Another dinner shift, another night of exhaustion. She put the business card in her pocket. Maybe, just maybe, things could change. The Sterling Advisory Group occupied three floors of a glass tower in the financial district. Amara stood outside the building, smoothing down her blazer for the third time.
She’d bought it at a thrift store specifically for this interview. It fit well enough, though the hem was slightly frayed. She took a breath and walked inside. The lobby was all marble and steel. A security guard directed her to the elevator, 15th floor.
When the doors opened, she stepped into a space that looked like something from a magazine. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, modern furniture, people in expensive suits moving purposefully between glass-walled offices. "Amara Williams," a woman in her 30s approached, hand extended. "“I’m Sarah. Mr.
Sterling is expecting you.”" Ethan’s office was in the corner with windows on two sides. He stood up when she entered, gesturing to a chair across from his desk. "“Thank you for coming. How was the commute?”" "“Fine. Thank you for seeing me.”" He sat down and opened a folder.
"I looked at your resume more carefully. Business administration from State, 3.7 GPA, internship with Morrison & Cain during your junior year, strong recommendations from your professors. Why did you stop pursuing this kind of work after graduation?" Amara had prepared for this question. "Family circumstances. My mother became ill.
I needed flexible hours and immediate income." "“I’m sorry to hear that.”" "“She passed away a year ago.”" "“I’m very sorry.”" His expression was genuine. "And now?" "“Now I’m ready to use my degree.”" They talked for 40 minutes. He asked about her coursework, her interests, her approach to problem-solving. She answered carefully, honestly. He didn’t ask about the Meridian and she didn’t mention it.
Finally, he leaned back in his chair. "I’d like to bring you on as a junior analyst, entry level. You’d be working with our operations team, helping clients streamline their processes. Starting salary is $52,000 a year plus benefits, health insurance, paid time off, retirement matching." Amara’s mind stuttered. $$52,000?
She’d been making less than $18 at Benny’s. "I “Yes.” Yes, I accept." "“Good. Can you start next Monday?”" "“Yes.”" He smiled. "“Welcome to Sterling Advisory.”" That weekend, Amara gave her notice at Benny’s. Lou shrugged.
"“Your choice. Good luck.”" Monday morning, she arrived at Sterling at 8:30 sharp. Sarah met her in the lobby and walked her to a cubicle near the back of the office. "This is yours. Computer's all set up.