Into You

by Sheena Binkley

  My chest tightened. I couldn’t breathe, so I held onto to Courtney. This couldn’t be happening. My well-paying job was being taken away because the new owner already had staff in place? None of this was making any sense right now.

  Gene glanced around at the crowd, then turned Hamilton. “I will give Hamilton the floor again to answer any questions. I really wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors.”

  As he went out the door, several of my co-workers began talking all at once, wondering what would happen to them and their retirement accounts. When Hamilton looked at me, I shook my head. I shouldn't be too surprised about this or about him. He was known for keeping things in the dark, and this situation wasn’t any different.

  “I know everybody is shocked about this, and I’m truly sorry about what happened. But this is for the best.”

  “For who?! You?! We have families, Hamilton! We have mortgages, car notes. How are we supposed to pay for everything now?” Michael Sampson, an accountant, pointed out.

  “Are we at least going to receive a severance package? It’s not our fault that we were ousted,” Debbie Roland, another accountant, stressed.

  "I understand everyone's frustrations. As for a severance package, I'll try to figure out a way for you to receive compensation to tide you over until you can find work again.”

  “What about our retirement and our company’s stock?” I asked.

  Hamilton sighed. “As for that, there have been some issues around the stock. They were also acquired by Parkway Corporation. Your retirement is intact for now, but it's tied up, and you won’t be able to access until six months or a year.”

  “What?!” Everyone fumed. The conference hall erupted as we all began talking at once. I placed a hand on my forehead, scared about the outcome of my future. Even with the severance package, I wouldn't be able to pay for everything. I could do unemployment, but that wouldn't cover my $500 car note, let alone my everyday expenses.

  I glared at Hamilton again. Once this meeting is over, I’m going to personally kill that son of a bitch.

  ***

  As my co-workers slowly got over the shock of not having a job, they started leaving the conference hall. I sat in my seat for 20 minutes until I was able to finally move. Before I went to my office to clear out some of my things, I went to Hamilton’s and saw him putting a few things into a box.

  “You've always has been a ruthless person, but even this was low for you.”

  He stopped packing and looked at me with a desperate expression. I scowled before closing the door.

  “That was really shitty, what you just pulled earlier. How could you do that to so many people?”

  “Including you, right? Now that your cushy job is no more, you'll have to find another way to afford your high-priced lifestyle.”

  “Yes, I’m concerned, but I’ll be okay. I don’t have a family to think about.”

  “I know, but I do want to be able to help you, along with everyone else. This wasn’t an easy decision to make, Vanessa. I had to ponder on how this would affect all of us, but this company was drowning in debt. I had no other choice.”

  “How, though? I thought we were doing well, especially with the clients we had.”

  “That was all a cover. This company hasn’t been doing well in almost two years. I just couldn’t afford it anymore.”

  “Now, I’m sure you don’t have to worry about money anymore. Gene looks like he gave you a pretty penny.”

  “He gave me several; that’s why I want to help you. Vanessa, I know what I did was wrong, and I should have warned you about it.”

  “Yeah, you could have.”

  “But I felt it wouldn't have been right to. You and I share a past, but I didn't need to consult you on anything.”

  “Yet, you could have warned me. Did you see the looks on everyone's faces when you gave them the news? Many of your former employees have small children to raise. They have to think about school, clothes, everyday expenses. That’s not right, Hamilton.”

  He sat on the edge of his desk and took a deep breath. “I know.”

  “And instead of trying to help me, help the other employees you shafted. Like I said, I’ll be okay. And I will find a way to get my retirement before six months.”

  “That, you can’t do. I've already tried that.”

  “That’s where you and I are different, Hamilton: I don't give up on things so easily.”

  “If you don't want me to support you, then I suggest you find something to tide you over.”

  “Why would I want you to help me?”

  “Because I know you still care about me, just like I still care about you.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Don’t do this right now.”

  "It’s true, Vanessa. I haven't stopped caring about you, just like you haven’t with me.”

  “This conversation is over. I’m going to my office to pack since we all have to leave by this afternoon.”

  Hamilton called my name several times, but I ignored him. I walked out of his office, not wanting to hear anything else from him again.

  ***

  With everything that had happened, I almost forgot that Simone asked me out to happy hour. I really didn’t want to go, but I figured maybe I should so I wouldn’t have to think about not having a job at the moment.

  I pulled up to Meka Lounge, a place we frequented, and looked around the parking lot. I took a deep breath, knowing I had to put on a brave face in front of Simone, but I knew she probably would detect something was up. She could usually tell when something’s wrong.

