A Rose From Concrete

Prologue

Prologue

Today was the day, today was the day Rose was graduating from college, NYU to be exact! She had done a 4+1 program, so that means in 5 years she had gotten her Bachelor’s and Masters. She was more nervous than she cared to admit! After today, she was officially a big girl! She was in no way ready for that. 

Her boyfriend James told her she needed to relax, but she thought that was easy for him to say. He was in his second year at his first-choice law school and had a job at a prestigious law firm, where he was making hella money, gaining experience and making connections. 

She was a little black orphan girl from the South. She had worked so hard for this and now it was here. It was hard to not be scared out of her mind. This past week she had been interviewing nonstop. She hadn’t heard anything yet, but she was hopeful, she knew she interviewed well. She practiced too much not too.

As if the universe heard her thoughts her phone rang. Rose recognized the number as Hightower Enterprises. She had interviewed there twice. She took a deep breath, put on a smile and answered. 

“Hello, Rose Down speaking.”

“Hi, Ms. Down, this is Michelle Bridge, HR manager here at Hightower Enterprises, I am calling to inform you that after much deliberation we here at Hightower Industries would like to offer you a position. However, it is not the position you interviewed for.”

Hearing that Rose’s heart dropped.

“It seems your application and resume came across the desk of our CEO and he was very impressed. He is in the market for a new personal/executive assistant. He wants you to fill that position. It would mean a higher salary but longer hours. Is this something you are interested in?” Michelle asked Rose. Michelle sounded professional but she was terrified that this young woman would turn her down. Marcus Hightower had a reputation for running through assistants. This young, excited, impressable 23-year-old was no match. As much as she didn’t want to offer the young girl the job, it was part of her job description.

Rose was trying not to pass out. Executive Assistant to Marcus Hightower as her first big girl job, wow!! Rose, you need to answer. Her brain reminded her!

“Yes, I am interested. Actually, I am more than interested, I would like to accept the position.” Rose informed Michelle who could barely hide her surprise.

“Really?”

“Yes, I am excited to work with Mr. Hightower. I believe I can learn a lot from him. When would he like me to start?” Rose questioned professionally.

“I will send an official offer letter to your email, in the next hour. Please sign it and email it back. Once you do that, I will be able to begin putting you in our system. You will get emails to fill out forms for your security cards, direct deposit, government tax forms, and our NDA. If you are accepting, your start date will be on Monday at 7:30 am. Report to the front desk, give them your name and they will direct you to security to have your ID picture taken, they will also go through security protocols with you. As Mister Hightower’s Executive Assistant, you will have a higher security clearance than most, including me. Therefore, I can’t exactly discuss with you what they will be telling you. Well, Ms. Down if that is all your questions. I will send over that offer letter and other instructions. Welcome to Hightower Enterprises. Goodbye.”

“Goodbye Ms. Bridge, see you Monday!” Rose signed off!

The moment she hit the end call button she was screaming at the top of her lungs!! She did! She got a big girl job!

She couldn’t believe it, she was ready! Whatever he had to throw at her, she could do it.

On the other side of town, there was a knock-on Marcus Hightower’s door.

“Come in.” He ordered.

“Ah, Ms. Bridge are you here with good news?” He inquired of his HR Director.

“Yes, I am. She accepted, Mr. Hightower. She will be here at 7:30 sharp. I have her signed offer letter and NDA. She is already quick and efficient. However, she is young are you sure she is a good fit, you have many other qualified applicants.” Michelle wondered what was so special at this girl. Sure, was smart and capable but she was young and possibly easily scared but her boss’s demands. She didn’t want to go through all of this again in a month.

“Yes, I am sure. I watched the video of her in the waiting room and her interview. She was kind but firm. When she was asked about me, she was the only woman her age to say wanted to work here purely to learn and grow. That is the energy I need. She is young yes but looking at her resume she is experienced, and her youth will help to create creative solutions. She is perfect. Thank you.” Then he looked back at his computer effectively dismissing is HR Director.

He had meant what he said about liking Rose professionally but there was something else about her that he couldn’t figure out. Something intriguing, something drawing him to her like the tide bringing baby turtles out to sea.