I looked down at the receiver with amusement. Just her presence at the edge of our lives was turning into an adventure.I can’t wait to see where it takes us.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
The sound startled me as I sat my coffee cup in the dishwasher. I smiled, thinking about how many loads of dishes I have washed in my life and how something so simple like a dishwasher could make me giddy.
I looked through the peephole and saw that a delivery courier was waiting outside my door. I signed for the package and thanked the courier with a tip.
Closing the door, I looked over the sender and saw it was from the firm I registered my resume with a few months ago. A feeling of dread seeps into me, allowing my anxiety to peek through the cracks I had worked so hard to cover and hide.
What if I hate the job offer? What if the job is away from Georgia?
Too many questions swirled in my brain when Caroline came into the kitchen and saw the look on my face. She knows me better than anyone and was immediately aware I was on the verge of losing it.
“What do you have there, Maddie?”
“It’s a courier package from the job agency I registered with. I’m a little confused as to why they would send a package over instead of sending an email or a phone call.” I rambled, all the while, clutching the package to my chest like it would fly away if I let go.
“Have you looked at it to see what it could be? Maybe it is such an amazing offer that they sent your employment contract and first paycheck over to entice you.” She laughed, taking all the tension out of me.
That’s why I love her. Her infectious laugh and positive outlook makes everyone happy just to be in her presence. She knows exactly what to say to lighten the situation, but isn’t afraid to tell someone the cold, hard truth when necessary.
I found it amusing that she is such a“Proper Southern Lady”yet she can and has made a grown man slink away in shame.
As I looked down at the envelope, hoping to see inside by some miracle, she swiped it from my hand and began to open it.
“Let me look at it so I can gauge if we need champagne to celebrate or liquor to numb. Remember, it’s just an offer and you are not required to take it. We are doing fine, thanks to you, so, relax.”
I sat down at the kitchen table with our two cups of coffee.
Why hasn’t she said anything yet? What could be in those papers that is taking her so long to read?
“Umm, Maddie. You may not believe it, but, there is an employment contract and something called a sign on bonus issued to you.” She looked at me like she has seen a ghost.
“Haha! Very funny!”
I reached out and took the package from her and was shocked at the amount of the check I was holding.
“$250,000?! What the hell? I don’t know what this is but clearly there has been a huge mistake. I need to call the courier service to come and pick this check up, now. I do not want to be responsible for it.”
My hands were shaking and I was having a trouble taking a deep breath.
Caroline grabbed my phone from me and placed it on the table.
“Calm down. Deep breaths. In and out. Did you read the letter that was attached Maddie? I think it may be a good place to start.”
After a few moments, I was able to collect myself enough to look over the packet and not just stare at the ridiculous amount on the check in my hand.
To: Maddie Johnson
From: MSJ Media
RE: Employment offer
Dear Ms. Johnson,
On behalf of MSJ Media, I would like to extend an offer of employment. More specifically, multiple offers, for you to consider. Your outstanding academic achievements as well as your dedication to community involvement have been brought to the attention of the Board of Directors. MSJ Media is committed to hiring the best and the brightest candidates to help achieve a future where, in part, education is free and no one gets left behind. Your passions are exactly the qualities we are looking for in our organization. Enclosed you will find a sign on bonus in the amount of $250,000. This is yours to keep regardless of whether you choose to join us. Also enclosed is a list of positions available within the company for which we feel you would well suited. Please take your time to look over the proposal as well as the salary and benefits information. I have also enclosed information about the company’s philanthropic works and current charitable giving, as well as our public disclosure of financial information.
Please take the time to consider each job and list any questions you may have about the position.