  I got out of my Mercedes CLA Coupe and headed inside to see Simone already at the bar, looking over a menu. I walked up to her and gave her a hug.

  “I didn’t think you would beat me here,” I said, sitting on the stool beside her.

  “The store actually closed on time. I was surprised since it's a Friday.”

  “Exactly. You always get off late.”

  “Yeah, because of money hungry Avery. I swear that guy’s only concern is to make money.”

  “He is running a business,” I pointed out.

  “But for the place to be so high-end, he tends to skimp on a lot of things. Half of the time, he does it to pocket the money for himself.”

  Once the bartender took our orders, I looked straight ahead, trying not to break down. I still couldn’t believe I was out of a job. Just this morning, I was living the high life; now, I don't even know if I’ll be able to afford anything. I have money in my savings, but I was planning to use that for a rainy day. I just didn’t think my rainy day would be so soon.

  “Is everything okay? You seemed kind of out of it,” Simone asked, interrupting my thoughts.

  “I’m fine.”

  “V, how long have we known each other?”

  “Since freshman year.”

  “So I know when you’re upset. Tell me what’s wrong.”

  I took a deep breath and turned to my friend who wore a concerned look. A tear fell down my cheek as I told her, “I lost my job today.”

  “Oh, sweetie. What happened? It better not be Hamilton messing with you. If he is, that’s discrimination, and you need to file a lawsuit.”

  “It’s not that. He sold the company to Parkway Corporation. Parkway is moving its Austin office here, and since they already have a staff in place –”

  “The employees at DuRow are gone. Wow, that’s terrible. What made Hamilton decide to do that?”

  “He said the company has been in debt for years. He couldn’t handle the responsibility anymore.”

  “Figures. He's always been a coward. What about a severance package? I’m sure he offered that.”

  “He didn't.”

  “What about your retirement?”

  “We can’t access that for at least six months.”

  “Wow, what type of businessman is Hamilton? You all need to get together and file a lawsuit. Get the news involved or something.”

  “What good would that
do? You know lawsuits take a lot of time and money. No one has that.”

  “Can I suggest something?”

  “What, Simone?”

  “If you want some quick cash, you could come work at Suds. It’s not a six figure salary, but it’s something that'll help you get by until you have access to your retirement.”

  “I was hoping I’d just find another job in my field, but thanks for the suggestion.”

  Simone laughed. “Are you knocking my job, V?”

  “No; at least you have a job, unlike people who sit on their asses, not doing anything. I just want to be able to do something I’m good at.”

  “Sweetie, it doesn’t take a surgeon to do my job. You just take people’s payments, talk to them, and kiss their asses to get a tip. You would be perfect considering the line of work you've been in.”

  “Maybe I’ll consider it, Simone, but right now, I want to see if I can find something else first. If I don’t find anything, then I will personally come to you and ask for a job.”

  Simone smiled. “Okay. Well, consider this an extended vacation until you find something.”

  I sighed. “I would if I knew I had a job to go back to.”

  Simone rubbed my shoulder, and I smiled. I would keep her suggestion in mind, but honestly, I can’t see myself working as a cashier. I did that back in high school, so it's not something I would seriously consider as a 28-year-old career woman.

  I’ll find something soon. With my background, I'll have a job in no time. I just know it.

  Vanessa

  Six months later….

  I glanced at my computer screen, wondering how much more of this I'd have to endure. It's been six months since DuRow Industries was bought out, and I still hadn’t found a job. I've applied at multiple companies, been on countless interviews, and I've even gone to temp agencies looking for work but no luck. I really thought that with my credentials, I would have easily obtained a new job by now. But I guess in this competitive workforce, everyone has the same credentials, and to most companies, every person has the same background, just a different name.

  As for my retirement, I thought I would be able to access it after the six months, but come to find out, the company’s plan had been placed on hold, which meant no employee could access their retirement fund until they turned 60. And even if the company folded, the policy still applied. This made me wonder what type of crooked deal Hamilton invested our funds in.

  I'd talked with several of my former co-workers about organizing a suit against Hamilton to access our funds, but honestly, I felt it was a waste of time. My savings were quickly dwindling, so I didn't have the money for legal fees; there was no way I could take part in it. If I had known that my job would be no more, I wouldn't have gone on that cruise earlier this year.

