“You’ve been there five years? And they haven’t promoted you?”
I smile, though all I want to do is exhale a frustrated sigh. “Things are a little complicated with my boss.”
Thad hums thoughtfully. “Well, it sounds like you have a good amount of experience for what we’re looking for. I know I said we aren’t hiring yet, but I can hold on to your résumé for when the board comes to a decision.”
“Sure.” That sounds reasonable. I don’t know if I’m ready to completely walk away from a job I put so much time into, and I guess this will give me some time to do my own due diligence. I can gradually prepare myself and take new work opportunities in stride.
“There was another reason I asked Josh to have you reach out to me,” Thad adds. “We have volunteer opportunities as well as internships. We don’t currently have one for a finance department, but if you’re willing to take an internship-type of position, I may be able to swing that.
“It doesn’t have to be full time, just a few hours a week. Whatever you’re able to commit to. And if the board sees that someone with your experience can help smooth out some of the kinks we have, they may be more inclined to open up a position.”
“And this internship. Is it…”
“It would be unpaid, unfortunately. So I understand if it’s not for you.”
“No, I think the experience in itself would be good,” I admit. It’s the truth. In turn, I may find that this is the kind of work I’m meant to be doing. “Is it okay if I think about it?”
“Absolutely,” he assures earnestly. “I still have to run the internship position by the CEO and vice president, so I’ll keep you updated, but I hope you really do consider joining us in some way or form. Josh spoke highly of you.”
“Well, he is my brother, so…” I say matter-of-factly.
“Of course, but he spoke on your experience and the current place you’re at. I’m sure we can provide a less hostile working environment.”
I duck my head, letting a nervous chuckle dissolve some of the unease talking about my boss. “Thank you. I appreciate your consideration.”
“We’ll be in touch.”
When I get back to work, I brace myself for the wrath of Mr. Sheridan. I know it’s coming the second I’m welcomed by Olive’s panic-stricken face.
“Where the hell were you?” she hisses as soon as she sees me walk in.
“I had an appointment,” I answer, some of the urgency in her voice carrying into mine. “What did you?—”
“Andrew!”
Both my head and Olive’s whip in the direction of Mr. Sheridan’s office. He’s standing there, his fists braced against his hips with an irate scowl stamped on his face. He strides toward me, the purposeful steps of his loafers pounding on the carpeted floor as he comes within inches of my face.
“Where the hell have you been?”
“I had an appointment, sir.”
“And was this approved? I didn’t see it on the calendar.” He glowers at me, though with his height standing at about six inches below mine, it doesn’t look as commanding as I’m sure he hopes it does.
“HR approved it,” I explain. “They may have not added it to your calendar, but I let Olive know on my way out.”
He looks to Olive for confirmation, to which she offers a slow, tentative nod. “He told me this morning,” she says meekly.
“I thought you didn’t know where he was.”
“I forgot.”
“Was there something you needed from me?” I interject, pushing aside this unwarranted investigation. With how many hours I put into this place on a daily basis, working way beyond my required hours, I’m sure an hour away shouldn’t warrant any reprimand.
“I wanted some coffee after lunch. I had to send Olive, but I have something I need you to take care of in my office.”
“Of course.”
It’s a small price to pay for my little hiccup. A punishment as if I’d committed a crime. I follow his steps into his office and find a banker’s box filled with a heap of receipts. Some of them are worn, the text rubbed off and barely decipherable, and some are torn in half, practically trash at this point.
