Chapter 32: The Temporary Assistant

[Chapter 32: The Temporary Assistant]

"Great, Link! I'd like to talk to you about two novel projects, do you have some time?" Editor Gorinsky asked.

Link glanced at his watch; he wasn't busy at the moment. He took the call and chatted with Gorinsky about his creative inspirations and motivations. He introduced himself as the director of Buried and shared that his idea for the science fiction novel had also stemmed from his experience in filmmaking.

While Liz Gorinsky had not seen Buried, she had come across mentions of the film in the newspaper and knew of Link as a director. Once Gorinsky learned he was a notable director, the conversation became more lively, and she inquired if he had any other works. If so, she suggested he compile them into a collection of science fiction stories.

Link mentioned he had a few more pieces and was preparing to release novels based on films like Interstellar, Gravity, and The Martian. Gorinsky expressed her eagerness to read his new works, hoping he would write them soon and submit them to the publishing house.

"Sure thing, Ms. Gorinsky. Once I finish, I'll send a few drafts over to the publishing house," Link assured her.

---

After hanging up, he looked up at the door.

"Come in!"

The office door swung open, and Lily entered. Her attire was a bit more formal than the previous day; she wore a crisp white blouse paired with a dark gray pencil skirt, accentuating her curves. She completed her look with white mid-heel shoes. Her long black hair was elegantly styled, and her makeup featured softly arched brows and strawberry-colored lips.

She appeared more youthful and radiant than before, exuding a blend of maturity and youthful energy.

"Link, are you busy?" Lily asked cheerfully, standing at the doorway.

"Not at all! Lily, that outfit looks stunning on you. It's rare to see someone with such an elegant flair here. Every time I see you, I'm pleasantly surprised."

"Really? I'm not a light bulb, how could I always shine so brightly?" she teased, rolling her eyes playfully. Without speaking, she carried an air of sophistication, but when she did speak, she showcased her quick wit.

"Why did you come over today? Where's Cecilia? Where are you two living?" Link moved away from his desk, inviting Lily to sit on the couch.

"I had some free time, so I thought I'd stop by. Cici is with Aunt Pat. I asked her to watch over Cici for the day."

"Have you seen the office? It's newly established, and it's a bit small, only about seven or eight of us for now."

"The office is great! It's spacious, and so close to Hollywood Boulevard. The atmosphere is lovely, much better than I anticipated," Lily replied with a satisfied smile.

"So, what kind of work are you thinking about? Have you decided?"

Link poured her a cup of coffee.

"How about being an assistant? I might not be capable of much else, but I'm sure I can handle that."

"Being an assistant might not be the best fit for you."

"Why's that?"

"The job can be pretty demanding. You'd need to handle everything from making coffee, organizing files, answering calls, and managing work schedules. Sometimes, when I'm on set, you'll have to come along for months at a time."

"I can handle all that! I'm not some pampered brat. I don't mind putting in some hard work," Lily said confidently.

"That's true, but don't forget you're a mother. You have a four- or five-year-old girl to take care of. Nobody else can look after her like you can."

"You're right; I've been away from home too long, and Cici might get scared without me. I didn't expect you to be so thoughtful."

"Thanks for the compliment. You might consider a role in finance or assisting Michael with company tasks. That could work."

"Finance? Isn't that accounting? But I'm terrible with numbers, and I don't know how to manage a company. I used to just dance. Link, do you think I'm useless?"

Lily folded her hands and lowered her head, looking embarrassed.

"I feel the same way. Aside from filmmaking, I'm pretty clueless, too. How about this: you can start as my assistant for a while to get familiar with the company. When you find a role that fits, you can switch. I'll be in Los Angeles for some time, and you can manage both working and caring for Cici."

"Okay, we have a deal then. Thank you, Link!" Lily said, her eyes sparkling as she realized her worry had lifted. She seemed more vibrant than ever.

"Is this coffee instead of a toast? Well, let's drink to that."

Link clinked his mug with hers and then inquired about her living situation.

If she was going to work here, it would be best for her to rent an apartment nearby. It would make commuting easier, and the security in Beverly Hills and West Hollywood was better than other areas in Los Angeles.

Just last month, the city faced severe violence during the Rodney King incident, with tragic events occurring in various neighborhoods in South-Central Los Angeles. Many businesses were looted and burned, with over 600 fires reported. The chaos left 53 dead, over 10,000 arrested, and around 1 billion dollars in property damage.

It was partly why Link was eager to make money to move to Beverly Hills, where life felt a bit safer in wealthier neighborhoods.

"I came here today to check out the office and will look for housing around here once I settle in."

"Do you want me to help you find a place? I met a reliable real estate agent when I was buying my apartment a few days ago."

"Really? Wouldn't that be a hassle for you?"

Lily looked at him with hopeful eyes, her smile radiating sincerity.

"Not at all. I just need to make a phone call. Do you have enough money on you? If not, I can advance you six months' salary."

"I'm good; I have several thousand dollars saved up, enough for Cici and me to get by for a few months in Los Angeles."

"If that's not enough, you can always ask for an advance or even borrow from me. 

"I get it."

Lily sniffled slightly, her demeanor reflecting a bit of vulnerability now.

...

Link stood up to call the real estate agent, Ellen Herbert, to ask for a few decent listings where she could move in without much hassle.

...

"Lily, come by the office tomorrow, and we can finalize the apartment situation. Once you've settled in, you can start working."

"Okay, I'll do that," she said gently, her gaze softening as she looked at him.

Link then called Michael Leeson to introduce him to Lily.

Lily's upcoming task was to be Michael's assistant while eventually managing the company's administrative responsibilities. Michael, being a professional manager, would help guide her through it.

"Got it, boss!" Michael replied, leading Lily from the office to introduce her to the company's main areas of focus and her future duties.

...

After a bit, Michael returned to the office.

"Boss, can I ask you something?"

"What's on your mind?" Link set down his signing pen.

"What is your relationship with Miss Lily? Family or something more?"

"Just friends. When we're working, there's no special treatment. She's responsible for her own work and any mistakes."

"Understood, boss."

With that, Michael Leeson closed the door behind him as he left.

*****

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