LOUISE DESJARDINS<br/><br/>I sat there as he got up and walked around me. The temptation to turn my head and keep him in sight was very great but I resisted, trying to keep my cool. As he came around I made my fingers keep still, but a few seconds later my nerves broke out again and he must have seen me edgily fiddling with my skirt.<br/><br/>I did not look up at him when he stopped very close by, and I imagined, stared down at me.<br/><br/>He was like an army officer inspecting a soldier, he made me uneasy. I was reminded of Réné the owner of the Café Bruxelles by the Parc Monceau where I'd worked in the spring. He was odd too, and would stand near me a lot. Just... looking... I'd be washing glasses or laying tables and he'd be nearby, silently... looking. It bothered me.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"If ..." <em>he paused, I looked up,</em> ".. if I choose to take you on, then I am responsible for your training, your behaviour, and your skills. My discipline is harsh, but it turns out exceptional individuals. Do you believe you are such an individual?"</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>I look up and smile,<strong>"Mai, oui! I want to work hard, I can do that!"</strong><br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"What are you willing to do for this opportunity?"</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>I frowned,<em>what does that mean?</em>Then I realised I really wanted this job, it was perfect, down in the harbour and on the mainland there were lots of fashionable boutiques and art galleries and this coast was so inspiring.<em>I want to paint! And Draw! And here I can sell my work, be recognised!</em><br/><br/><strong>"I'm willing to do anything to work to your satisfaction, monsieur."</strong>I finished, smiling up at him confidently, my nerves dissipating.<br/><br/><em>Just you wait until you see what I can do, You'll be surprised!</em>