I have no idea what’s messy, but there is no way I’ll ask for clarification now. It’s up to me to fake it and have Jay fill me in later.
“Until our Los Angeles branch recovers from their walk-out, they can’t offer San Francisco any help in finding a replacement. Walters, the office manager, called and asked me for my best employee. The time table’s short, but I want to offer it to you, Simone. You’ve shown yourself to be dedicated to the Lowry, Lowry, and Fink Company over the last five years, and this is your chance to shine and show us what you’re made of.”
For the first time since I met Stacy, I’m upset that she didn’t get the chance to fill me in on all this gossip. At least then I’d have half a clue what we're talking about. Of course, even if I did know the horrendous details, most of my thoughts were lost when Peterson muttered the words San Francisco.
To avoid more awkward silence, I open my notebook. My pen clicks once, the sound too loud in the now quiet cavernous office while both men stare at me. “I’m sorry, sir, and how is it you’d like me to help out the San Francisco branch?”
The options float around in my head. A month to train a new employee, an inner company audit. There are so many options. Options that will allow me to see Trey again.
“By moving there.”
“Excuse me?” Both bosses sigh in unison and I bristle. I’m the one clueless one here. “For how long?”
“Ms. Stevens, I’m offering you a promotion to Executive Account Manager in our San Francisco office.” His smooth words slice open my entire existence.
The office falls silent, the soft hum of the laptop the only distraction. Peterson and Jay’s eyes haven’t left me. Both men sit straight and wait for my decision, but I’m back on the beach in Nassau with Trey. What would it mean to be in the same city as him? Forever. How different could my vacation have been if this happened the week before I left?
Mr. Peterson fills the quiet in a possible attempt to talk me into the position, unaware my answer was decided for me on a jet ski four days ago. “I won’t lie to you, Walters, the office manager is an asshole. He’s half the reason they’re in this mess, but he’ll make the move worth your time. A promotion, pay increase, and our full relocation package.”
There is finally movement to my left as Jay’s head swings to my direction. “Simone, you’d be great at this. We’ve been more partners than boss and assistant for at least our last three years together. You should do it.”
“It’s a big decision. If you need a few days to think about it, I understand, but don’t make us wait too long.” Mr. Peterson stands from his desk to usher Jay and me out.
I stand but don’t move with the sweep of his arm. “I don’t need to think about it, sir. I’d love the promotion.”
“Great! I’ll tell Walters you’ll be there by the end of the month.” Mr. Peterson claps me on the back to seal the deal.
San Francisco by the end of the month?
