by Lisa Linthicum

Created on: December 06, 2009

CHAPTER ONE

April paused to take a quick appearance check in the mirror hanging in the Conference Room. She gave her short hair a tousle as she examined her teeth in the reflection to make sure none of the spinach from her lunch at Cardigan's Bistro had gotten stuck in her gums. Satisfied with her appearance, April returned to her rushed preparations for the Board Meeting.

Her black stilettos clacked on the tile hallway as she ran to grab the informational binders for each board member.

I guess I'm a clacker now, April giggled to herself, as a scene from The Devil Wears Prada jumped into her mind.

The shoes were new. April had charged up a fairly hefty amount on her Visa card the week before in preparation for her job interview at Tulsa's most prestigious public relations firm - Fitzgerald, Turner and Associates. April had done her best bargain shopping to get the most items possible, and to also ensure that each purchase was also stylish and of a decent quality. The black stilettos were part of that splurge. Several new pantsuits, three dresses, five pairs of fancy pumps and a fair amount of funky jewelry also made their way into April's closet in hopes that she would land the job.

When April returned to the Conference Room to set the binders out for the meeting, a voice from the corner startled her.

There you are, April. It was Mary Hamill, the chairwoman of the Board of Blue Star Services, the non-profit agency where April worked. I was hoping we would have a few minutes to chat before everyone else arrived.

April dropped the binders on the table and walked across the room to give Mary a hug. April quickly took inventory of Mary's outfit. She wore an impeccable black designer suit, delicious Jimmy Choo shoes and jewelry to die for. As always, Mary exuded confidence and class. April considered Mary her mentor, and enjoyed learning as much as she could from her.

Following the quick hug, April and Mary sat down at the long conference room table. April could tell by Mary's pensive look that she had something important on her mind.

April, you need to really think about the opportunity at Fitzgerald, Turner. It's a huge step, Mary said. You have done a great job as Communications Coordinator of Blue Star Services. But working here is very different from Fitzgerald, Turner.

Mary, I know it would be a big challenge, but I'm so ready for it, April replied.

I hope so, April, said Mary. Because I got a reference call from Stewart Fitzgerald

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