Misty Hill Manor

Can't Get No Satisfaction!

Reluctantly, Hilda pulled into her parking spot and turned the engine off. She stared at the entrance of the mansion. She didn’t hate her job, she enjoyed the people she worked with, sometimes who she worked for, and she enjoyed the people she helped live day in and day out. Her patrons, the residents of the retirement home. She loved being able to spend time with her mother. That was what she loved the most. She smiled, opened the door to her small compact car and stepped out. The wind cut into her and she pulled her jacket close. Slamming the door to the car, she moved quickly to the entrance. No sooner did she rush through and close it behind her, she was tackled by havoc and mayhem. Ignoring the barrage, she headed to her office. Set her bag down, hung up her coat, grabbed her coffee cup and went back to the counter. Jessy and Piercy were standing there with mouths to the floor and Gus standing behind Hilda with a confused look on his face. Hilda looked up into the gentleman’s faces that she had avoided as she strolled past them. “Can I help you two?” She smiled.

Jessy was caught off guard. Piercy not so much, he doesn’t have the chance to work with Hilda much. He was astounded by how Gus appeared behind Hilda without so much as a gust of wind or sound.

“Um, how did he do that?” Piercy asked Jessy without dropping his eyes from a confused looking Gus. “Do what?” Jessy looked at him and went back to Hilda. “Quiet. I gotta talk to the boss lady.” “But..” Piercy tried to argue. “No, Peirce. In a sec, man.”

“Ms Hilda. I would like to talk to you about my future at this fine establishment.” Hilda’s right eyebrow raised as the rest of her face remained still. “Oh, yes?” She asked, sipping the coffee she poured as the two men began their bantering. She lifted her cup a bit to the right and Gus poured a bit more sugar in it. Piercy's head twisted in an altogether new position. It looked like it would spin off. Hilda looked at Piercy while Jessy answered her. 

“Yes, you know I’ve been here going on two years now. I was wondering….” Hilda cut him off with one finger. She turned her eyes once more to look Jessy in the face. “Jessy, if you would like to carry this private conversation on in my office at a time that we can schedule, I will be more than happy to discuss your ‘future’ with our fine establishment. If, you however would like to continue as we stand here in the presence of your colleagues and in the reception area then I am afraid I will be inclined to decline any conversation you would like to have now or anytime soon.” She sipped her coffee again and nodded. Piercy looked at Jessy to see his reaction to what Hilda had said and when he looked back. Gus was gone. He looked down both ends of the hallway, up the stairwell and down. Behind Hilda, and in through her office door. No sign of Gus. Piercy shivered. “So freaky.” He muttered and continued to watch Hilda and Jessy.

“I do apologize, yes of course. Please let me know when a good time would be Ms Hilda.”

Hilda nodded. “I shall check my calendar and get back with you. Please, gentlemen. Get back to work. Piercy, aren’t you supposed to be gone? You are on night shift.” 

“Yes, Ms Hilda. I actually wanted to talk to you too. But it can wait. Good night, or day. Or, morning? Good bye!” he waved. Shook his head and was out the door. Hilda grinned. She will have to remember to thank Gus later. She loved his antics, and he did it on purpose. Starts her day off with a giggle every time. 

Jessy went back to  his work and Gert made her way back to the front desk, fully clothed ready for the chill. “Hilda! All went as usual last night. You will see my report via email. See you this evening, dear! Oh, and your mother is sleeping. She had a busy night. Again, in the report! Good day!” And, she was gone. Hilda smiled. She loved that woman. 

Turning, she began to head back to her office and stopped fast. “Oh yea, I no longer have a desk clerk.” she grumbled and turned to sit at the front desk. She pulled the sticky notes out of the desk drawer and wrote ‘Hire three people. Day nurse, custodial, front end day clerk (possibly night clerk too.)’ But, that will wait until after she goes to the kitchen to eat one of Beatrice’s scones. Scones and coffee. Perfect. She sighs.