by Gina Henning
Javier takes the stack and begins scanning through them. As he reads about each of their accomplishments he nods or shakes his head in agreement or disapproval over what they have listed.
“So when is the wedding?” Elaine asks.
“Oh, um I’m…we’re not sure. We have a lot of things to figure out.” I flat line my lips. I hope she can pick up on this cue and realize it’s the universal sign for not wanting to continue on with the current topic at hand.
“Like what? What does he do?” Elaine asks, as she takes a sip of her water.
“He has a few businesses.” I purse my lips to the side and nod.
“What kind of businesses?” Elaine inspects my face.
“He owns an architecture firm and a retirement home.” I glance at Javier. “What do you think about the candidates?” I would normally wait for him to speak first, but this Q & A with Elaine needs to come to an end. This lunch is not about my personal life and I’m not getting a good vibe from Javier about this topic either.
“This one here…Trent…his resolution stats are not impressive. Why would you want him?” Javier taps on the paper and passes it to Elaine.
“Yes, that number isn’t great, but if you look at his numbers from when he started to now his performance has nearly doubled. He’s on the right track.” I fold the napkin over in my lap. “Plus his sales are excellent.”
“I don’t know, Lauren, what about this gap in his employment?” Elaine points at the dates on his résumé.
“His mother died and he had to take some time off from work to settle her estate.” I roll my lips together.
“Oh,” they say in unison.
“Here, take a look over the rest of these, Elaine.” Javier hands the résumés to her and turns to me. “Let’s see what Elaine thinks. She was in the same spot as you a couple of years ago and now has the best team at Calstone Corp.” Javier takes a gulp from his water. “Even better than me.” Javier laughs. “I don’t know how I’m going keep up without you on my team, Lauren.”
I smile. “You’ve got a strong team, even without me.”
“What about Leena?” Elaine places the papers on the table. “Why isn’t she on the list?”
All eyes are on me. I don’t want to say the real reason. I laugh. “I can’t take her away from Javier.”
“Well, I don’t know about this, Lauren. It’s pretty good, but I’d like to see the rest of the candidates before making my decision. Did you bring the rest of the résumés with you?” Elaine raises her eyebrows at me.
Shiat. No I didn’t bring any of the other résumés. One, I thought Javier would only want to see the résumés of the candidates I had chosen and two, I didn’t think that Elaine would be with us.
“No, I didn’t.” I cross my legs underneath the table. The waiter arrives with our food and I’m thankful for the distraction.
Javier inspects his salad with his fork. “Excuse me, there should be bacon and chicken in this and I don’t see either.”
“There is. It’s those square chunks.” The waiter points to the small bits in Javier’s salad.
Javier semi-grunts.
The waiter presses his lips together. “Enjoy your lunch.” He turns on his heel and heads back towards the kitchen.
My Caesar salad is overflowing with faded lettuce and doused in dressing. Almost like this business meeting, my lunch had potential but is a bit disappointing. I pick up my fork and poke at a few pieces of lettuce.
I take a bite. It’s okay but definitely not worthy of a return visit. I glance at Javier. He is picking at his food like a child who doesn’t want to eat his vegetables. Elaine is chewing the same bite of her salad that I would have already digested by this point. I roll my eyes and immediately focus on my own salad. I don’t want anyone to think I have antagonistic feelings towards her.
“Your salad looks delicious, Javier. How amazing is it?” Elaine takes another bite of her salad and peers at Javier. Her jaw is working overtime. She must be one of those power-chewers who tries to break down their food before it even makes it to their stomach.
Javier shakes his head. “Elaine, you might have good team management skills but I’m going to demote you as far as choosing lunch spots goes.” Javier takes another bite of his less than appealing salad.
”Oh stop, this is one of the best salad places in the city.“ Elaine sips some of her water.
Javier’s eyebrows furrow. “The best salad places? I doubt there is much competition.” He guffaws.
“So, Lauren, since you didn’t bring the rest of the list, why don’t you stop by my office when we get back so I can check them out?” Elaine inspects my face and gives me a condescending glare.
