and more.”

Alison shook her head as she nestled into bed for the night, her mind replaying the last hours with Henry. Her body relaxed, moisture filled her loins and she felt complete. Wow, she thought, phone sex is amazing. Soon she slept.

She rose early on Friday, relaxed and feeling quite nice. She remembered why, and smiled to herself. After a brisk shower and a light breakfast she went to the garden. She marveled at how many weeds can grow in just a few days. Gloves on, she proceeded to remove them all. A couple hours later, a very happy Alison shed her gloves and headed for lunch in the kitchen. She heard the phone beep to tell her she had missed a call. Helen. Erased.

She looked at the clock. Noon. It would be the wee hours of the morning in Bangkok. She thought for a moment to call anyway, just to let him know she was thinking of him. Then she thought better of it and moved forward on her lessons.

The call came at 1:15. She had made the cut. Could she be there on Monday, again at 9:45 a.m.? Of course. Thrilled and dying to share the news, she restrained herself. She took time to record their earlier conversations and to try to anticipate what they would ask next. More to ask Henry when he calls.

As her thoughts turned to him, she found herself having sexual fantasies. Is that right?, she asked herself. A woman my age lusting like this. She decided it was just fine but reserved it for later when they could encourage each other.