“Why do you do it then?” she asks. I’m starting to feel like I’m the one being interviewed. Maybe that’s a good sign. The best salespeople get their prospect to do all the talking.
“Money,” I say plainly. And it’s true because there are a million jobs I’d rather do if I wasn’t so focused on getting paid. Sales equals survival for me and Gabby right now. “Are you motivated by money?”
“I guess so. Well, not really.” Wrong answer. She just dug her own grave because that’s the dealbreaker in any sales interview.
“But I’m motivated by power,” she continues.
That’s one I haven’t heard before and I’ve been doing ten plus interviews a week for months. Power? I’m definitely intrigued.
“This is an entry-level job, remember?”
“Yeah, but, doesn’t sales give you a sense of power?” She crosses her legs and pins her eyes on me. They’re this bluish gray color that I swear didn’t exist until today. “You’re the face of the company. You represent every department when you’re the one selling. You’re influencing how much money comes in, what everyone’s paycheck looks like, even how good the benefits are. There’s power in that. I mean, at least I think there is.”
“Yeah, I never thought of it that way, but it’s nice calling the shots sometimes.” There are a million questions I want to ask this girl but none of them are appropriate, so I go with an old standard. “Do you see yourself as a leader?”
“Umm…I was captain of the archery club in college?” Her gusto is fading. As much as I want to believe she has what it takes for this job, confidence is the most important asset. Well, that and wanting to make money. “And I like to boss around my brothers.”
I can’t help but laugh at that one.
“Where are you from?”
She lets out a long sigh. “So that’s it? You’ve already decided I’m a no and now I get the fluff questions?”
She’s not entirely wrong, even if I was asking more out of curiosity than killing time.
“Olivia—”
“This is my tenth interview, okay? I’m desperate. And I know I shouldn’t say that, but it’s true, and it doesn’t make me any less qualified for this job. I already got an apartment and if I don’t get a job soon my parents will make me move back home. I refuse to give up. I need to live in the city and work in the city and just be apart of this city.
“I know I don’t have any experience, but I work hard. Harder than anyone. I want to learn and grow and be the best salesperson here, even better than you. I just need someone tobelieve in me. I need someone to give me a chance. You want to give me a chance, don’t you Gavin?”
As far as a hard close, it’s not bad. I’m not sure if Mitch would be impressed, but he handed off hiring responsibilities to me when he decided hiring sales development reps wasn’t worth his time.
I’m trying my best to imagine Olivia saying all of this, without her being the first woman I’ve been attracted to in months. I’m even trying to imagine her with a beard and a combover in my attempt to be objective.
But the truth is that the world isn’t objective. Especially in sales. People buy from people they like, and if there is one thing I’m sure of today, it’s that Ilikethis girl.
In fact, I can’t seem to find anything I don’t like. Nothing at all.
CHAPTER TEN
OLIVIA
After Gavin fooledeveryone around us with his romantic declaration, one of the bocce courts opened up. We played three rounds while I learned all the perks of being his fake girlfriend.
People can think what they want, but dating Ian never got me closer to socializing with our CEO. The only exec I ever saw outside of work was Davide. He and Ian are decent friends and liked to double date. I really hated all the nights we spent with him and his wife considering how much Davide flaunts his infidelity.
Daanesh on the other hand is a joy to be around. I had no idea he was so funny. It’s a quiet, kind of dry sense of humor, but my cheeks hurt from the little time we’ve spent together. He even offered to be my bocce partner because Gavin and Gabby are too competitive to be on opposing teams.
I know playing bocce with Daanesh has no effect on my job, but that was never the point. I’m not fake-dating Gavin to get chummy with the CEO, just like I was never using Ian, but it felt nice to be part of this inner circle for a little while.
Now, Andie and I are sitting by the fire pit having another round of pretty orange cocktails while Gavin stays back to play with another group.
“I just have to say it. You and Gavin are hella cute together.” I bite my lip in an attempt not to smile. “I mean, the matching motorcycle helmets? You look like you both just came from some edgy photoshoot.”
“He does look good on the bike,” I admit, nibbling my cheek.
She eyes me. “So do you.” She takes a long sip of her cocktail, looking around the patio. “Well, how’s it been seeing Ian?” she asks.
