L.A. Woman Read Online Free PDF Page B

been looking for.”
    Sarah took a deep breath, feeling as if she’d somehow passed a test. “That’s what I’m hoping.”
    “Great. How’s your Excel? PowerPoint? We do a lot of presentations here.”
    Sarah nodded. Now she was on familiar ground. “I’ve got a lot of experience in all of the Microsoft Office Suite.”
    “How do you feel about overtime?” Becky asked. “We work on big projects for important clients here, Sarah. I need somebody I can count on.”
    Sarah felt her spine straighten, and she nodded her head proudly. “I am willing to work overtime if a project needs finishing. I want to do the best possible job I can.” She wondered if that last touch was a little too kiss-ass, then decided she didn’t care. Besides, a little overtime wouldn’t kill her. It wasn’t like she had a social life to speak of in this town.
    Becky’s eyes flashed. Sarah had obviously jumped through the second hoop. What else… “We ask people to do things that are outside of their job description here. I’m going to need you to be versatile, and really think outside the box. Are you willing to do that?”
    Sarah nodded. “Of course.” Outside the box. Good grief. Next thing, she’d be saying, We need someone who’s a people person and a team player who displays over-the-line accountability.
    Becky leaned back, all but putting her hands behind her head as she smiled triumphantly. “I don’t usually do this, but I have a really good feeling about you, Sarah. What would you say if I offered you a job, right now?”
    Sarah goggled, then got a hold of herself. “We might want to discuss pay,” she said instead, feeling shaky.
    Becky laughed. “Well of course! Well put, shows you’re paying attention.” She named a figure. Sarah did some quick math. It would cover her rent…if she lived very, very spartanly.
    And, say, didn’t turn on her lights.
    I don’t know what the next job offer’s going to be, either. Or when. And Benjamin isn’t going to help me.
    Sarah weighed, decided. Nodded. “That seems fine.”
    Becky’s quick smile sealed the deal.
     
    Sarah would be starting work that following Monday. It was now Thursday. Rent was coming due Tuesday.
    She needed help.
    How do you expect to survive in L.A. without me? Benjamin’s voice rang in her head.
    She’d find help somewhere else.
    There, on the coffee table in her barren-looking living room, sat Taylor’s business card, with “Martika” written on it. Taylor’s friend, Martika—the one looking for a roomie.
    Possibly the help she was looking for.
    She finally dialed Martika’s number. It rang five times. She was about to hang up on the sixth when she heard a deep, sultry voice say, “This is me. And you are?”
    “I’m sorry?” Sarah looked at the number. “Maybe I’ve misdialed…”
    There was a pause on the other line. “Maybe you have. This is Martika.”
    Sarah winced. This was not starting off well. “Um, Taylor asked me to call you…”
    “Taylor! That bitch, he hasn’t called me, and he missed Beer Bust. Well, you can’t be his new flame, unless something weirdly radical has changed in his life that he’s not telling me,” she said, all in a rush. Sarah thought she could hear her puffing cigarettes…there was a crackle, and Sarah realized that she had called Martika’s cell phone. “So, what did he want you to call me for?”
    Sarah paused. “Well, ah, he seemed to think you might be looking for a place to live, and I’m looking for a roommate…”
    “Great! As a matter of fact, I am,” she said. “Where are you?”
    “Santa Monica and Robertson.”
    Martika squealed. Sarah had to pull the phone away from her ear. “Perfect! I’m right around the corner…and this is my spot. I hadn’t realized Taylor would find me something so convenient. How do you know Taylor again?” Sarah started to answer, but was quickly cut off. “Dumb question. I’ll be over in ten minutes. What’s your address?”
    Numbly,