If At First...

by Jill B. Hart

 

Amy Wright watched the elevator rise; it had almost reached her floor and her heart was pounding wildly. She checked her watch for both the time and the date. Everything was right. He was about to arrive. It was about to happen again. Her heartbeat quickened further. She turned to face the elevator doors, which were opening, and smiled.

He stepped out of the elevator. He was dressed in the uniform of young business executives. His blue suit was sharp. His white shirt neatly starched and pressed. A red "power" tie completed the package. He walked over to Amy's desk and introduced himself as Mark Sullivan, newly hired for a management post. "Welcome, Mr. Sullivan," she said. "We've been expecting you."

Amy fought to relax. It was important to make a good first impression on the man who made her feel human.

From past experience, Amy knew the phone system, the computers and other office equipment would be difficult for him to operate at first. It was always that way. By helping him 'learn the ropes' she could put him at ease; that was the first step.

She waited an appropriate period of time then made her move. All the pieces felt as they should. Amy saw it unfolding again. He would begin with questions. Her answers would build trust between them. Soon they would be working closely, chatting in the hallways, sharing lunchtimes and eventually seeing each other before and after work.

Mark found himself coming in early and staying late just to talk with Amy. He realized they had become friends, she was, perhaps, his best friend in the office. Finally, he decided to take the next natural step. After working late one evening he found she was still at her desk. He asked her to share a dinner with him, and she quickly accepted the offer.

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