“I know you were notified about your promotion, and I just want to say I hope you do not turn down the job because you think I got it for you.”
“I’m not going to turn it down, Jack, and I know you’re most probably the one who put my name in for the promotion, butI’m thankful. I appreciate it. I know I earned it. I know this was something I did that deserved to be rewarded.”
“Oh, good,” he says softly. “I thought perhaps you were going to say that you feel like you only got it because we’re together.” He pauses. “Or are we not together?”
“I don’t even know what we are.”
“I don’t know what we are either, but I think whatever we are is separate from this promotion. At least that’s how I feel about it.”
“I did save you millions of dollars.”
“You did, and I’m glad to hear that you recognize that there can be a me and you that operates in the office and a me and you that operates out of the office.”
“How does that work if you and I, who date out of the office, still do things in the office that we shouldn’t?” I say softly.
“Things like what?”
“I don’t know. I could come up to your office and show you.”
He breathes heavily down the phone. “Are you teasing me?”
“Teasing you would mean I didn’t intend to follow through with anything, and I fully intend to follow through with everything that’s in my mind right now,” I say, wondering if I’m stepping over a line I shouldn’t.
“Well then, what are you waiting for? I’m sitting here in the office, and you’re not here.”
“So is that an invite?”
“It’s an open invitation. Darling, come on up.”
“I’ll be there in ten minutes.” I hang up the phone, and then I look back into the office. “Hey guys, I just have something to do. I’ll be back.”
“Okay, sounds good. And thanks for the donuts,” Cora says, munching on a glazed donut. “And the bagels. You really do spoil us. I’m so glad you’re going to be our new boss.”
“Are you really?”
“We’re glad. Trust me,” Xander calls out. “Just don’t become mean.”
“I could never become mean.”
“Oh my gosh,” Marina starts screaming and jumping up and down. “Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh.”
“What is it?” We all rush over to her. “You okay?”
“I just got a role. I just got a real role. I’m going to be famous.”
We all stare at each other in shock.
“Wait, what role did you get?” Xander demands an answer.
“I’m going to be in a play called The Fools of Grocery Store B.”
“The Fools of Grocery Store B?” I repeat, staring at her.
“Yes. I’m going to be the lady with the eggs. You know what this means, right?”
I press my lips together so I don’t start laughing and then shake my head.
“It means everything is finally coming together. I’m going to be in an off-Broadway show. This is huge for me.”
