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She needed to get a grip. She took a deep breath, choking on it.
If she got fired, she wouldn’t be able to influence the Threshold development project to protect Chris and the neighborhood.
She blinked, the panic dissipating under that realization. That really sucked.
She thought about the Word doc she’d created, with her ideas on how Threshold could get what they wanted while preserving the community, which would foster good will. She’d highlighted how with the neighborhood behind them, they’d be more successful.
If she was going to lose her job, she might as well grow a pair and give Robert her thoughts. She had nothing to lose, right?
Document in hand, she arrived on Robert’s floor, nervous but determined. His assistant greeted her with one long, sweeping look, taking her in from head to toe. Based on the way her nose turned up, she’d found her wanting. The woman was just imported in from New York—no telling what she was used to seeing.
Not that it mattered because she was probably going to be fired anyway. Rachel swallowed her fear and pointed to the door. “Should I go in?”
“Please.” The woman returned to whatever had her attention on her computer screen.
Rachel went to the door, knocked softly, and opened it when she heard Robert’s voice beckon her in.
Closing the door behind her, she nodded at Robert, who reclined behind his desk, and Hailey, who perched just so on a chair facing him.
“Rachel!” Robert boomed, standing up. He held his hand out. “Just the woman I wanted to see. Sit, sit.”
She shook his hand briefly and then took the chair he indicated. She had the urge to start explaining everything, but she forced herself to focus on the important thing here. “Before you start, can I say a few things regarding the Threshold project?”
“I’m glad you brought that up.” Robert leaned forward, his elbows on his desk. “I know we discussed you getting promoted based on your performance with Threshold, but in light of everything and seeing as you’re such a team player, we’re going to institute the promotion now. Congratulations!”
She opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Then she shook her head, turning the Word doc upside down. “I’m an account manager?”
“Yes.” He flashed his perfect teeth.
There were sharks that were less scary.
What was she thinking? She winced mentally, trying to regroup. “Um. Thank you?”
“Hailey will still work closely with you since she has more experience in a manager’s role. Of course, your salary will be commensurate with your new duties, given your new client list.”
“About that.” She cleared her throat. “I know you think I’m the person to work on the Threshold project, and I appreciate that. So I’d like to—”
“Oh, don’t worry about Threshold right now,” he said, still smiling. “You’re more valuable to us in other sectors. Hailey will handle them.” He stood up. “If you have any questions or concerns, come to me. But in the meantime, welcome to the team.”
“Wasn’t I already part of the team?” she asked, folding the paper so he wouldn’t see it. The last thing she wanted to do was rock the boat with her ideas.
But he talked over her so he didn’t hear her question. “And go ahead and take the rest of the day off. You deserve it.” He came around the desk as she got up, putting his arm around her shoulders as he walked her to the door.
She had to make herself not shake him off. “Thank you, Robert.”
“Anything for our new star,” he boomed. “Right, Hailey?”
“Of course,” Hailey said, not sounding as dour as she normally did.
Okay—that was weird. Rachel glanced at the woman. Invasion of the body snatchers?
She walked back to her desk in a daze. A few more people smiled at her, one winked, and someone else applauded her. She’d never realized that her officemates were so supportive.
At her cubicle, she tossed her ideas away. Maybe she’d try again next week. Still stunned by the surprise news, she gathered her things and left work. She was on the L, almost home, when she remembered she’d promised Alice she’d have lunch with her. Groaning, she got out her phone to text her.
Rachel
Lunch slipped my mind! I’m SO sorry.????
