"I appreciate you all coming in," Mr. Harrison said when Sandra paused. "Though I have to say, we probably could have postponed this conversation until after the new year. Given the holidays and all."
"Nonsense," Sandra cut in smoothly. "We're here to serve our clients whenever you need us. Holidays don't stop us from doing great work. We're available day or night."
Riley's jaw tightened.Day or night. Holidays don't matter. Your life doesn't matter.
Harrison looked slightly uncomfortable. "Well, I appreciate the dedication. But really, this isn't that urgent. The launch isn't until February?—"
"Which is exactly why we need to move quickly," Sandra said. "Get ahead of any potential issues. Riley, why don't you walk Mr. Harrison through your thoughts on the revised approach?"
Riley pulled up her notes, trying to focus. But all she could think about was the client’s statement.This didn't need to happen today. He just said it could wait. But Sandra wouldn’t let it wait.
The meeting ground on for another hour and a half. Harrison asking questions, expressing preferences, but repeatedly saying things like "we can iron this out next week" and "no rush on this part."
And every time, Sandra would jump in with "let's nail it down now while we're all here" or "we can turn this around quickly for you."
By the time they broke, Riley felt hollowed out. Harrison had been reasonable. Patient. Willing to wait.
Sandra had made it urgent when it wasn't.
The meeting finally broke at noon. Riley gathered her things, ready to bolt.
"Riley." Sandra's voice stopped her at the door. "A word?"
Riley's stomach sank. "Of course."
Sandra waited until the room had cleared, then gestured for Riley to sit back down. "I need you to take point on the revision."
"I'm supposed to be on vacation until?—"
"I'm aware. But this is an emergency situation. The client specifically asked for you."
Riley's jaw tightened. "I have plans this afternoon. I need to catch the two o'clock train back?—"
"Cancel them."
"Sandra, I can't just?—"
"Riley." Sandra leaned forward, her expression shifting to something that might have been sympathy if it weren't so calculating. "I understand you have a personal life. I respect that. But this is how you get ahead in this industry. The people who succeed are the ones who make sacrifices. The ones who show up when it matters."
"I've been here for seven years. I've shown up?—"
"And that's why you're the lead on this account. That's why the client asked for you specifically." Sandra's smile didn't reach her eyes. "This is your chance to prove you're ready for the next level. Partner track doesn't go to people who prioritize their personal lives over client needs."
Riley wanted to argue. Wanted to say that working through Christmas vacation wasn't reasonable. That she'd already given this company seven years of sixty-hour weeks and missed holidays and relationships that fell apart because she was never available.
But the words stuck in her throat, weighed down by years of conditioning.
"Okay," she heard herself say. "I'll stay until two. But then I really need to?—"
"Let's see where we are at two." Sandra was already standing, dismissing her. "I'm sure we can work something out. Oh, and Riley? I need you to sit in on the strategy call at one. The team wants to hear your thoughts directly."
Riley walked back to her desk feeling like she was moving underwater. She pulled out her phone.
Riley: Meeting ran long. Going to try to catch the two p.m. train. Should still make it in time.
Grant's response came immediately.
Grant: No problem. I'll save you a seat.
