Workplace Encounters (new) 04 - The Ship Engineer by Serena Yates

Author:Serena Yates [Yates, Serena]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-04-24T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

“YOU CAN’T be serious. I’ve barely been here three weeks, and you want me to take one of the lead roles for Fame?” Harper stared at the production manager, Deirdre, a somewhat older woman who was in charge of putting together the daily shows. She was a hard taskmaster, and Harper had always felt deficient in her eyes, as though he just wasn’t good enough.

He’d been called into her office totally unexpectedly. His group of dancers had just finished their early afternoon practice session for tonight’s variety show, and he’d looked forward to having dinner with Nathan. Tomorrow was his lover’s day off, and they were planning some afternoon kayaking on Tonga so they’d have the morning to sleep in. Or at least stay in bed.

“I’ve seen the way you dance, your singing is excellent as well, and I’ve been impressed with your ability to work in a team.” Deirdre moved her long blonde hair behind her ear in a gesture he’d learned meant she was nervous. “I think you’re well qualified, yes.”

“That’s very flattering. But what about all the people who’ve worked here much longer than I have? Don’t they have a right to go first?” Harper was extremely uncomfortable with the idea of being given preferred treatment. He just knew it would lead to problems. And he had to work and eat with the other dancers, not Deirdre! It wasn’t as if he was dependent on the other employees’ good opinions, but he would rather work in a positive environment than face animosity.

“Seniority has got nothing to do with talent. Just because somebody has been here for longer doesn’t mean they’re better suited to playing a certain role. You should know that.” Deirdre frowned as she leaned forward. “Or are you unwilling to step up to this more difficult job? I know it’ll require more time and effort from you, but don’t forget, it also comes with higher pay.”

“No, I’m not unwilling to take that role at all. I don’t have a problem with putting more time and effort into my job, and I’d be stupid not to accept more money.” Harper rubbed his suddenly hurting temples.

He hated getting a headache from excellent news. The problem was the intense level of competition between dancers with everyone wanting to move to the next available higher paid or better-rated position. There was a definite pecking order amongst those working in a production show, and anyone ignoring it did so at their own peril. He’d made the mistake of ignoring it the first week he was here, because he’d thought being roommates with Bryce meant they could be friends at work as well. Bryce had quickly explained to him that his job as lead singer was about three levels above Harper, who was mainly a dancer and only sang occasionally; in a chorus, never as a single act, to boot.

Bryce’s attitude had shocked Harper, but he’d quickly learned that his former roommate wasn’t the only one who shunned anyone in his group with less experience or seniority than himself.

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