25 Back to the time when I met Ms. Grey - part 2

Lillian took Jenna out for lunch.

As they kept walking, Lillian noticed a food truck and immediately paused.

"Jenna, change of plans. My treat, but we're eating there."

Lillian said and pointed out the food truck stationed nearby the park.

Both of them hurried to reach the food truck. There wasn't that much rush. Lillian went ahead to order some food. Meanwhile, Jenna picked out a spot inside the park. She found a bench to occupy and then signaled Lillian for the location. After waiting for a few minutes, the food got delivered hot and fresh. It was a sunny afternoon, but their bench was near the trees, which gave them a breezy vibe. Lillian brought food and drinks to go well with the weather.

"Alright, Congratulations, Jenna, on getting this job. Work hard and earn your rewards." Lillian made a toast with the drinks that she bought.

Jenna thanked her and went straight ahead to dig in the food. Lillian stopped her; before letting Jenna eat, she had a message.

"Rule number 2. Probably the most useful one. If I ever turn into a devil or almost on the verge of killing someone, or out of my mind, or anything serious, buy me this sandwich, and I'll return normal." Lillian warned seriously, holding the sandwich in her hand. She then gave it to Jenna and asked her to open it.

"A Grilled cheese sandwich!" Jenna looked in desperation.

"Not just any sandwich, a grilled cheese sandwich, and more importantly, extra points awarded if it is from this food truck," Lillian's veins popped crazy as she explained the seriousness of the matter at hand.

She pointed out the truck. Jenna studied the food truck again; noted their logo, tagline, and the designs. She even peered into the kitchen to memorize the people working.

"Got it," Jenna replied, thoroughly examining the food truck.

After informing her, Lillian gave permission, and they both started to eat their lunch. Lillian had bought two grilled cheese sandwiches, some chicken wings, lemon chili French fries, and classic Mojito.

"I'm curious about one thing. If it's alright, can I ask you?" Lillian suddenly asked.

"Oh, sure, Ms. Grey." Jenna allowed.

"Why do you want this job and why this company?" Lillian spilled the beans that she kept holding for a long time.

"I mean, I've had some crazy editors before, and I've asked them this question before they even start their work. I need to know why you want to do this?" Lillian was really curious to find out the girl's motivation.

"My grandma," Jenna responded spontaneously, looking at Lillian. She then looked away to hide her teary eyes. Lillian noticed there might be a story behind it, so she patiently waited for Jenna to share them.

"Go on," Lillian encouraged. Jenna realized. She began to reveal the reason behind her decision.

"My parents died when I was in high school. It was my grandma who raised me until now. I know the situation that I was in, so I never disturb her for money. I took part-time jobs and worked double shifts while taking care of my own needs without disturbing her. Of course, for college, I applied for a loan. After graduation, I couldn't find a job easily at once. I had to pay for my loans. It was not that big of a deal. However, my grandma became sick. That's when I decided to apply here. I knew the pay was good here. Regardless of my experience, I decided to apply here, hoping to get selected. But- that doesn't mean that I only motivated to work for money, I am here to learn, and if it gratifies me, I want to pursue it further. If not, I will have to work here for a while and then move onto another sector. Although I don't plan on doing something that I don't love wholeheartedly."

Lillian quietly listened to her story. She then asked, "What if you didn't get selected?" It was a dark question for Jenna. Despite her recklessness, she was ready to face reality if the world didn't offer her a job at KeyLine Publication.

"I would have begged him endlessly." Jenna's reply made Lillian burst into laughter.

"The world doesn't work like that, Jenna. Begging people won't work all the time. What if even after your endless begging, you didn't get the job. Then what?" Lillian tried to push her out of her comfort zone.

"I planned on joining the show business." Jenna had a last resort to all of her problems. There have been actors who were all interested in acting or have been so poor that they planned to act and surprisingly become rich and famous. Lillian's 'I can't express emotion' grimace made her believe how inexperience this girl was first. She could be eaten alive by this society with her naive beliefs.

By this time, Lillian bursting laughter turned into a kind smile, pitying the young girl who has significant needs to take care.

Lillian appreciated Jenna for sharing the story. After completing their lunch, both of them came out of the park and was ready to depart their ways.

"It was nice meeting you, Jenna. Well, I can help you become a good editor. But that can only happen if you're dedicated enough to learn about these skills and develop an interest. Otherwise, it's going to bore the hell out of you." Lillian advised her before leaving.

Jenna graciously agreed to her words and declared to engage herself in learning about the roles and responsibilities of an editor. She vowed to never bring a problem for her author and to the company. Jenna requested for Lillian's phone number and got it for communication purpose. Later, when she left, Lillian texted Shane.

Shane was in a meeting when he received a text from Lillian. He checked it out immediately.

L. Grey - 2:50 PM

You found a good egg, Shane. Well done. She will be my permanent editor. I'll train her hard. Thanks, buddy. Take care.

Shane smiled after reading the message. He knew that Lillian had trouble with her past editors, including the one that followed Shane and Lillian crazily. It doesn't matter if the girl has experience or not; one can get trained eventually to become the best. Shane saw how reckless the girl was and how boldly she was underneath all that fear. Maybe she can turn into an excellent editor if trained well. Shane felt proud of himself.