‘Well, I’ve been watching your results for some time in any event but this recent transaction…’ he casts an eye over a piece of paper on his desk, ‘…Eclectic Technologies. We’ve had superb feedback from the client and the figures speak for themselves. In fact, they’ve thrown you over your targets for the year and I’m fully aware of the circumstances of that deal… that you essentially carried the entire transaction yourself.’
‘Erm, thank you,’ I mutter from behind my fingers, which are held a little in front of my mouth to disguise any possible rogue chocolate crumbs.
‘No, thank you. As you’ve been off for a couple of days, and arguably should still be off, by the way, you probably don’t know that Stephen Lawrence has been in touch about potential future work. And there’s plenty of it.’
My stomach sinks, in part from the thought of another convoluted deal but mostly from the thought that Gregory would rather delegate to Lawrence than speak to me himself.
‘They’ve specifically asked that you’re the point of contact for all deals from Eclectic Technologies and any of the GJR group’s companies.’
‘Wow. Great. That’s, that’s really great,’ I say, faking excitement.
‘Now for the good news.’
‘There’s more?’
‘Well, you don’t think it would be appropriate for us to have just a senior associate in that position, do you?’
‘Hmm, well, I hadn’t thought about it but I guess you’re right. I’ll speak to them and tell them that I can’t be the lead contact. Who would you like me to?—’
‘Scarlett.’ He laughs, resting his palms on his desk. ‘I’m offering you a promotion, to legal director.’
I stand from my seat, causing it to rock backwards. ‘You’re what? Why?’
He smiles casually, genuinely. ‘So you’ll take it?’
‘Take it? Of course. Thank you.’
My hands wiggle uncomfortably by my side, unsure whether to shake his hand or go in for a hug. I decide to sit down, doing neither. But those seconds give me time to register the situation. I lost Dad for a promotion. I can feel tears knocking on the back door to my eyes and I know I need to leave.
‘Excellent! Do you want to discuss the finer details now or would you rather get the paperwork first and take it all in?’
I wonder whether he’s noticed the chemical change in my body, the way dogs can sense whether their owner’s happy or sad.
Nodding, the lump in my throat subsides just enough to let me explain that I’d rather read the paperwork first but that I’m grateful for the opportunity.
‘It’s all rather overwhelming, isn’t it?’
‘You’ve no idea,’ I say, shaking his hand. I can’t get out of there fast enough.
‘Sooo, what did he want?’ Amanda sings, her words reaching my office before her bouncing body.
‘Erm, he wanted to offer me directorship,’ I offer sheepishly.
‘What? Amazing! Crazy! That’s fantastic news, Scarlett; you really deserve it.’ She throws her arms around my neck.
‘Do I?’ I whisper.
She pushes me away from her body, her hands resting on my shoulders. ‘Of course you do. You work harder than anyone else in here.’
‘I just – I just don’t know if one deal means I really deserve it.’
Amanda shakes my shoulders. ‘This isn’t about one deal. This is about you working solid for years. You’re always the last person in here on a night and, rather distastefully,’ she adds with a forced regal accent, stiff upper lip and all, ‘you’re the first to refuse a cocktail in the name of work.’
‘I hope you’re right.’
‘I am. Now, let’s celebrate. Lunch somewhere nice? Your treat because you’re about to earn a lot more money than I do,’ she says with a wink.
‘I’d love to but I actually need to tie off some pieces for a deal.’ I glare at the pile of Eclectic Technologies documents that I’ve been trying to avoid.
