by Susan Quilty

Created on: July 03, 2009

The Job Interview

I left about the time the sheriff arrived. I should have walked out earlier, but I found it strangely difficult to leave when the interview had begun so well.

My sister had told me about the position. She knew Aaron and said he was a great guy. It was a small accounting firm, just Aaron, his brother Joe, and their cousin Mark. Their office manager had left without notice and they were anxious to find a replacement.

When I arrived, both Aaron and Mark were there to meet me. They told me Joe was out with a client, but he would return soon. We chatted pleasantly for several minutes and I began to relax.

"Your sister tells me you have quite a bit of experience," Aaron said. We were seated in their small conference room. It was a cozy office space and I could see myself being quite comfortable here.

"Yes, I spent nine years with Snyder, Roscoe, and Kline, a law office in Illinois."

"We could certainly use someone with your expertise," Mark said with a warm smile.

"Thank you. I'm very interested as well." A bell rang, signaling that the front door had opened. Mark excused himself while I continued talking with Aaron. "You see, I moved back here to be close to my mother after her stroke."

"Yes, Gina told me. How is your mother?"

"She's-"

"Where is he?" I was interrupted by a raised voice from the outer office. Aaron looked at the door nervously, but he continued speaking as if nothing was wrong.

"The job is usually nine to five, although during tax season it's a different story."

"I understand. I have a friend who is an accountant and I know how much she-"

"When is he coming back?" The angry female voice intruded again, followed by Mark's subdued murmuring. "Well, I'm not leaving until I see him."

I looked at Aaron imploringly. He glanced once at the closed door and returned to studying my resume, although he'd had time to read it twice.

"Problem with a client?" I decided to address the problem head on.

"Ah, no. That's Teresa. Our former office manager. She didn't leave on the best of terms."

Obviously.

"She had a relationship with Joe." Aaron stumbled to an uncomfortable pause.

"Oh," I stared. Aaron apologized. I reasoned that the office was less than five minutes from home and decided to make light of the situation. "Well, I guess it's good that I'm married."

Aaron smiled awkwardly and I suddenly remembered Gina telling me that all three of them were married as well.

"So. We're looking for someone to keep our office

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