“From what I’ve heard, that doesn’t seem like Blue Sky’s typical approach,” I say carefully.
“Yeah. It’s not.”
Which means she learned it from someone else. Doesn’t take a genius to figure out who. And again, it strikes me how much I can relate. Billy trained me up in much the same way. Men like him and Griffin have gotten by on bluster and bullshit for years.
“Anyway,” Eleanor goes on. “That’s why I’ve been going after Dempsey so hard. It’s my last chance to turn things around. Josie is expecting me to call her with an update, and I’ve been putting it off because at this point, I have nothing good to report.”
I sort of wish I’d kept that Elvis stress ball for myself. Icould use it right about now. “You could have told me sooner how much you had riding on this.”
She casts me a sardonic look. I get it. This is why she made me promise not to try to fix it, because the most obvious solution is for me to pull my offer. Not something I would even consider, if I were up against anyone else. It’s Eleanor, though, so yeah, I do want to snap my fingers and fix this.
But I told her I wouldn’t, and I don’t break my promises.
Besides, I’m not entirely convinced it’s therightsolution. It doesn’t add up. If her increased business expenses were part of the problem, then how is spending all this money chasing after Dempsey supposed to save her job?
“You look constipated,” Eleanor comments, drawing a snort-laugh out of me. “Say what you want to say.”
“Well.” I rub the back of my neck. “I don’t know Josie personally, but I’ve always heard good things about her. You like working for her?”
“Yeah. She’s supportive, and collaborative, and listens to my ideas. She’s great to work for,” Eleanor says, sounding almost sad about it. Like she’s already resigned herself to getting let go.
“I’m just wondering what she meant, when she said you needed to be more of a team player.”
“I mean, my numbers are the worst out of any of the managers.”
“Okay, but she was also unhappy with you spending your own money. Seems to me like it was less about the funds, and more about you skirting the rules.”
“Well… sure, that was part of it—”
“Because you know damn well expense limits exist so we can evaluate profit and loss, not for you to bypass when you feel like it. They help us be objective, and they maintain boundaries, so we don’t throw good money after bad leads.”
“I didn’t tell you so you could lecture me too,” Eleanor says hotly.
I hold a hand up, placating. “I get you’re passionate about your work and I sincerely respect it. I’m not trying to lecture you. But I think this is what Josie is really trying to get across. You have this whole lone wolf way of operating, and I understand why, after the shit you went through at Exeter. But you said yourself, Josie is supportive and collaborative. So why haven’t you called to strategize with her?”
“Because, I told you—things obviously haven’t gone according to plan—”
“Did you strategize with herbeforethe trip?”
Eleanor’s mouth shuts with a click. Which means no, she did not. “You should call her,” I say simply. “It can’t hurt. But it will at least show her you’re open to feedback, and that you value her input.”
Eleanor’s gaze flicks down to the duvet. She seems to be considering it, at least.
“Maybe leave out the part about marrying the competition,” I tack on.
She reaches behind her and grabs a pillow, then whacks me with it before pushing to her feet again. “Thank you.”
“For what?” I ask, now hugging the pillow she hit me with.
“You’re a good listener.”
I preen at this. “So you’re going to call her?”
“Yes. But.” She glances at the bedside clock and winces. “I need to get ready for the show first.” Eleanor takes her clothesinto the bathroom, leaving the door open as she heads to the sink to do her makeup. As she rifles through her cosmetic bag she calls out: “You want to put some music on?”
“Sure. What are you in the mood for?”
“You choose.”
