"Yes, thank you." Returning to her salad, she decided that T. G. suited him better. He certainly wasn't a Thomas. Maybe a Gordon, then again, maybe not. And he had actually said several sentences to her. Wow - a major breakthrough! Her silent contemplation was interrupted when he asked, "And Charly? That's not exactly a feminine name."
"Short for Charlene, but I was wearing denim overalls and trailing Dad around the barn from the time I could walk, so Charly I was. And still am." She looked up at him as she spoke and found his eyes on her mouth. They were no longer indifferent or cold, but only for a moment. He masked his expression quickly, and made a comment about how early they would be through today, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
Again picking up the tab, Charly vowed there would be none. She was beginning to feel as though she'd been inspecting farms for weeks rather than days. And she also felt that McKinnon had lost most of his reservations about her.
The day ended early and without incident. The temperature was still unseasonably high and the weather was beginning to be oppressive. She was glad to get home and take a long hot shower, before studying the files for tomorrow. Tomorrow - the day that would decide her whole future. On one hand, she was quite sure she had the job, but on the other, she still doubted that McKinnon really wanted her on staff. Maybe today he had been friendlier so that she would relax and let her guard down tomorrow.
However, Wednesday morning found Charly dressed in a pale blue jumpsuit, her hair neatly braided and fastened to the back of her head. Her boots had been cleaned and polished and she looked and felt like a professional. The farms they were looking at today were on the other side of Belleville at some distance, so it would be a long day.
McKinnon seemed to be in good humour when she picked him up at the office. He was smiling as he said good morning, and after a quick glance at her outfit, said, "Much more suitable attire, Miss Benson."
I'm glad you approve, because this will be my standard uniform from now on."
"Oh, you've been hired, have you?"
Blushing, she glanced sideways, and was surprised to see a hint of humour in his smile. Maybe he wasn't such a stuffed shirt after all. Sighing inaudibly, she pulled out into the traffic and decided to enjoy herself.
Easier said than done, she mused, as one after another, the farmers proceeded to complain to her about the insurance they carried, the prices they had to pay, the claims that had been settled unfairly, in their opinion, until her head was swimming. She knew that she must remain loyal to the company at all costs, and yet she didn't wish to alienate any clients.