Elliot: lol
Arthur: Does that mean no?
Elliot: No! Hahah. Sorry. I just never have plans. Friday it is! Be there with bells on
Arthur: I will be there. I will not have bells on
Elliot: Spoilsport
“Hi,Elliot. Thanks for meeting with me today,” the HR rep, Deborah, says, offering a friendly smile as we settle into the small conference room. “This is just a three-month check-in. Nothing scary, I promise.”
Tell that to my nervous system.
“I want to start by saying we’re really happy with how your first three months have gone,” she continues. “Your manager, Cal, reports that you’re a real asset to the organization and an important member of the team.”
“That’s wonderful to hear,” I admit, blinking back happy tears. Cal wouldn’t say that unless she meant it.
“It should be,” she says warmly. “We’ve also gotten consistently positive feedback from the players you work with. You work hard, you know your stuff, and people have commented on how approachable you are.”
I nod, feeling some of the tension leave my shoulders.
“But this isn’t just about our perspective,” she adds. “How do you think it’s going so far?”
“I think it’s been a big change working with such elite athletes,” I admit. “But I’m enjoying the challenge. And everyone’s been wonderful to work with.”
“That’s excellent to hear,” Deborah says. “Is there anything else we can be doing to support you? More structured feedback? Professional development opportunities? Regular check-ins?”
“I think more frequent feedback would be helpful. Just to make sure I’m meeting expectations.”
“Absolutely. We can coordinate that,” she says. “Our goal is to make sure you feel supported and challenged in the right ways. You’ve made a big impact in a short period of time. We’re so glad you’re here.”
Fresh tears sting my eyes, and for one alarming second I think I might launch myself across the conference table and plant a grateful kiss right on her lips. Luckily, I reel it back in at the last second. Self-restraint: one. Elliot’s inner maniac: zero.
I leave the meeting floating three inches above the ground, riding the high all the way down the hall toward the treatment room.
My phone buzzes. Glen. My landlord.
And just like that my high evaporates. This is it. The dreaded “just a heads up about your new monthly rent” call.
“Hello?” I answer cautiously.
“Hey there, Elliot!” Glen chirps, entirely too cheerful for a man holding my financial future in his hands. “Won’t take much of your time. Just wanted to let you know I’ve found a renter for next door.”
“You have?”
“Yes, ma’am. Not sure when they’re moving in, but they’ve already paid the first month’s rent. And I wanted you to know I’ve decided not to increase your rent.”
I nearly drop my phone.
“I’m sorry…what?”
“No increase,” he repeats. “Figured you’ve been a great tenant. Thought I’d keep things as they are.
He keeps talking. Something about the new tenant being quiet and not home much. All that matters is no rent increase.
Victory number two of the day.
The afternoon flies by in a blur of back-to-back sessions. By the time my last player leaves, I check my phone and spot a voicemail from the mechanic. They’ve finally tracked down all the parts Millie needs. They’re booked solid, but they’ll try to squeeze the repairs in over the next few weeks.
