SINKING SHIPS

A New Start for Bella

“A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.” — George Moore

Bella walked through the front doors like a boss.  She was glad to be there and excited to get going with her new job.  Yep…the lobby was still breath taking.  She was proud to be the Hotel President of such a beautiful hotel.  She could not wait to meet her team.

She stopped by the front desk and asked for the manager that had originally gave her a tour of the property.  He came out and welcomed her.  He introduced her to the front desk agents and walked her to Human Resources as had been arranged. He introduced her to the Human Resources department and to the Human Resources Executive Director, Melissa Manson.  Bella thanked him for walking with her as she entered Melissa’s office.  Melissa welcomed her aboard and pulled out Bella’s welcome itinerary for the week.  Melissa had taken the time to document all the meetings Bella needed to attend and at what time.  She had also taken the liberty to schedule meetings with Bella’s team of executive committee members.  Melissa walked Bella to her office and introduced her to her administrative assistant, Jan.  Bella instantly liked her assistant and felt a sense of relief.  Melissa told her that Jan would be her shadow this week showing her around and making introductions.

Jan showed Bella to her office.  It was an extremely nice office.  It was twice the size of her old office. She had a massive workspace on one end and a board room style table and chairs on the other end.  Bella was impressed with how nice it was.  Jan gave her a paper with all her logins listed and the phone number to IT should there be any problems.  She gave her a listing of phone numbers for each department in the hotel along with each manager’s name and direct line. Jan had also taken the liberty of obtaining a copy of the hotel’s budget and the current operating statement for review.  Bella was impressed with how organized and efficient everyone was so far.  She asked Jan where she could get a cup of coffee.  Jan excused herself and promptly returned with her coffee. Bella told her she did not mind getting her own coffee.  Jan laughed and told her that it was right next door in the sales office.  She would show her later.  Jan told her she had arranged a quick introduction meeting at nine o’clock between her and her executive committee team members.  Bella thanked her and told her to grab her when it was time.  She was going to spend the next hour going over everything she had been given so far.

When the door closed, Bella leaned back in her chair and let out an excited giggle.  She felt like a child on Christmas morning.  She was going to love being here.  She took a quick minute to look over the phone instructions and placed a call to her Aunt Bonnie to see how she was doing.  When Aunt Bonnie answered the phone Bella excitedly told her how her morning had gone.  Aunt Bonnie congratulated her and told her to stop by after work for dinner with her and Abigail.

Bella had a great day.  Everyone was so nice and eager to welcome her.  She picked up her brief case and placed the budget and operating statement in it.  She had her first one on one meetings with each of her team members in the morning.  She wanted to be prepared.

Bella drove the short drive to Aunt Bonnie’s.  It was nice not to be picking up fast food but rather dining with family over a home cooked meal.  Oh, my goodness, how much better can things get.  Aunt Bonnie had made chicken and dumplings.  Bella could not remember the last time she had chicken and dumplings.  She could not believe that Aunt Bonnie remembered her childhood favorite.  Bella and Abigail exchanged recaps on how their first day at work had gone.  Aunt Bonnie listened with a smile on her face.  She was so happy to have her girls here. Once the dishes were washed up, Bella excused herself.  She needed to get home to prepare for her meetings.

Bella walked into her apartment.  She still had not unpacked everything.  She figured it would have to wait.  She would have to search for things as she needed them.  She made her way to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of wine.  Taking it to the bedroom she sat on the bed and pulled her laptop and papers out of her briefcase.  Bella did not know how long she had been sitting there but she was stiff.  She figured she needed to take a break and get a quick shower in.  As Bella walked toward the bathroom, she realized it was two o’clock in the morning.  She was not going to get much sleep tonight.  She had to be at work at eight o’clock. When Bella returned to her bed, she took all her papers and organized them and placed them back in her briefcase.  She laid her head down and was out like a light.  Before she knew it, the alarm clock was blaring.