“All right, that’s a good plan, but I want the five chosen today.” Javier waves for the waiter. “Can I get the check?”
The waiter hands him a black folder. Javier eyes the paper and hands it back to him with his corporate card.
“Lauren, you can get it next time.” Javier raises an eyebrow at me. “On your company card.” He hands me an envelope.
I open it to find a platinum corporate Visa card inside with my name on it. I bite my inner cheek to refrain from making a silly “I’m going shopping” statement.
“Thanks, Javier.” I put the envelope in my purse.
Javier signs the slip the waiter has placed in front of him. “Elaine, you’re going to have to swing by a drive-thru on the way back. That salad…” Javier shakes his head. “I just need something more.”
Elaine’s lips form two straight lines before she twists them into a flashy smile. “Sure thing, Javier, let’s hurry. I’ve got my work cut out for me with Lauren’s team to figure out.”
For the second time I have to bite my cheek, except it’s not to make a silly joke, it’s to keep myself from saying something not so pleasant. This is going to be a long day.
Chapter Three
My head is pounding an uneven rhythm, most likely from the multiple causes of it. One, I’m starving. Two, stress, which also includes number three, Elaine. It’s five after seven as I pull into my garage. My shoulders are heavy and there is a gnawing pain in the back of my neck. I hit the remote on my garage door to close it and climb out of my car. My legs are like overcooked spaghetti noodles. I wobble my way to the stairs. I never imagined being a manager would be this difficult. The idea of more power equals more work or decision-making was always something I understood or assumed, but dealing with Elaine today was beyond difficult. Every candidate I chose, she found something wrong with.
We finally agreed on five people, two from her pile, two from mine and one we both were iffy about but I suppose we were ready to call it a day. Prior to my Christmas holiday, Javier had not mentioned Elaine helping me. He had made it clear that it was my choice. So the lunch meeting really threw me for a loop. I’m not sure if Elaine coming along was his idea or one forced on him by her? Maybe he doesn’t think I can choose people on my own? Maybe he is regretting his decision in promoting me? My airway constricts; I let out a breath from my lips.
I inch my way up the stairs to my townhouse. It’s a three-story colonial-style home. I bought it several years ago and fortunately for me the previous owners did some pretty amazing renovations. Reaching the top of the stairs is like winning an award. There is a prize waiting inside for me, a liquid kind and I cannot wait to pop open the bottle of wine and unwind. Ha! I unlock my door and put my purse on the side table. I’m extremely safety-conscious so I immediately lock my door again.
The 2005 Shiraz is glaring at me from my wine rack. I bought this one a while ago. It’s been on my rack for at least a few years. Normally, I would wait to share a bottle like this with someone special, but today is my first day as a manager and this calls for a celebration. Besides, I’m supposed to be video chatting with Jack at any moment. I wish we were talking in person. My stomach is empty and a wrecking ball of nerves is swinging around inside. This long-distance thing is really a drag, especially after the day I’ve had. If only h
e were here when I got home tonight, waiting for me, so we could celebrate this moment together. The idea of talking to a computer screen makes my stomach churn.
I texted Jack from the bathroom at work to let him know I was still working on my team list with Elaine. I roll my eyes. I argued with myself about whether or not to text him in front of her, but then opted for the privacy of my bathroom stall. It was not my most prideful moment.
I pop the cork of the bottle and let the burgundy liquid fill up the glass. Well, not fill up…I like to keep my glass half full… It’s better for aerating and a much tastier sip. I lift the glass and take a long swig. My shoulders drop. Ah, definitely worth the wait. It’s woodsy. I sigh. Anything woodsy reminds me of Jack and his delicious scent. It’s sandalwood and apples and makes me want to take a long walk in the forest with no hope of ever leaving.
Which is what I signed up for when I said yes to his proposal. But now…now I’m lost. I’m spinning around in this forest of so many different paths and I’m not sure if Jack and I will ever meet up to join in our journey of life together. I know it’s only been a day. But…I miss him. After these last twelve hours, it would be so great to fall into his arms and take in his scent—forget about Elaine and her overstepping. I shake my head.
