Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 22036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 110(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22036 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 110(@200wpm)___ 88(@250wpm)___ 73(@300wpm)
As he stepped up onto the curb, Sharon greeted him. “Hi, Tim. I’m so glad we’ve got you here. Welcome to Edgewater Industries.”
“Sharon, I’m glad to be here. This is my brother, Jeff, and Boston, my guide dog. I’ll share that if Boston has his harness on, he’s working. Please don’t distract him by speaking or petting him while he’s on duty. Out of the harness, he’s a goofball that will love to meet everyone.”
“Thank you, Tim. I’ve circulated some guidelines for the staff. Knowing what works specifically for you is always best,” Sharon shared.
Tim nodded his appreciation. Of course, Sharon had already paved the way for him. What a difference between his initial impression of this job and his old one.
“This is Knox. He’s provided some staff to help get your things up to the apartment. What’s the best way to get you acclimated? Would you like to walk up to the apartment with me to get an idea of the route before the chaos of the move?” Sharon suggested.
Holding out his hand to the large man, Tim greeted him. “Knox. I’m glad to meet you in person. Thank you for the maps and procedural information.”
“Glad to help. I’ll get you set up for your badge whenever convenient. I’m at the security desk in the lobby of B Tower until five today,” Knox answered after shaking his hand.
“Perfect.”
“If you’re ready, I’ll show you to your apartment,” Sharon suggested.
“Lead the way.” Tim tightened his hold on Boston’s harness, bringing the dog into position. He followed Sharon into the building, noting that everything was designed to make navigating with an impairment as easy as possible. He appreciated Sharon’s silence. Pleasant chatter interfered with his ability to focus.
“There are three elevators. The call button is next to the first one. Your name badge will have your picture on it and a chip that signals the elevator to go directly to your floor. You may change the destination inside if you wish to visit a friend, go to the gym, or access any floors you’re cleared for in B Tower or in the other two towers.”
Tim followed her into the middle open car. As it rose, he noticed the beeping floor signal. At seven tones, it opened.
“You’re on the seventh floor, apartment 718. It is three apartments down to the right,” Sharon shared before leading him down the hallway.
When they reached the correct one, she walked him through the process of registering his fingerprint to open the door. “We can register Boston’s paw print as well if you’d like. I could match your badge with the door, but that would allow anyone with your badge into your apartment. This is a very safe area, but Knox vetoed that practice.”
“I agree. Get Boston set up. I can teach him to open the door if my hands are full.”
With that accomplished, Sharon led the way into the apartment. She stood out of the way as Tim and Boston explored.
She continued to impress Tim. Sharon didn’t put out any hurried vibes. It was obviously important to her to get him settled. When they returned to the main living space, he thanked her. “This is lovely. I’ve been staying with my brother and his family. They’re amazing, but with 3 kids, private space is impossible. I’m going to love it here.”
“The staff always stocks the kitchen for new residents. Let me show you where everything is.”
A few minutes later, Tim shook his head in amazement. “I’ve already thought this a million times. Thank you, Sharon. You’ve thought of everything. Even Boston’s food is here and in a place for him where I won’t trip over his dishes or his bed.”
“Oh, you’ll find things I forgot. I’m going to trust you to ask. I’ve done some research to fill in gaps in my information on what Edgewater can do to support all employees. You’ll meet Easton on Monday. Feel free to share any needs with him as well. Employees’ health and happiness come first with him. We’re lucky to have a boss who realizes that providing employees with the things they need to work effectively benefits the business.”
“Ready to have everyone bring up your possessions?” she asked.
“That would be great.”
Within minutes, the men had everything set where Tim requested and had disappeared.
“I’m out of here, brother,” Jeff said, patting Tim on the back. “You’re in a good place. Call if you need me.”
“Thank you.” Tim stepped forward to give him a hug.
A prickle of awareness grabbed his attention. Tim turned to see a curvy shape in the doorway. “Hi. Are you one of my neighbors?”
“This is Aspen Summers. She’ll fill in as your assistant for as long as you like while you choose someone permanent,” Sharon introduced the new arrival. “Aspen, this is Tim Simmons, Edgewater’s new Chief Supply Chain Officer, and his brother, Jeff.”