BREATHE. DO NOT ACCEPT A JOB THAT REQUIRES BECOMING A GHOST.
One from Dani. A photograph of Geraldine with a sticky note across the console.
AMY’S PROMOTION TREADMILL. RESERVED FOR SUCCESS.
Then:
Also reserved for boundaries. Geraldine believes in labor rights.
I laughed in the hallway. A partner from another department passed and looked surprised. I did not stop. I called Dani. She answered on the second ring.
“How?”
“I asked about the hours and stated boundaries. The vice president did not appear pleased.”
“He looks like a man who alphabetizes feelings.”
“You have never met him.”
“I can feel him.”
“I do not know whether I damaged my candidacy.”
“Do you regret saying it?”
I thought.
“No.”
“Then you did well.”
The confidence in her voice reached me.
“I want the position,” I said. “I also want my life.”
“I know.”
“What if I cannot have both?”
“Then the job is lying about being a promotion.”
Simple. Not easy. I leaned against the hallway wall.
“How are you?”
Dani’s pause was small.
“Better.”
“Be honest.”
“Tired. Not panicked.”
“Do you want company tonight?”
“Yes.”
I tightened my hold on the phone. Relief came before caution, and I let both exist.
