Behind by Nicole Trope

Author:Nicole Trope [Trope, Nicole]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781838882273
Publisher: Bookouture
Published: 2020-07-01T04:00:00+00:00

18

Ben

He pulls into the garage and turns off the engine, sits in the car. He is unable to dredge up the strength to tell Rachel he’s lost his job. ‘I’ve lost my job,’ he whispers aloud, trying out the phrase on himself. It doesn’t seem real. It doesn’t feel real. He feels his eyes prick, a few hot angry tears escaping, and he wipes his face roughly with his hand. He needs to get it together.

‘I’ve had to make some hard decisions and I’m afraid that you’re just not bringing in the revenue we need right now,’ his boss told him.

‘But things will get better, Colin, I promise you I’m giving it everything I’ve got. I’m working on a new proposal for Gumnut Bakeries and I’ve already had a chat to their head of accounts and she’s really interested.’

‘I can’t rely on “interested” anymore, Ben. I need people who can bring in the business, and to be honest you seem more than a little distracted.’

‘But I’ve just bought a house, you have to give me a little more time, please. I promise you I’ll bring in the business. Things have been difficult at home; my wife’s mother is dying and…’ He stopped speaking when he saw the way Colin looked at him, his face a mask of pity.

‘I just can’t justify keeping you on. You’re a good bloke, you really are, but I’m in some trouble here. I’ll give you a great reference. If you could just transfer everything you’re working on to Marni, I’m happy for you to leave today.’

‘You don’t even want me to finish up the week? I’m sure I can bring in the bakery… I have a good feeling…’

Colin rubbed his hand over his bald head and Ben noticed how tired he looked. There were heavy bags under his bloodshot eyes. He wanted to keep pushing but realised that it wouldn’t help at all. His boss had made up his mind, had probably made up his mind weeks ago. Instead Ben stood up, admitting defeat. ‘There will be a redundancy package – two months’ salary, which should tide you over. I’m sorry, Ben, I really am.’

Ben nodded, understanding, feeling the fight go out of him. If he hadn’t just bought a house, he would be glad to leave. He retreated quickly to his office but had caught glances from other staff. Everyone knew what a visit to Colin’s office meant right now. He felt himself colour. He was ashamed at losing his job, ashamed at having to end the day with everyone knowing the truth. He waited until all his colleagues had left to quietly pack up his desk and leave. No one even came in to say goodbye or commiserate with him. They sent emails instead. He was sure that those who remained with the company didn’t want to be seen with him, not wanting Colin to associate them with someone he’d just fired, to be infected by his failure. Angela had walked past his

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