The preceding two weeks passed quickly and, while I had worked diligently to get my business affairs in order before starting a new endeavor, there was still a lot of chaos surrounding the last couple of days. I knew that there would have to be some overlap in the assignments and trusted that I could manage it all, but it was not the business aspects that I worried about.
Aside from taking on a position as counsel to the owner in a new company, I would be working with a new group of people that seem to exist in a different type of corporate world. There was a lot of interaction and fluidity in their roles and there were expectations that require a different set of rules to accompany them. I felt that I would fit in well but starting in a consultant's position I lacked a certain amount of power that came with the territory of a corporate office. I had to stake my claim by sheer force of will and the willpower of some of the other players that I have witnessed so far was formidable. It would be a challenge in the best of times, but I had the additional burden of the role that I had to assume in the process, that of my alter ego, Rachelle.
As I prepared for my first day, I selected a navy-blue business suit, cream colored blouse, nude stockings and navy-blue heels; my wig was jet black, medium length. It was a professional look suggesting a soft power, a look that allowed some flexibility of purpose for the first day. Once I better understood the lay of the land, I could alter my wardrobe as required but for now the look was middle of the road professionalism. I felt that I was ready and I was anxiously excited about my prospects.
As I drove to Abdel's home office, I smiled thinking about driving to a new job as Rachelle in broad daylight. I have never done this before and felt a bit apprehensive but being Rachelle while working was part of the arrangement and I had to respect it. Nevertheless, I did find it rather exciting to be given the excuse to move around freely as Rachelle.
I parked in the driveway on the side of the house, took my purse and briefcase and walked to the front door. As I was about to ring the bell the door was opened by Abdel's valet/butler, George, who I met him several weeks before at a Halloween party hosted by Abdel. He smiled and greeted me warmly, closing the door behind me after I entered. He said that Abdel would be with me in a few minutes and that I could wait in his office. George added that he would show me around once Abdel was finished with me since he was told that I was to have complete freedom of movement within the house and that I should understand the layout. I thanked him and went into Abdel's office.
Returning to this room brought back fond memories of the party, the people that I met and interacted with, and most of all, Abdel. I looked forward to seeing him again and wondered what it would be like meeting him in a different setting, one not strictly social. As I thought about this, the door opened and Abdel walked in, lighting up when he saw me. "Good morning Rachelle. It is a pleasure to see you again," said Abdel before kissing my cheeks.
"I share the pleasure by seeing you as well," I said, "I am happy to return to your home."
Abdel motioned for me to sit down and George brought in two coffees, already reading my mind. Abdel asked if I managed to get my affairs in order and if I was ready to begin learning the ins and outs of his business. I gave him a rundown of where I stood with things and assured him that I was ready for the challenges that lie ahead.
After some pleasantries we moved to his conference table and began discussing what he expected of me and what my duties would be. He said that he wanted me to work on a global level, interacting with each of his continent heads and reporting directly to him. I would also serve as his eyes and ears while he was away and as a counselor when he was in town or if we traveled together. He expected me to serve his needs and help ensure that the business ran smoothly in his absence. It worked reasonably well up until now, but he was beginning to get the feeling that shortcuts were being taken that was affecting operations and consequently, the bottom line. He felt that he was not seeing something and it bothered him. I understood completely and assured him that I would do my best for him and the company.
Abdel was quiet for a few minutes and then continued, "You will not be able to do everything on your own so I have planned for some assistance which will be crucial, particularly in the early stages. Adriana, whom you know, will devote as much of her time to your work as is necessary. Danielle is unaware of this arrangement so it is to be kept between the three of us," he said with a smile.
I began to voice some mild protest about working with Adriana but he cut me off. "The decision has been taken so there will be no more talk about it," said Abdel.
"As you wish, sir," I replied.
"I have arranged for Adriana to come here for lunch so that the two of you can reacquaint yourselves and mend any broken fences," Abdel continued. "I assume that you will establish a good working relationship with her."
"Of course, sir. I assume that Adriana has already agreed."
"Yes, she has, she seemed delighted for the opportunity," he said with a sly grin.
The rest of the morning was devoted to business discussions about contracts and logistics until George came in slightly before 1:00pm to announce Adriana's arrival. Abdel took the opportunity to excuse himself and asked George to show me to the private dining room which had already been set up for a lunch for two.
Adriana was standing, looking over a painting when I entered the room. She turned to face me and said, "Hello, Rachelle."
"Hello, Adriana. I can say that it is nice to see you again, but it would only be a half-truth. I believe that we got off to a bad start several weeks ago and if there was anything that I did to contribute to that, I apologize."
"Thank you, Rachelle. I appreciate your honesty," said Adriana.
Adriana did not elaborate and certainly did not express and interest in prolonging the conversation about our prior meeting or the reasons for her feelings. Someday it will come out but for now, we must forge a business relationship and make it work for the benefit of the company.
We took our seats and George brought in appetizers and filled our water glasses. With these formalities attended to, he excused himself and closed the door as he left. Adriana and I sat in silence for a few minutes, neither one wanting to be the first one to speak. Finally, Adriana said, "Is it to be like this? I was asked to come here and I complied. If you have nothing to say and wish nothing other than my presence, say it now and I will be on my way. I do not need to sit here in silence staring at you."
I took the bait. "God, you have some chip on your shoulder and I do not understand why. I never did anything to you and yet, from the first time our eyes met, you have looked at me like you want to rip my head off. Why?"
"Do you want an honest answer, or will you report whatever I say regardless?" said Adriana.
I was a bit surprised by the venom and the tone but almost as much by what she said. "Why would you think that I wouldn't want honesty and why would you believe that I am here to report your statements? What have you been told?" I said.
She appeared to be calculating her response and eventually said, "I was told that someone would be joining the company whose main responsibility would be to ferret out those in middle management who are sharing inside information or perceived to be untrustworthy. Yours was the first fresh face that I have seen so in my opinion, it is you. If my work is to be scrutinized then so be it but I will not be treated like a thief. I have given five years of my life to Abdel, his company and Danielle without question or complaint. If my loyalty is questioned, and it shouldn't be after the Halloween party, or if I am dismissed because of what I just said, I have a clear conscience."
