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Chapter 20
Rory got through the rest of her second week of work fortified by care packages from her mother, video chats with Aria, emails from friends, and a visit from Callie, who was on her way to a symposium at Cal Berkeley. None of it was the same as being immersed in Bliss Cove life again, but it all strengthened both her spine and her positive outlook.
Throughout the day, she exchanged multiple texts and quick calls with Grant, who was struggling to find a solid window of time to visit her around his employees’ vacations, sick leave, and two unexpected departures.
She also received a phone message from Joanna Taylor, who said to please let her know when Rory might be free for lunch or dinner.“I know you’re terribly busy, but I want to take you to this extraordinary Japanese restaurant in Los Gatos, and I would love to catch up. Text me as soon as you have a minute!”
Rory texted immediately, and they set up a lunch date for the week after next. She hadn’t yet gotten together with anyone socially, and she was already looking forward to a couple of hours with chatty Joanna.
Though Rory spent most of her time at the office, she knew Grant wouldn’t like the idea of her sitting at her desk for fifteen hours straight, so she made an effort to take breaks and eat lunch. Also remembering her promise that she’d take care of herself, she bought spinach salad or a fruit cup along with whatever main course looked good in the company cafeteria—usually lasagna or pizza.
In the middle of her third week with Digicore, she was seated at a table by the window, eating her salad and leafing through the Jacques and Julia cookbook that Grant had insisted she take with her.
Her phone buzzed with an email from Hunter, providing a link to an article about 3D digital scanning technology.Thought you’d be interested in this—great tool for historic buildings.
Rory skimmed the article, which detailed the creation of 3D models both for design purposes and to enhance the visitor experience. She hit the reply button.Very interesting—would be even more so if they were 4D. I’ll look into it.
“May I?”
Rory looked up at Brenda, the supervisor of her team, and set her phone down. “Sure.”
Brenda pulled out a chair and sat across from her. In her mid-forties with a sleek, geometric haircut and no-nonsense business suits, she’d been with Digicore for several years. Rory had heard a lot of buzz about the other woman, as Brenda was known for her sharp business sense and strategic initiatives.
“How do you like it here so far?” Brenda leaned forward, eyeing Rory from behind her glasses.
“It’s been great. The work is challenging, and I’m looking forward to learning more about what’s coming up in the future.”
“That’s what I want to talk to you about.” Brenda tapped her finger on the table, slanting her gaze toward the other employees seated around the cafeteria. “I’m aware that there have been rumors about the AI project we’re planning to launch. I’ve just been asked to form and manage the new team. Nothing is official yet, but I want you to know I’m pushing for you to be named the Principal Engineer.”
Rory’s heart jumped. “Really?”
“On paper, you’re the most qualified. Some of the others have more recent practical experience, but I’ve been impressed with your tech writing. Between that, all the courses you’ve taken in the last two years, and your contract work, you’re up to date on all new developments. From what I’ve seen these past few weeks, you’re committed, hard-working, and persistent about getting things right and fixing problems. I like that about you.”
“Thank you.”
“Considering the number of hours you’ve already put in here, you also appear to have no life whatsoever.” Brenda’s mouth twisted with a little smirk. “That might be the number one quality we’re looking for in a lead.”
Rory attempted to smile, even as a rock fell into the pit of her stomach. Brenda’s remark didn’t really bother her—truth was truth, after all—but Bliss Cove had proven that she didn’t want to have “no life.” She didn’t just want any old life, either. She wanted to do the work she loved while living a full, happy life like the brief one she’d had with Grant back at home.
“Thanks for considering me for the position,” she told Brenda. “I’m honored.”
Brenda studied her for a moment. A flinty hardness appeared in her eyes.
“I know you can go head-to-head with any male engineer, Rory. I also know you’d probably win. You’re very good, and you’re very smart. On a technical level, at least. Unfortunately, that’s not enough. You need to be smart on an emotional level, and you need to have a dragon-thick skin. Keep that in mind.”
She stood and gave a short nod before walking away. Rory watched her leave, not quite sure what to make of that remark. She’d grown that thick skin over her ten years of working in tech, and she knew how to deal with uncomfortable situations.
Yes, she still experienced pangs of vulnerability and unease, but she was keeping her guard firmly in place while going above and beyond her duties.
Later that night, she flopped down on her bed for her usual eleven-thirty p.m. call with Grant. They’d gotten into the habit of talking just after he finished the closing shift at the Mousehole.
When he didn’t answer her call, she texted.
RORY: You home yet?
GRANT: Almost.
RORY: Call me when you are.
