Shelley’s face goes slack, like she’s been slapped. “Excuse me?”
Elaine straightens her suit jacket. “Well, if you have another offer on the table, we’d hate to keep you from it,” she says. “We certainly wouldn’t expect you to turn down the chance to earn more money.”
I exchange a wide-eyed glance with Trey. Elaine’s voice is prim and polite, but there’s a crispness to her words that warns arguing with her would be a very bad idea.
“I mean—” Shelley stammers. “If I’m notappreciated—”
“Certainly we appreciate you,” Elaine says. “We’re so grateful for your services all these years, aren’t we, ladies?” The other women nod. “When does the call center want you to start?” she asks Shelley pleasantly.
“Well—I’m not sure there’s adate—I’d have to email them—”
“And Emily.” Elaine turns to me. “When might you be able to step in?”
I blink at her stupidly. “Stepin?”
“This is the candidate you’re putting forward, isn’t it, Trey?” Elaine asks.
Trey grins. “Yes, ma’am. You know she did an internship at the Met, in New York?”
“How impressive,” Elaine says.
“My daughter’s been to that museum,” one of the other society women adds, nodding knowledgeably.
Elaine turns to me again. “I assume you’re interested in the job?”
“Well—I mean, yes—” I stammer.
“Wonderful.” She claps her hands together. “I’d say this timing works out splendidly, don’t you, ladies?”
“Perfect,” says one of them.
“Quite convenient,” says the other.
I swear their eyes are twinkling. I have a sneaky feeling I’m not the only one who’s been holding a grudge against Shelley. But as much as the idea of running this place thrills me, my stomach twists as I think of my caregiving business.
“The thing is,” I say guiltily, “I’ve already got a job. Or, well—it’s only part-time right now, but I’m hoping it’ll grow over time—”
“You can’t be a part-time manager,” Shelley says immediately, her eyes sharp with malice.
Elaine frowns. “We do need someone here full-time.”
“What if she shared the job?” Trey chimes in.
The society women brighten. “You could do that, Trey?” Elaine says.
He pulls a face. “Oh, god, no. But Rose knows as much about this place as anyone. I’m sure she’d love to split the job with Emily.”
My heart is beating faster in my chest. Working here as comanager with Rose and building up my caregiving business at the same time...Dream job,shouts an urgent voice in my head.Dream job.
“Now hang on—” Shelley says furiously.
“I love that idea,” Elaine interrupts. “Rose is such a pillar in the community. She’d have to interview for the job, of course—you both would,” she adds, looking at me.
“Of course,” I say eagerly.
“Well, then,” Elaine says, while Shelley gapes at her furiously. “What an exciting day! Let’s pop into your office, shall we?” she adds to Shelley. “We’ll have to fill out some paperwork, I’m sure—”
She holds out a polite arm and guides Shelley from the room. Shelley barely has the chance to glare at me furiously before they’re gone.
