“She’s still here, and has a travel mug that says ‘A Woman Worth Her Weight in Gold.’”
“Could’ve been a gift from her husband,” he says.
“I doubt that. He would’ve given her something more romantic and grandiose.” Especially based on what Court told me earlier today. “Plus, no husband is going to talk about his wife’s weight.”
Gavin finally leans back in his seat. “I’m going to be blunt. You aren’t an idiot. Actually, you’re surprisingly sharp. So why weren’t you promoted during your time at SFG?”
Oh geez. I can throw so many different answers, but I’m reluctant to tell him the truth and bad-mouth my dad. He screwed up, whether he knows it or not, but somehow I don’t want everyone to know my father is such a medieval relic. “Politics,” I say finally.
His expression grows inscrutable. “You’re too smart not to know how to play that game.”
“Honestly? I didn’t know I had to play it.”
He taps a corner of his mouth a few times, his eyes speculative, like a buyer at a yard sale who’s wavering.
Please. Don’t let this be the reason you won’t hire me!
After what feels like a decade, he says, “We don’t do that here. So don’t apply what you learned at SFG to OWM.”
Ohmigod, YES! “I won’t. I promise.”
“Good. Then you have an offer. HR will be in touch with you regarding your benefits and first day.” Then he names my new salary.
My heart stops, then kicks back, racing faster. “Do you mind if I ask you what position?”
Gavin looks at me funny, like he couldn’t believe I’d ask about that of all things. “Senior analyst. Four years of experience is more than enough. You’ll find our salary and benefits competitive for this level…”
The rest of what he says vanishes behind a loud buzzing noise in my head. Holy shit. Court told me I might get a promotion out of the job switch, but hoping and praying for one and actually getting it are very different. Even though I’m sitting, my knees feel unsteady.
I take a moment to compose myself. Gavin undoubtedly wants me to let him get back to his day’s agenda now that we’re finished. “Thank you.”
“It was my pleasure speaking with you.” He stands and shakes my hand.
I walk out, feeling like I’m stepping on clouds. Oh my God. I did it! I have a new job!
Doing my best to walk with dignity, I make it to the elevator. I shift my weight front and back, then side by side. Bright energy bubbles inside me. I feel like I could float away like a feather—a very happy feather.
When the elevator doors open to the lobby, I step out, then pirouette, unable to help myself. I swear there’s golden light filling me. Can’t people tell?
After turning in my visitor tag to security, I pull out my phone, start texting Court, then stop. He deserves a more personal touch. I’m calling him. I hit the green button.
“Hey,” he says.
“Hey, you!” My voice is extra bubbly.
“Guess you got the job?”
“Yes! Am I that obvious?”
“The smile gave it away.”
Smile? I pull the phone from my ear, wondering if somehow the camera—
Then I notice him on the other side of the lobby, and my heart does a cartwheel and triple flips. He’s putting away his phone and waving at me with a bouquet of bright yellow daisies. I dash toward him.
“I can’t believe you!” There’s so much excitement and pleasure coursing through me that I’m nearly breathless. “What are you doing here? I thought you went home after breakfast.”
“Well, you know. I figured I’d come by with flowers to congratulate you.”