At least with a cleaning job they’re reportedly run off their feet; hard work but the time flies. And so far as he’s aware, cleaners get to wear a frock that’s close to knee length or maybe longer, which would be far better than his embarrassingly short tunic. “Luke to reception!” comes the call over the Tannoy.
“Is that me?” Luke blurted as he fell out of his thoughts.
“There’s no one else in here called Luke.” James dryly said, barely even looking up.
Luke darted to the reception desk as quickly as he dare, past Martin and Andrew who flanked the foyer door in their statuesque stance. There’s no one in the foyer or at reception. Not a soul. The door to the reception office creaked open. “Well you got here quickly enough but you failed.” the head receptionist informed him.
“Failed?! How?”
He’s told that before leaving the waiting room, one should face the mirror, straighten their tunic, tend to their hair, check their make-up and ensure they’re nothing short of immaculate from head to toe, then they may leave the waiting room. “It’s all about first impressions Luke.” the receptionist told him. “You arrived late. Martin has had to cover you on the door, which he’s not happy about. You’ve failed your first test, which I’m not happy about… which means so far as first impressions go, you suck!” she said.
“Sorry.” Luke meekly replied. She sent him back to the waiting room with his proverbial tail between his legs.
Luke glanced at the others as he sat himself down and groaned. They seemed like they couldn’t care less… but maybe they’re just being quiet because they know they’re probably being watched though the two way mirror. After an uncomfortable moment, Gavin chirped up and said, “I would have said something but you darted out so quick I didn’t get the chance.”
“Sorry.” Luke frowned. “The concierge hates me, now the receptionist hates me, and Martin probably hates me too…”
“Just remember to check the mirror and make sure you look immaculate… we’re the first impressions, and first impressions count.” Gavin replied.
“You really are married to the job aren’t you Gavin.” James dryly muttered.
“I’m just trying to help the guy… he doesn’t know what they’re like!” Gavin retorted.
“You’re a kitten to those bitches!”
“Leave it out Jim.” Paul said. “Luke’s new.” he stated before gesturing to the mirror and quietly adding. “You know they can lip read.”
“Can they?!” Luke gasped. Paul snorted.This left Luke feeling uncertain as to whether Paul’s claim was a joke or not, but he didn’t want to embarrass himself by asking a second time.