don't fall in love with your boss, pt. 1

I'm sure you're thinking, "oh jeez, another one of these stories." And I'd understand the remark. Really. But. Hear me out. I wish this were just another one of "those" stories, but...it's just...not. Is it? Maybe. It doesn't feel like it, though. From here. But. Perhaps when we get to the end, you'll let me know what you think.

Where to begin...

Well, this particular plot of my life had its inciting incident six years ago.

My husband at the time (we're divorced now - and no, my boss is not why. well, it's relevant, but - listen - calm down, just keep reading.), was working at this place in our hometown. It's a tourist destination but also a very popular spot for locals. It's got, restaurants, a cafe, movie theater, science museum, planetarium, and more. Huge building. Used to be a train station. Actually, still is a train station but it's been renovated to have all those other attractions now, too. Are you picturing it? Great.

So, my ex-husband worked in the building and told me the gift shop for the science museum was hiring.

him: hey babe, the gift shop is hiring. want me to grab you an application?

me: dear god please, get me out of this hell hole.

I fill out the application. My ex puts in a good word for me. Bing bang boom - I land an interview. So, I saunter on over to the gift shop and say, "hi, i'm here for an interview." Ya know, what you say at a job interview.

Well, turns out there are three gift shops (all run by the same staff), and the manager's office is in the shop across the hall. So, I saunter on over to the other shop and say, "fuck me, are you the manager?"

Just kidding.

Said it in my head though. Because. The man behind the counter? Damn.

"hi, i'm here for an interview." (me, a second time.)

The man behind the counter smiles (oof that smile) and introduces himself. We'll call him... Jay. Jay says hello and informs me that he is the assistant manager.

jay: one sec, i'll go grab our store manager.

me: okay, great.

At least I hope that's what I said. Honestly, all I remember is thinking "wow i hope i get this job" and trying not to stare at his perfectly sculpted, body-builder ass while he walked away.

Took a deep breath. Pretended I didn't just meet the most attractive man I'd ever seen. Took another breath. Reminded myself I was married. Took one more breath. And continued with my interview.

Spoiler alert: I got the job.

Did you guess that already? From the title? Good on you. Very astute.

Jay trained me. Of course. Because the universe is one sadistic mistress. We closed the store together at least 3/4 times a week. And we just really hit it off. I'll spare you the annoying "honeymoon phase" details and simply say we had great chemistry and our personalities really meshed. But. I was trying to just cherish having a rapport with a coworker again - and nothing more - because, as I mentioned, he and I were both married. And worse. He knew my husband from working in the building. And I now knew his wife and kids, who are wonderful. (oh yeah, jay is 15 years older than me. but i'm almost 30. so. relax.)

Backstory: another reason I took this job was to save more money to move to Los Angeles at the beginning of the coming year. Which I did. But by the time I left, Jay was already exhibiting certain behaviors that almost made me wish I were staying.

An example. I was the only person on staff whom he gave his number, too. Curious, no? Another example. One day I gave him shit about how he always clocked out without saying bye to anyone, then every shift after that he made a point to come find me - wherever I was - just to say goodbye. Every single shift.

But alas. January came, and my ex and I hauled ourselves out to LA to take a shot at acting in the big leagues.

Spoiler alert: we did not last.

Made it a year. Almost got divorced. Toughed it out. Moved back home.

And this marks the start of the next chapter with Jay. The rising action of this plotline, if you will...