A vibrating sound is coming from my purse. I rush from the kitchen to the living room to retrieve my phone. The contact pops up at the top of the screen. It’s my mom. I roll my eyes. I’m sure she wants to talk wedding stuff.
“Hello?”
“Hi honey, how was your first day as a manager?”
“Good. Really good, but I only just got home.” I hesitate about telling her goodbye immediately.
“Oh dear, honey, it’s after seven. Is this going to be your new schedule?”
“Ah, I hope not.” I laugh.
“Well, anyways, I wanted to see if you’d had a chance to check out the Pinterest boards I made for you. I’d really like for us to settle on a theme so that I can focus on that.”
“Oh, yeah I’m sorry, Mom, I haven’t had a chance to check them out. I was really busy all day at work and like I said I just got home. I haven’t even eaten yet.” I pat my stomach as I head back to the kitchen.
“Oh honey, that’s not good. I’ll let you go then. Have a good night.”
“Thanks, Mom, I’ll check out the Pinterest thing as soon as I get a chance.”
“The sooner the better.” She laughs.
“Goodnight, Mom.”
I hit the end button and put my phone on the counter. Now, what to eat? I desperately want to talk to Jack, but I might pass out from hunger. The salad at lunch was hardly appetizing and definitely not filling. My stomach growls almost as if on cue. It’s wouldn’t be a good idea to chat with him on an empty stomach. Being hungry is not a good quality. Especially since every moment I speak with him I want to be pleasant and fun, not grumpy.
I open my refrigerator. As I suspected it’s empty. I got in late yesterday from my flight back from Texas, so I haven’t had an opportunity to buy groceries. The pantry only offers one solution. Popcorn. Might as well. I get out my pan and place it on my gas stove. I drizzle vegetable oil in the bottom of the pan to cover it in a nice thin layer and then cover the oil with the kernels. I blast the heat on high. I think I’ve got enough to time to change into my comfy clothes. I stride to my bedroom and take off my three-inch red heels. I place them on my shoe rack. With my first paycheck for this position I’m planning on buying celebratory shoes to mark my success. I haven’t figured out which ones yet, but the centrifugal force of Stuart Weitzman always pulls me in as I pass by the store at the mall.
My skirt drops to the floor and I toss it on my bed along with my white blouse. I dash to my maple dresser and pull open my comfy clothes drawer. Nothing like a pair of slimming black yoga pants and purple hoodie to make me all cozy inside. And sheesh, thank goodness I had a salad for lunch today. My skirt was not exactly providing a ton of breathable room. Maybe I did overindulge a bit over the holidays.
I made Jack a red velvet cake as part of his Christmas gift. It was the dessert his mother had always made before his parents died. We had it after Christmas dinner with my family and almost everyone was full from the dinner and begged for small slices. Jack took the rest of it home with him and the next day…we got a little creative with the leftovers, especially the cream cheese frosting. My mouth waters. I remember licking some of it off of Jack. Mmmm…I rush back to the kitchen.
With this new position if I do have these late hours, when would I find time to make it to the gym? And the stress. The stress of the job and planning a wedding? My cortisol levels are going to be shooting through the roof. I’ve got to figure out a plan. I might have to add squats or jogging in place into my routine. I squat down ten times in a row. Who am I kidding? I’m exhausted. Doing squats is the last thing I want to do right now.
The white kernels are popping open the lid. I grab my silver popcorn bowl from the bottom cupboard and pour the luscious fluffy snack into it. I swipe my salt off the counter and sprinkle the popcorn. I glance at the clock on my stove. It’s now almost eight o’clock.
I mosey into the living room and place the popcorn on my mahogany coffee table. Megan gave me How to Win Friends and Influence People as a Christmas gift and oddly enough Aurora, my brother Luke’s wife, also gave me a book, A Guide to Medicinal Herbs. I’m not sure why she gave this to me. I haven’t been sick. I pick up the TV remote. I’ve got a nice flat screen. I’m imagining Jack and I sitting here on my couch watching romantic comedies snuggled under a blanket. Will this vision ever come true? My stomach tightens. He visited me in December, but it was only for a weekend and watching movies was not on our schedule. We did sit here on my couch. And we kissed. I sigh.
