Armando’s Offer

TINA

Today was the most intriguing day of my life. I waited to see if they’d come back into the room. My savior’s son, Alejandro Gonzalez, had such a beautiful face. I hoped to see it one more time.

I supposed Armando at least wasn’t going to get far without his driver.

I tried to think of something to say to Gustavo. He had the ability to be silent without making me feel like I had to talk to him.

Then the door opened without a knock. It was Armando.

“My apologies. I had some business to take care of with my son.”

I nodded. I felt intimidated now that I knew who he was. I didn’t know if he expected me to recognize him.

He smiled. “How are you feeling?”

I wanted to go home. I was so confused. I tried to work out the answer he wanted from me. “I feel okay. I was tired when I first woke up. I don’t know if they gave me anything to help me sleep. What time is it?”

He checked his watch. He actually wore a watch, and it looked like a really nice one.

“It’s just after one. Do you want me to have my driver take you home? He can wait for you.”

I was astonished at his generosity. “But what about you? Don’t you need him?”

He shook his head. “I’ll call a car when I’m ready. I need to know a little more about you first. Is that okay? I need to know you’ll be all right.”

I was touched. “You can ask whatever you like.” I didn’t feel at all okay, but I would make an effort to convince him I was. It was the least I could do.

I was starting to worry about the hospital bill and how long the doctor would want to keep me. I had to set all of that aside.

“You said you lost your job today. What did you do for work?”

“I worked in a bank,” I said. “I was the publicity manager. I started out as a teller. My degree is in—”

The door banged open. I think we were both surprised that Alejandro let himself in.

I shut my mouth. I could tell that Alejandro was unsettled and trying to hide it. At least he wasn’t looking at me.

But I was looking at him.

Alejandro wore a dark gray T-shirt that hugged his defined form. His curly black hair was ruffled and wet. It was either gelled or he’d just come out of the shower. Between his muscular frame, his beautiful skin, and his sheer executive presence, he seemed to glow. I hated to admit, whoever had put him on that magazine cover was right to do so.

“Padre,” he said. “What’s going on? We have work to do.”

That accent. I nearly fell on my knees on hearing it. I was familiar with his beautiful Hispanic tone from whenever he spoke on the news or during interviews. But hearing it directly was something else. It was like honey dripping onto the skin.

“Not now, son. Back to our discussion, child.” Armando faced me. “I am truly sorry to hear about your fate. And to almost add to your misfortune would not have given me any peace.”

Armando paused. He stared at the ceiling in a reflective mood.

“How about I give you a job in my company?” He glanced at his son. “We have lots of work to do.” He faced me again with a smile.

I nearly fell off my seat.

“What?” My voice was barely audible.

Alejandro raised an eyebrow.

“You heard me, child.” Armando smiled gently. “If you want, the offer is on the table.”

This was too good to be true. I was going to work for Gonzalez Industries. I internally pinched myself to be sure I wasn’t dreaming. Of course, I would say yes.

I opened my mouth to reply, but Alejandro beat me to it.

“Absolutely not,” he said.

The room felt like a bomb had just gone off.

A deeper frown marred his features. He didn’t look like himself.

“Excuse me?” Armando raised his eyebrows.

“Yes, Padre,” Alejandro said. “You can’t just offer anyone you see a job, just like that. You can tell me what to do with my life because you’re my father, but you can’t just offer a job without a proper interview because she’s had some misfortune. For all I know, it could be a ruse.”

I felt my blood boil. The sheer arrogance. Did this brat think I planned the whole thing? That son of a…

“I’ll have you know that I didn’t—” I began to protest. I was so focused on defending my dignity that I almost missed that there was clearly more going on between them.

Alejandro confirmed my suspicion that he was upset because he wouldn’t even look at me.

“It’s okay, child.” Armando put a hand up. “I told you that you will represent me more and more. But you do not question me in front of others. I hope that you haven’t forgotten that I’m the owner of the company.” He faced Alejandro with a stern glare. “I decide what I want to do with it and who I want within it.”

Alejandro crossed his arms and frowned, looking away.

A smile of triumph made its way to my face. I felt a little embarrassed for this powerful man, having this intense conversation with his father in front of me. I suppose even billionaires have daddies.

“So will you accept my offer?” Armando faced me. “Or do you need time to think? We can, of course, discuss the terms and find a role that suits your interests.”

Was I an idiot? Of course I would accept!

“Yes, sir,” I said as calmly as I possibly could. But heaven knows I was jumping for joy within. I was ecstatic. Even if this job meant putting up with Alejandro’s attitude, I could deal with that.

“Then it’s settled,” Armando said in a note of finality.

I cheered inwardly again. Today was going perfectly after a little bit of a rough start. I wasn’t even upset over Mike anymore. Men were all such weak creatures.

“I will not oppose your decision, Padre.” Alejandro put his hands in his pockets.

He walked toward me and stared straight into my eyes.

“But I’m responsible for our hires.” His tone was menacing.

I nearly fell back. But I glared back at him. This man was trying everything possible to rain on my parade.

“Padre,” he said to Armando, still keeping his eyes on me. “She gets the job after I interview her… personally.”

My heart lurched a bit. I gave Armando a pleading look.

He returned my look with a calm one.

“Granted,” he replied.

My hopes were dashed. Why would Armando allow this? Clearly, his son was trying to sabotage my possible employment.

“But you give her a fair interview,” he added.

My hopes were returned. Alejandro ground his jaw, obviously gritting his teeth. He stood straight and smoothed his hands over his shirt.

“Fine,” he said.

I felt smug. I made sure not to show it. Too much was at stake. Not only did I have the chance to get a decent job, I had the chance to show a billionaire that he couldn’t get under my skin. All I had to do was hold my own and be the diligent professional that Mrs. Jones, my supervisor at the bank, said I was.

“Be at the office by 8:00 a.m. tomorrow.” He stared intensely at me. “And not a moment later.”

He walked out of the room.

“Pardon his manners, child,” Armando said. “He can be very stringent.”

I couldn’t agree more. It was also clear that there were limits as far as how much Armando was going to protect me from Alejandro. I tried to smile at him as if I wasn’t at all intimidated by this new situation.

“I’m sure we’ll get along just fine,” I lied.

Tomorrow would determine my fate. And it was clear that there was a stumbling block to my path to potential success.

And his name was Alejandro.