Free Melody (THE LOGAN FAMILY) by Stacy-Deanne

couldn’t handle things on my own. Anyway, I’d been having problems in school. Craig, Aileen and Lucas were the only friends I had.” She chuckled. “I wasn’t popular and I just felt so alone. Most of the other kids couldn’t stand me for some reason. I can’t tell you why. I guess because I am a bit of a loner and didn’t participate in the so-called cool social activities they were all in.” She walled her eyes. “Add the embarrassment of my private life and then my teachers began to find out things so I just left.” She shrugged. “Mr. Lawson, I’m capable of doing a good job, no matter what it is. I’m trained in working with computers, and I have certificates and…”
    “Melody, I wasn’t putting you on trial, dear.” He laughed. “I just wanted to know a little more about you. Believe me, it has no bearing on my decision as long as you’re qualified for what I want you to do.” He scanned her résumé. He asked the basic questions. She did her best to give the most impressive answers. “So…” He leaned back in his chair after the grilling.
    “So…” Melody chuckled.
    “Are there any concerns you have about working here, Melody? Anything I should take into account before making my decision?”
    “Well, are there any women working here?” She pointed to the door. “I mean besides the secretary?”
    He chuckled. “Look, I’m not one of those bigoted or sexist corporate types. I was raised to believe that women can do anything men can. And sometimes even better.” Melody grinned. “Honestly, the women we’ve encountered couldn’t rise to the needed expectations, and that is the truth. Some just didn’t seem to be in it for the long haul. I guess they found something better along the way. Most of the women that do work here do not work on this floor so…” He shrugged.
    “Well, I appreciate the honest answer. If I do work here, I wanted to make sure this will be a decent environment for a woman.”
    “Melody, we have a very strict code of conduct here. We’re very strict against things like sexual harassment and of course, other things that could erupt between co-workers. We discourage employees from dating, but it’s not a policy etched in stone. We allow it, if the employee’s work is not compromised by their outside relationship. Other than that, there’s no need to worry. Anything else?”
    “Mr. Lawson, I want you to know that I didn’t go to Lucas for this job. I’m not using him in any way. He offered the chance to me. I work hard, and I don’t expect handouts. I’ve gotten the shorter end of the stick all my life. Believe me, I know how to prove myself. I really like Lucas. I would never use him.”
    He grinned. “Lucas isn’t even the type to let himself be used. Melody, I know my son does nothing unless he wants to. No one thinks you’re taking anyone for granted. I know, he set this up himself. There’s no harm done.” He leaned back again. “From what I’ve seen, I think you will fit in well here. Better than some of those spoiled young bucks out there in the waiting room.”
    “What about all those fancy degrees and majors they have?” She grinned.
    “What makes you think they have those things?” He leaned up. “Just because someone has money doesn’t mean they have a decent education, Melody. Some of them may have the smarts, but most of them just dress up and play the part. There are a lot of people working here who have no business being here. It’s how they handle themselves and push themselves that makes the difference. And you need that no matter who you are or how much money you have.”
    She grinned. “You remind me so much of Lucas.”
    He smiled. “I’m very impressed by you, Melody. We do have some young men who stand above the rest. Michael Grant and Keith Taylor are excellent employees here. They’ve built a model of leadership for others here to learn by. Michael has a BA. Keith has an MBA. Highly qualified young men. Of