Darryl Peterson raises his glass with a nod. “For your recent work at a difficult time, you have my professional gratitude. If there is anything I can do for you,” he tells me, “just ask. All I ask in response is your loyalty.”
He takes a drink, and I take a bigger gulp of my brandy. My hand is shaky, but I see an opportunity opening up in front of me. My brain is whirring, the pieces falling into place, and something deep in my gut says that I should go for it.
This is my chance, and I can’t let it pass. I need to be brave and take a risk, like Elliot would.
“Actually, there is something,” I tell him.
He nods. “Prudent,” he says. “You know when to ask for a raise.”
“It’s not that,” I tell him. “Do you know Angelina Flores, with the forest service?”
“Of course. She’s been head of the regional association for nearly two decades.”
I take a deep breath. “She’s retiring next year. I’d like to spend the next months tending to things at the firm as we resettle after the scandal. I’m committed to a smooth landing and offering my full support to my team. After that, I’d like to ask for your recommendation as I seek her job.”
He blinks, clearly surprised, but composes himself. “That’s foolish. Why on earth would you leave? There’s no better job out there for you.”
“I’ll stay as long as is needed to put things in order and see to the transition,” I assure him. “But I’m not interested in trading systems management for executive challenges.”
I finish my drink.
He considers me long and hard, looking at me like he’s reviewing a complex document.
“You know, I’ve nearly fired you several times now.”
I swallow. “But you haven’t.”
He licks the back of his teeth. “It’s been a hell of a week,” he says and finishes his drink, too. “Fine.” He stands and offers me a firm handshake. “I’ll reach out to Flores, and I trust you’ll follow through fully on your commitment. If you fail, I won’t hesitate to retract my recommendation.”
“I won’t disappoint,” I say, and feel a rush of elation.
We rejoin Elliot and his mother, and after a little more awkward conversation, the evening comes to an end. In the car, Elliot and I both let out a deep sigh of relief.
“What did he talk to you about in the den?” Elliot asks.
Still sitting in the driveway, I turn to him. “I quit.”
“What?” Elliot practically yelps.
“Not exactly. I’m going to stay with the firm to finish things up, maybe another six months, I expect. Then there’s a position as the head of data for the forest service that I’d be perfect for.”
Elliot shakes his head, surprised. “Hank. Whoa. Holy shit.” His face crumples with concern. “Did he say something fucked up to you?”
“No. Well, no more than usual,” I say, and Elliot laughs.
I take his hands. “I’m ready for a fresh challenge,” I tell him. “But I think that challenge lies somewhere else. I’ve built a career that allows me to make choices like this. And frankly, I don’t like working for a man who has disrespected you.”
Elliot nods, but I see concern in his eyes. “As long as you’re not doing this for me. I wouldn’t want you to give up something you’ve worked for just to make my life easier.”
“I’m not. I think I just needed a push to realize that I’m ready to take what I learned from this job and move on to the next chapter. Change and upheaval can be stressful, but they can be productive, too.”
Elliot kisses me. “Thank you for coming tonight,” he says. “I love you.”
I pull him into the kiss. It’s the first time the words have crossed my lips, and they come in a whisper, my voice caught with emotion.
“I love you, too, Elliot.”
