AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Sliding into the chair in front of his desk when he gestures to it, I cross my arms in front of my body, trying to protect myself against whatever bad news he may be giving me. I’m not expecting what he says next.
Mr. Archer nods, like he’s made a decision, then says, “Mr. Reed, I’ve been quite impressed with your work here. Really impressed.” I squeak out a thank you, preparing myself for the inevitableI’m sorry we have to let you gopart of this conversation. “I’d like to send you to our newest sister company. The CEO needs someone to train his employees on how we run things here. I think you’re the best fit.”
While I know how things work around here and I’m probably the best on my team, I don’t think I’m a good fit to teach anyone anything. I barely like talking in front of people I don’t know. Hell, I don’t even know how I got this job. My interview was subpar at best—I was almost too nervous for words, knowing that this was the company that Savage founded. When I set the interview up, Savage was still alive, and I hoped he would put in a good word in my department.
My boss continues speaking like I’m not completely losing my mind over the possibility of training people. “If you accept, next week we can fly you to Nevada and have you there for a minimum of two weeks. We’ll put you up in an apartment and pay you standard per diem for your time. Is that agreeable?”
I almost swallow my tongue. I’m already getting paid a good sum now—money I don’t really see—so per diem on top of that for two weeks would be amazing.
But how do I tell James? I’m grown, but he doesn’t like the idea of me going off without him, Fallon, or Conrad able to keep an eye on me. Even something as mundane as celebrating my graduation, Fallon was in the corner like a weirdo. I may not be able to get away with going.
Then I think, I’m an adult. I don’t need his permission. I can tell him I’m going, pack my things for the trip, and leave. Just like that.
I’m going for it. “Yes, it’s agreeable. Thank you for the opportunity.”
Smiling at me, Mr. Archer slides a packet of papers my way. “This will be what you’ll be teaching. Go through it, familiarize yourself with the protocols if you aren’t already, and feel free to add any additional comments. Return any notes you have, and we’ll update everything for the trainees there.”
Agreeing, I scoop up the paperwork and start to stand when Mr. Archer holds his hand up. “Wait, we have to sign your agreement and get you down to payroll to adjust your pay. We also may need you to stay an extra week, depending on how the training is going. We’ll set you up for two weeks now, then add a week when you return if necessary.”
We get my paperwork finished up here, then I go down to payroll and get my pay adjusted to start in a week.
God, what did I do?
I’m shaking by the time I get home. I had so much bravado sitting at my desk, hyping myself up, and having imaginary conversations with James, all of which had me telling him I could do what the fuck I wanted, and he can’t make me stay. It’s obvious they were imaginary conversations because I rarely curse and I wouldn’t even let a curse word pass my lips in a conversation with James, let alone be directed at him.
Usually when I get home, someone is waiting at the door to order me about, telling me what chores to do or what they want cooked for dinner, or to use as a punching bag. But no one throws the door open. When I push inside, no one is waiting for me. I wonder if anyone is even home.
As it is, the house is almost silent. I hear James talking in his office, so I inch toward it, wanting to rip the band aid off now. He’ll have a week to get used to the idea of me leaving for a little while. He and the boys will just have to get along without me.
When I round to his open office door, I hesitate. What if he says no? What if he calls my boss and says I have to stay here? James is a very important lawyer, and most people know that to deny him would be like asking to fail.
But Velli Corp is a large company. No way could James take them down. Even with help, it would be hard.
That thought gives me the push I need to knock on the door. James’s head snaps up and he narrows his eyes when he sees me. “What?” His voice is frosty, and I shiver at the tone.
“Can I talk to you?” I ask softly.
James dramatically lets out a breath and waves me in. Before I can sit in the chair in front of his desk, he holds his hand up and says, “This won’t take long. Stand.”
I halt where I am and wrap my arms around my middle. In as strong a voice as I can muster, I tell James, “My boss offered me a position as a trainer for the new acquisition starting next week. It’s in Nevada.”
Without looking up at me, James laughs. “You’re not good enough or knowledgeable enough to be a trainer. Why you?”
The blow to my feelings is unexpected. I was sure there was nothing James could have said that could hurt after all these years.
Blinking back tears, I say, “I’m not sure. But I’m … uh … I’m going.”
“No.”
It takes effort—massive effort—to stand my ground and not scurry away to curl into a ball to cry. I have to at least try to fight for myself. “If I umm … do this training … I can … get promoted faster. Team leader is … a … um … pay … pay bump.”
James finally looks at me. “How much of a bump? When would you know if you are being looked at for promotion?”
I pat myself on the back for that lie as well as not letting slip I’m getting paid extra for this job.
Shrugging, I try to keep the triumph from my tone. “My next review maybe?”
James sits back in his chair, those two fingers tapping against his lips. He sits for so long, I think he’ll leave me standing there forever, waiting for his verdict. Finally, he says, “Okay, I’ll allow it.”
