Mr. Connolly studied me for a prolonged moment. "Does this mean you're retracting your announcement about resigning?"
I shook my head. "I'm afraid not."
"What if I told you that Thomas will no longer be your superior or even in your department?"
"What do you mean?"
Connolly leaned back in his chair and rested his elbows on the armrests, his fingers steepled in front of his chin. "Thomas' personality doesn't lend itself to this environment. I feel he would be better suited in a different department so he's being transferred to a less stressful position."
I stared at him, open-mouthed.
"This is not the first time we've had issues with Thomas but, unfortunately, I can't fire him because he's married to the president's cousin. Which I will vehemently deny admitting if it's repeated outside of this office."
I nodded. "I understand, sir. But my resignation still stands. I'm sorry to leave you in the lurch."
"If Barnes isn't the reason you're leaving, do you mind if I ask why?"
Technically, I didn't have to tell him, but he seemed genuinely interested rather than concerned that it would come back on the company.
"I invested in my best friend's business several years ago and she's interested in expanding. I visited her during my vacation and we spent time working together. I realized that I enjoyed it more than I've enjoyed my job here in a long time. I liked being self-employed. And I like working with my friend."
"I hate to lose you," he said. "If it's a question of compensation..." he trailed off.
I shook my head. "It's time for a change."
Mr. Connolly got to his feet and came around his desk, holding out his hand. "It's been a pleasure to have you with the company, Ms. Watkins. I wish you the best of luck with your future endeavors."
I shook his hand. "Thank you, Mr. Connolly. In light of what happened at the meeting today, I feel it's best if I use the two weeks of my accumulated sick time for the remainder of my notice or that I work remotely. However, if you need recommendations or help training my replacement, please feel free to call me any time."
He nodded. "I think we'll be able to manage without requiring you to work remotely. It's my understanding that your assistant is leaving us as well. Will this adjustment in management change her mind as well?"
"I'm not sure," I answered. "You'll have to ask Trudy."
Connolly nodded. "Good-bye, Ms. Watkins."
"Good-bye, Mr. Connolly."
As I walked out of his office, I smiled to myself. My entire body was so light that I was surprised I wasn't floating down the hall.
I was moving forward, not away from something bad, but toward something better.
