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Zoe felt the bile climb up her throat. “Okay. Thanks, Kyle.”
She quickly sent off a text to Izzie:
VP called meeting with me and Walsh.
Izzie replied:
Pretend you are fine with Walsh’s assessment and that you weren’t questioning him or his role. Play innocent.
Zoe was getting used to the idea that her second job was now acting. At two she walked toward the big corner office that remained empty most of the time. Along the way she stopped in the ladies’ room to splash water on her face. She took off her large black glasses and peered into the mirror. “You can do this,” she told her reflection. Then she jumped when another colleague exited one of the stalls.
“Talking to yourself ?” Blaire teased.
“I’m the only one who listens to me,” Zoe joked.
“I hear ya.” Blaire moved toward the sink. “So, Malcolm is in town. What do you think that’s all about?”
“I don’t know, but I am about to find out.” Zoe replaced her glasses, dried her hands and moved on.
She arrived at the suite of offices where the CEO, CFO, and Senior VP held court. Even though Zoe was a VP, she didn’t have “executive” or “senior” attached to her title. The buxom blonde assistant with a vacuous look greeted her.
“Hey. He’s expecting you.” She tilted her head in the direction of Fielder’s open door.
Fielder was a very good-looking man just over the age of forty. He had a permanent tan and an excellent golf swing and was always impeccably dressed for every occasion. As Zoe approached the doorway, he got up from his chair.
“Zoe. Good to see you. Please have a seat.” He gestured to the large gray leather Luxley club chairs. “Donald should be here shortly.” He sat back down, fingers interlaced across his chest.
“I didn’t realize you were going to be in town. I’m sure your dance card is full, but if you’re available, we should have drinks.” Zoe thought, Am I being too forward?
“I’ll only be here for a few days.” Malcolm smiled at her. “Perhaps next time?”
“That would be lovely.” She heard Walsh’s familiar voice greeting the bubblehead sitting outside.
Malcolm got to his feet again. “Donald. Donald, come in. Please, shut the door.”
Zoe didn’t know if she was going to faint or puke. Relax. Act blasé. She sat tall in her seat and greeted him with a pleasant “Hello, Donald.”
“Zoe.” He gave her the customary nod.
Again, Fielder motioned to the chairs. “Please sit.” He then started the conversation. “Zoe, Donald tells me you’re concerned about our quality control. May I ask why?” He leaned back in his seat with his hands clasped behind his head.
Zoe feigned surprise, then looked straight at Walsh. “No, not at all.” She turned to Fielder. “I was simply asking because it’s a very sensitive subject with me. You may not know this, but I grew up in West Virginia. Point Pleasant. My father’s uncle was killed when the Silver Bridge collapsed. It’s haunted my family ever since. Including me. That was the main reason I became an engineer.” She paused. So far almost everything she’d said was true. It was only the first bit that wasn’t. “After the South Florida incident there were several articles about structural failures. Globally. I simply wanted to ease my mind.” She turned again to Walsh. “Donald, I was in no way accusing you of anything. And if you thought so, I truly apologize.” She was making herself sick with all this smarmy talk.
Malcolm sat upright. “See, Donald? I told you not to worry.” He looked at Zoe. “You’ve been in the sales department for several years, correct?”
“Yes. But recently I was transferred to overseeing job sites.” She tried to hide her anger and frustration.
“That’s a very important function, as you know.” Malcolm was being patronizing and Zoe knew it.
“Yes, of course. But I must admit I miss working with clients.” She had to get that in.
“I am sure you do. And as soon as we reorganize, I am sure you will be moved back to your post.” Now Malcolm was the smarmy one.
“Reorganizing?” Zoe asked with curiosity instead of incredulity. This would be the third time in less than two years.
“Yes, we have to shift a few things around. The supply chain issue has pretty much choked us financially and some people will be asked to take on additional or different responsibilities. We appreciate your being willing to utilize your skills and talents where they are needed.”
Not necessarily wanted, she thought to herself. “I’ve been with the company for a long time, and I want to continue to work here. It’s important for the company to not only survive but to thrive.” She thought she was going to vomit. Then she remembered the Sisterhood’s motto: Whatever it takes.
