“Good morning, Emery. So…” He steeples his fingers together in front of him, a gesture he does every time he’s worried about broaching something.
I frown.
What could be worrisome about promoting me?
“Here’s the thing. About the Director position…”
“Yes?” The word comes out sharply like I’m holding my breath.
And I am. I feel like my existence rides on his answer.
“I’m giving it to Steve.”
A quiet hiss escapes my mouth as my stomach drops into my butt.
Disappointment. Devastation.Life is overkinds of thoughts invade my brain.
I brace my hands on either side of my legs and rock back and forth on the chair.
“So you’re saying I’m not getting the promotion you promised me?”
I’m shaking so much I nearly topple right off the chair. My phone falls off my lap and hits the side of Fred’s desk.
That’s the second time today, and somehow the darn thing is still intact when I pick it up.
“Emery…” Fred says to me as I’m still bent over fiddling with my phone. “Don’t overreact.”
I jerk back up and straighten my back.
“Don’t patronize me, and maybe I won’t overreact,” I say to him.
I’m not sure where my nerve comes from. I’m acatch more flies with honey than vinegarkind of girl, but maybe this is what happens to me when everything I’ve worked for blows up in my face in a big puff ofyou’ve got to be kidding mesmoke.
“We had anagreement,” I say. “I bring you Savvy Shoes as a client, and you give me the promotion. I held up my end of the deal, Fred. I worked for freaking months to get those guys. No one else here could pull that off. Not even you.”
“I know you did that,” he says in that soft, weaselly tone I’m hating more and more by the second. “That was a game changer for the company. But Steve has connections that you don’t.”
“You mean Steve plays golf with his buddies, and they cut deals on the side.” I glare at him. “Let’s just say the truth here.”
“Emery.” He leans back in his chair and studies me. “I’ll be honest with you. You want honest, right?”
“Yes. Of course I do.”
“I don’t know that your heart is truly in this work.”
I stare at him.
That is the absolute last thing I thought he would say to me.
“I’m sorry?” I shake my head, certain I misheard. “What did you say?”
He repeats the same sentiment, and I feel myself boiling with anger.
“You. Are. Wrong.” I stand up. “You’re so wrong I can’t bother to waste my time telling you how wrong you are. In fact, I am giving my notice. Effective now.”
“Emery!” Fred calls after me as I open his door. “Don’t be impulsive!”
I turn back, my hand on the doorknob. “Why shouldn’t I be impulsive? You’re making a huge mistake not promoting me. Good luck with MAA. I truly wish you the best.”
