frown. “Why are you a fool?”
“I’m a fool if you take me up on it and leave me.” He exhales loudly and grabs a pen, pointing it at me. “You’re an incredible asset to Wilder Corp.”
I blink at him. “Thank you.”
“And while I want to keep you here forever here at our office, I know you have the potential to climb the corporate ladder, and the only way you can do that is if you take an executive position within Wilder.” He hesitates for only a moment. “Somewhere else.”
“Like where?” Oh, wow. This could be—exciting.
“There are two positions that just opened up. One in Las Vegas.”
I think of my friend Eleanor. I would interview for that position without hesitation.
“And one in London.”
Wait a minute. “London as in England?”
He laughs. “Yes. London, England. The UK. Ever been there?”
I shake my head. “I don’t even have a passport.”
“It’s a gorgeous city. And we have a gorgeous hotel there.”
“I’ve seen photos.” It’s beautiful, located not too far from Buckingham Palace, in Trafalgar Square.
“It’s been recently renovated, and we’ve been at max capacity ever since. Wilder London needs an assistant manager for the location. I think you’d be an excellent candidate for the job,” Alex says.
My mind is spinning with the possibilities. “What about the Vegas location?”
“Same position. Neither of them have been posted yet. Both employees gave their notice first thing this morning. I’m sorry to lose them in those positions, but they’re both remaining with the company in a different capacity.” He sends me a look, one I can’t quite decipher. “When I received the emails letting me know, I immediately thought of you.”
“I’m flattered.” I rest my hand against my chest, hoping I can calm my racing heart.
“You deserve it. You’re a hard worker, Kelsey.” He flips open a file I didn’t even notice was sitting in front of him. “But you have no college experience, which is usually a requirement for an executive position.”
My heart starts to sink. Why’d he get my hopes up if that’s the case? “I’ve had to work multiple jobs since I lost my mom. I never got a chance to go to college.”
“I know.” He sends me a sympathetic look. I told him a little bit about my life during our initial interview. A brief summary. He doesn’t bring it up, which I prefer. He knows how to keep things strictly business, unlike other bosses I’ve had in the past. “As I just mentioned, we require a bachelor’s degree for executive positions, especially here at the corporate office. Or we require experience within the chain. This is why I’m telling you about these positions. I wanted to see if you’re interested in interviewing for either of them.”
“I’m interested,” I tell him eagerly, making him chuckle.
“Good. I’d hoped you would be. If you want to stay with Wilder, it would be a smart move to take a position at one of our hotels. A management position would be a big responsibility,” he says.
“I know,” I say, fighting the nerves that suddenly want to take over me.
“One I think you’re capable of, or else I wouldn’t make this suggestion.” He smiles faintly. “You can work at one of the hotels for a year or two. Maybe a couple of them, and then eventually, if you want, you can come back here and work for me.”
I could leave here. Try something new, live somewhere new. “When are the interviews supposed to happen?”
“Soon. We’ll want to fill both positions ASAP so training can start.” He tilts his head. “So you are interested, correct?”
“Definitely,” I say, my voice firm.
“In which hotel?”
“Both of them.”
He laughs. “That’s what I was hoping. Well then, I’ll let Celeste know you’d like to interview and she can start putting everything together for you.”
“Will I have to go to Vegas and London for the interview?” Shit, I can’t. I don’t have a passport.
“We can video chat or Zoom or whatever. But I would recommend you start the application for your passport today.” He rises to his feet and I do too, in a daze as he reaches out to shake my hand. “I’m glad to hear you’re interested, Kelsey. I know you’re going to make a great manager someday.”
“I appreciate the compliment, but I don’t have the job yet,” I tell him.
He winks. “I have all the faith in you.”
“Well, Kelsey, looks like you’ve finally turned into one of us,” Stella says as she settles into the chair next to mine.
We’re at Tuscany, the restaurant Stella’s