  I'd been searching online for an hour when Simone called me to see if I wanted to stop by Suds for a free wash. I wasn’t going to pass that up since I didn't have money to get my car washed. I got ready and was out of the house, and was there in less than 30 minutes. When I got there, I watched how crowded each of the four lanes were as the customers chose their wash selections. I looked around at everyone busily moving around, trying to get several cars looking fabulous. From what I could see, a few actually did.

  “Hey, Vanessa. How are you today?” Missy, one of the salespersons, asked with a bright smile. Every time I came to Suds, she was always so sweet and nice. Simone told me that she'd been with the company since they first started and has been the top-selling salesperson for the past 10 years.

  “I’m great, Missy. How are you?”

  “I’m doing wonderful. Simone told me that you lost your job; I’m really sorry about that.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You do know that we’re hiring, right? I’m sure Simone has told you we’re always hiring.”

  “Why is that?”

  “No one really stays here past three months. We all know it has something to do with Rosario.”

  “Ahh, the office manager,” I said. Simone has complained to me countless times about how much of a bitch Rosario is. She believes it must be Rosario’s mission to make everyone’s life miserable.

  “I would say if you can’t find anything, give it a shot here. You never know, you might like it.”

  I doubt it, I thought as I gave Missy a warm smile.

  "I'll think about it; thank you for the suggestion.”

  She smiled and told me she’d give me the manager's special before I got out of my car. I looked over and saw someone walking towards us. He was gorgeous, and his tan skin was a bit flustered from the heat. He pushed some of his black hair out of his face, which made me look at his eyes. They were brown with a hint of gray. They were unusual, and I wanted to look into them a little longer.

  “Missy, I have a customer who asked specifically for you.”

  Missy sighed then patted me on the back. “I’ll see you later, hun.”

  “Sure, Missy.”

  I looked up at the guy again, and he gave a sexy smile. “How are you today?”

  “I’m great, thank you.”

  He flashed another smile before going to another customer.

  I looked back at him, taking in his body, which, from my view, looked very good. I bit my lip, then shook my head to get rid of my dirty thoughts. Why would I even be thinking like this about a stranger? Besides, he works at a car wash, so I already knew he wasn't my type.

  Biased much? I thought as I walked inside. Even though I shouldn’t be thinking that way, it was true.

  When I walked inside, a blast of cool air hit me, and I breathed a sigh of relief. I couldn’t see how anyone could work out in the heat. It would be physically draining for me.

  I walked past the taqueria, which was swarming with customers, and the workers carried plate after plate to them. I looked at the hair stylist, who was busily blowing drying her customer’s hair and talking about the latest gossip. I waved to her, and she waved back with a smile.

  I headed to the register where Simone was finishing up with a customer. She smiled brightly and handed me a piece of paper.

  “Hey. What is this?” I asked, taking the paper from her. I looked at it and saw it was an application.

  “You tricked me into coming here so I can fill out an application?”

  “Oh please, you would have came regardless for a free wash. Anyway, I know how difficult these past few months have been, so I just want to help you out.”

  “If I wanted to apply here, I would have done so myself. Evidently, I don't want to.”

  “How much do you have in your savings now?”

  “That's not any of your business.”

  “How much, Vanessa?”

  “Enough for this month’s car note.”

  Simone shook her head and sighed. “By working here, you'll get paid weekly so you'll be able to pay the majority of your bills easily. Not only that, but you can get bonuses by selling some of the store’s products. So, what do you say?”

  “I don't know, Simone –.”

  She interrupted me. "Well, you better make a decision fast, because you have an interview with Avery, Dominic, and Rosario in 10 minutes.”

  “What?! Simone!”

  “You know, you could have put on a dress or something.”

  “Um, I didn’t know I was coming for an interview.”

  “Trust me, friend, you will thank me later.”

  She winked as I held out my hands, wanting to strangle her. I looked over and saw the manager, Avery and two other people, heading my way. I glared at Simone as they approached me.

  “Hi, Vanessa. Are you ready for the interview?” Avery asked.

  I glanced back at Simone, who gave me a thumbs up.

  “Sure,” I replied. I took a deep breath, wishing Simone hadn't done this. As I followed them down the hall, I looked over and saw the guy from outside, giving me another sexy smile. I returned the smile, then Avery greeted him.

  “Hey, Mark! I’m gla
d you were able to make it on short notice.”

  “No problem. I’m glad I'm able to help.”

  The other two smiled at Mark as we all went into the office. Avery closed the door and asked me to sit down.