insurance information and I’ll do the same.” There. She was in control again. Although he hesitated a moment, his jaw muscles working overtime, he did what she asked.
They exchanged papers and then, with slitted glances flitting between them in an angry duel, they returned to their vehicles. He pulled away first, backing off Woodie, loosening the front bumper in the process.
“Damn!” Would this week ever be over? Slowly she pulled into the lot, the bumper scraping the blacktop in a cry for help. She got out and walked to the front of it, taking a long, slow look.
“Oh, Woodie, look what he’s done to you. No respect for the elderly, that one. Well, just wait till he hears from my insurance company!”
She straightened her scarf and her shoulders and quickened her pace to the front door. She hated being late. She was never late. First the construction, now this.
A large three-story atrium greeted her when she walked through the door, the only decoration a huge brass sculpture suspended overhead. Off-white concrete walls, no photos, no plants. She headed for the elevator, her heels echoing on the pristine hardwood floor. The secretary had said the third floor, so she punched the number and made her ascent.
The name Cunningham Construction was displayed in dense brass letters behind a reception area that was also devoid of color or warmth. Not even a hint of the impending holidays. The young woman behind the desk, however, smiled warmly when Carrie approached her.
“Carrie Sargent?” she asked, still smiling.
“Yes. I’m sorry I’m late, but—”
The woman waved her hand.”Not to worry. The boss just got here himself. He said the construction down there has everything tied up. Would you like some coffee?”
She’d like some more tea, but with her luck she’d spill it all over herself or the interviewer.”No, thank you.”
“I just handed him your résumé. Let me see if he’s ready.”
Carrie watched her disappear around the corner and exhaled a slow breath. Time for an attitude adjustment. The week so far might have been lousy, but she needed this job. This could be the turning point she was hoping for…
“You may go in now, Ms. Sargent,” the young woman said when she returned, then added softly under her breath.”He’s not in the best mood this morning, but his bark is worse than his bite. He’s really a nice guy when you get to know him.”
“Thanks for the warning,” Carrie whispered back, her lower intestines contracting. Great. Just great.
“First door on the right,” the secretary called over her shoulder.
The man sitting behind the desk had his back to her, staring out the glass wall behind him. She put on her best smile and rapped softly on the open oak door beside her.
He swiveled around abruptly, as if roused from some trance.
“You!” he said, blue eyes widening.
Carrie’s chances for a quick paycheck dimmed along with her smile. Nonetheless, she stepped forward and extended her hand.”Carrie Sargent. I’m here about the job.”
He looked at her hand a moment, then stood and gave it one quick shake before dropping back into his tan leather chair. His lips were locked tight and his dark eyebrows pinched together. His gaze drifted to her bright scarf and suit, then back to her eyes.
“Is this how you always dress for an interview, or do you save this getup for demolition-derby days?”
She folded her arms and shifted her weight to one foot. The job was obviously out the window, so why hold back? “Is this how you talk to your employees, or do you save your arrogance for lowly applicants?”
He slapped his palms on the desk and pushed out of his chair.”I think you can assume this interview is over, Miss…Miss…”
“Sargent.” She retrieved the insurance information from her pocket and read the name he’d scribbled early. Cash Cunningham—President. Made sense. It was that kind of week.”Well, Mr. Cunningham, I’d like to say it’s been a pleasure to meet you, but I’ve never been a good liar.” She turned to go, throwing a last line over her shoulder.”Expect to hear from my insurance company.”
Cash watched the curly carrot-colored hair bounce off the woman’s shoulders as she stormed off, then crumpled her résumé and tossed it in the corner wastebasket. For this he’d rushed back from a job site?
Suddenly she was in the doorway again, hands on hips.”Do you suppose you could find some twine or something to tie up the bumper you destroyed?”
Of all the gall. He had a mind to sit her in the chair and tie her up, this loose cannon with the face full of freckles and legs up to—
He picked up the phone and punched the intercom to the warehouse.”Sam…got a lady here who needs help.” That was an understatement.”Find some twine and meet her in the parking lot. She’ll be easy to spot. Just look for a gaudy suit next to an old rust-bucket wagon.” He hung up the receiver and took some pleasure from the steam generating off the body in the doorway. She was glaring at him, her ample chest rising and falling rapidly as she mouthed words that challenged his heritage. Swinging her hair off her shoulders, she disappeared again.
Cash steepled his fingers and waited, half expecting another visit. When none came, he buzzed his secretary, who stood in front of him a moment later.
“Obviously, that one didn’t work out,” he said.”Are more scheduled?”
“Not really. Miss Sargent sounded so nice on the phone, and her references raved about her. Sorry, boss. I thought I found you a winner.”
She was a winner, all right. Cash heaved a sigh.”Go through the pile again and see if we overlooked anyone.” Peggy started to leave.”Oh, and Peg…if you don’t find anything, then give that headhunter a call…Dwayne what’s-his-name?”
“Dwayne Flutie,” she said.
“Right. Flutie.” Damn! He hated giving those bloodsuckers money.”On second thought, Peg, wait till Monday’s mail. If we don’t have a candidate by then, find Flutie and I’ll talk to him.”
“Aye, aye, boss,” Peggy said, rolling her eyes as she turned.
Cash grabbed a handful of paper from his in-basket and swore under his breath. All this paperwork was killing him. If he didn’t get someone soon, he’d drown in it.
Peg was already in over her head, but just two years out of high school, what did he expect? She was good on the phone, dealing with customers and directing the hundreds of calls they received. There was little time for anything else. Besides, when he hired her, he’d known she was light on experience and it would be years before she was ready for much more. Still, the price was right. She seemed happy with a little over minimum wage and benefits after a year.
He rifled through the pile in front of him, knowing he’d have to cancel tomorrow’s golf game. If he was lucky, maybe he’d find his desk under all this mess by Sunday night. And sometime over the weekend he had to see about car repairs, thanks to that…that…spitfire.
