Inheritance

Chapter Sixty-two. The Job Interview.

Chapter Sixty-two 

The Job Interview. 

Rachel acted as receptionist in the Personnel Department and one of her functions was to greet the applicants and guide them to the boardroom for their interview. Wednesday came. Rachel mindlessly typed up some staff notices, her eyes constantly scanning the corridor through the glass door of her office. 10.05; it was so unlike him to be late. The door at the end of the corridor swung open. 

Boy had he changed. He looked so lithe, so athletic. He must have been working out. A bristling crew cut that suited his powerful head had replaced the fondly remembered curls. The blue eyes still blazed. But what a way to dress for an interview. He was wearing a baby blue blazer over an open-necked blue pin striped shirt, fawn slacks and white shoes. Who did he think he was? Pat Boone? He came to her office door, stopped, then peered through the glass. A smile of recognition softened his bronzed rugged features. He opened the door. 

"Have I kept you waiting?" he asked, flashing a smile. 

Rachel so wanted to give an angry response but she restrained herself, moved over and offered her hand in greeting. 

"Glad you could make it, Dr. Gregson," she said coolly, as she shook his unusually limp hand. 

"Rachel. It's me John," he whispered. Rachel ignored him. 

"If you would follow me, Dr. Gregson, I will show you the way to the board room. The selection committee is waiting for you." 

He followed her out in to the corridor. Once they were out of the view of her coworkers, he grasped her by the elbow and turned her to face him. 

"What's going on Rachel? Aren't you glad to see me?" He pleaded. 

"No. Not really, and if you expect to take up where you left off then you are sadly mistaken. You made a choice years ago now live with it. I've moved on." 

"Are you married? Steady boyfriend?"  

Rachel offered no response as they moved towards the boardroom.  

"Not so fast, Rachel. I can't keep up with you I've strained a calf muscle somehow." Rachel slowed. She had noticed that he was limping slightly. They reached the double oaken doors. Rachel knocked, opened one door and gestured John inside. 

"Wish me luck," he said. 

"No," she replied. 

John was hired.