On and Off(ice) Love by Annie Hart

Author:Annie Hart [Hart, Annie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-01-20T00:00:00+00:00

THE WAY OF THE WHIRLED – ANNA

“Anna, come by my office at five o’clock. We need to have a talk.”

At the end of a long day, I’m not expecting Mr. Christianson’s call when I’m wrapping up the last of my tasks for the day. My stomach is instantly knotted up and tangled with panic and fear, not knowing why on earth he’d want to talk to me. Normally, I only ever see him during client meetings and brainstorming sessions, nothing more than that.

Now I’m wracking my mind trying to think of a single reason why my boss wants to have a word with me at the end of the workday. Besides telling me when and where to meet him, he didn’t divulge any other information as to why he wants to meet with me. My only guess is that I’m fired, Nathan is taking over my position and will be promoted at the end of the month when Mr. Christianson retires.

Isn’t that how it goes when terminating an employee? The boss waits until the end of the workday, right?

No, the worst he can do is pass me over for the promotion, which is the most likely scenario here. Even if he does turn me over, I’m going into the meeting professional, and I’m going to fight for the promotion this time. In the past, I’ve just accepted defeat and moved on, but this time, it is different. I know I’m more qualified and a better choice than Nathan, and I’m going to prove that to Mr. Christianson.

But let’s say he does fire me. I still have another job interview waiting for me, so maybe getting fired wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. Especially when it would mean taking a job with the kind of promotion I’ve always wanted.

As the clock ticks, I make a mental list in my head of all the accomplishments and high regard I’ve earned over the years, readying it like it’s my own professional arsenal that’ll have my back if the meeting goes south. I think back to the clients who have given me rave reviews and the executives who have had nothing but good things to say about me, including how fast I learn and adapt to each individual client, which is essential in this industry.

Once I make the argument for myself, I practice it over and over in my head until I’m sure I have it down and memorized. The more I say it, the more I’m convinced that upon hearing it for himself, it’ll be foolish for Mr. Christianson to consider firing me or passing me over for yet another promotion.

“Hey,” Molly says, softly knocking on my door. “I’m heading out. Just wanted to see if there’s anything you need help with before tomorrow’s client meeting?”

“Uh, no, I don’t think so.” I smile at her. “Have a great night.”

“You too, girly. Don’t stay too late.”

“No promises,” I admit as she heads toward the elevators.

When the clock on my desk reads 4:45, I start shutting down my computer and packing my things so I can head home right after the meeting.

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