Post script

I feel it necessary to mention that despite all the set-up for Ms. B (of the law firm I recently left) to be an unholy beast filled with tumultuous rage, I never had many problems with her. In our quiet avoident sort of way we got on quite well.

I wronged her a few times, but I did the only thing a sensible person can do. Which is to immediately fess up, take the WELL THAT DOESN'T DO ME ANY GOOD DOES IT, and then go about my day.

At first I didn't see her much. No one really saw her that much aside from her assistants and some of the senior shareholders. But then I started nightly dish-collection rounds, and when she was not in a meeting or on the phone, it was my job to rap softly on her door and ask her if she had any dishes for me. The second time I did this she looked at me and suddenly said, "you look cute today!" I thanked her.

The penultimate time I collected her dishes, she gave me her water glass and told me she'd like another cup of coffee. I said of course and asked her if she took cream or sugar. She told me she took it black, and then said "but I'm disappointed you're leaving! I like you."

"Oh! Thank you."
"But...but that's good...you just do what you need to do."

On Monday I had to pick her up after she gave a speech downtown. Her personal assistant was with her. It was the first time I had heard her really thank someone. She thanked her personal assistant for being there with her, for being moral support. And she said "Ladies. Ladies listen. Someday when you two own your own businesses..." she paused knowingly, we obliged her with a chuckle. Oh you. "...just remember it is so good to just...to have someone there with you."

Then as I drove she began asking me about what I was doing afterward, if I had money (everyone is concerned about me having health care in this economy / current government) and I got into the story a little bit, adding gently "so I'm not just rushing out into the darkness..."

"Oh no I wouldn't think you would...because you are smart...and listen if you ever needed a letter of recommendation you just let me know, because you have made me a believer. You are always well dressed (thank you), very polite, and you have matured well (?) (thank you)."

In its own way this meant a lot to me. It is not because of where she stands socially or how much money she has, but it's because of who she is personally. Seeing other people is not a quality I would have ascribed to her. And while if I had seen her in a supermarket struggling with something I would have (of course) walked up to her and helped her out, it would have been because we were colleagues, not because of any warm feelings. But I think that has changed, and I like that it changed. I made her a believer and she made me one too.