I flip through the channels. Unfortunately, The Originals is still on winter break. But, oh my gosh, Downton Abbey comes back next week! I’m so excited, I can’t wait to hear what funny lines the grandmother says this season. Nothing is on and I want to get wrapped up in a show without thinking. I click on my DVR. I’d saved a bunch of Christmas movies even though I knew I wouldn’t be here to watch them.
I click on Love Actually. I own this movie but why get up and operate the DVD player when I can simply click play? I toss some popcorn in my mouth. Yes, I nailed it as usual. I might not be the best cook or baker, but popcorn maker extraordinaire I am indeed. I laugh.
I take a sip of my wine, careful not to spill it. My phone flashes next to me. It’s a text from Jack.
“Still at work?”
I tap on his contact and the phone rings once before he picks up.
“Hey there, are you home?” Jack asks.
A rush of warmth flows over my body. “Yes, sorry, I got home after seven, then my mom called.”
“How was your first day as the new manager?”
“Good…well actually it was okay.” My shoulders slouch and I sip my wine.
“Did something happen? You sound different.”
“No, nothing really happened, it’s just I thought I would be choosing my team, but then Javier invited Elaine to lunch with us and she kind of took over selecting the applicants.”
“Huh. That doesn’t seem right. Why would Javier allow that to happen?” Jack tsks.
I purse my lips to the side. “I…don’t know. It kind of came out of nowhere.” I take another sip of my wine. “Elaine has a really…strong personality… I guess Javier values that?”
“Maybe. But Lauren, you have to stand up for yourself…especially in the beginning. If you let her walk all over you now, then that’s where you will remain…on her doorstep.”
I slump my shoulders. Seriously? Is Jack siding with Elaine? I blink.
“Jack…I’m not letting her walk all over me, but there is a certain protocol to these things. I don’t want to overstep my boundaries, especially not in my first days as being a manager.” I shake my head. I know I’m right. “I don’t want to seem like the squeaky wheel on the team. Javi
er has given me a huge promotion and I want to go with the flow of things and be agreeable, not cause issues.”
“Lauren, that’s where you are a hundred percent wrong.”
My eyes bulge out.
“The beginning is where you line things up and make sure you have all of your needs taken care of. Why are you even considering letting someone else decide your team for you? These are people that you will have to work with. You have to determine if they will be the right match for your team. You’re not interviewing Elaine’s team. This is Lauren’s team. Make sure your best interests take priority.”
I twist my lips. Shiat. I shake my head. Jack is probably freaking right. I’m such a fool to let Elaine step in on figuring out my team.
“I never thought about it that way… Jack…what if you’re right? What if she had an ulterior motive and I fell for it?” I bite my lip.
“Hey, don’t get paranoid and think the worst. Just think smarter. Remember, Javier chose you for the promotion because he saw something in you. You lead the way and forget about Elaine.”
“I wish you were here with me right now.” My eyes get a little blurry.
“Damn, Lauren, there is nothing I want more than to be with you right now.” Jack sighs. “I’ve got to get things situated here and then we can make some big decisions.”
“What do you mean?” I scrunch my eyebrows together.
“Lauren, when I asked you to marry me, it wasn’t so we could be in a committed long-distance relationship. I asked you to marry me because I want to be with you night and day. And this…though it’s only been a day is not cutting it. My flight gets in at six on Friday…and there is not a minute that I’m not counting down until that point.”
I laugh. “I feel the same way…but what are we going to do?”
“Hold on to that thought until Friday at six p.m. and I’ll come up with some solutions. It’s late; you need to get your rest.”
I sigh. “Okay…I miss you.”
“I miss you too, Lauren. I’ll see you in your dreams. Goodnight.”
“Night.”