Page 17 of Let's Call a Truce
“How’s the search going?” They had kept it off our department’s radar for obvious reasons.
Eduardo jumped in. “Well, that’s just it. We’ve been struggling to see eye to eye. Christina has been campaigning for you to take over the role.”
I gaped at Eduardo, probably looking like a cartoon character, with bugged eyes and jaw on the ground. The past two years had shown what I was capable of, but I was also young and had only been with the company for two years. It would be a huge promotion.A huge paycheck, too, a voice whispered in my head.
My mind spun with all the things I could do with a higher salary. Clara could go to that soccer camp in New England her friends were all attending. Sophie could join that theater troupe, the one that pulls kids in with flashy performances around town, then requires the parents to front the money for all the sets and costumes. I could start saving for a place where we weren’t living on top of each other. Who knows? Maybe I’d even buy something for myself. Some new books or a trip to the spa.
Eduardo continued. “I didn’t think it would be prudent to promote someone with such little experience. It made more sense to consider external candidates. She argued you had risen to every challenge imaginable and had a vision for our company’s future. After your presentation today and the way you fielded the questions from other employees, I have to agree with her.”
Warmth spread through my chest. Chief recruitment officer. I didn’t think it was a position I would ever rise to, especially after staying home. But Christina believed in me.
“Now, the job isn’t yours yet, but I am strongly considering it. Before we spend more time reviewing your candidacy, I wanted to see if you were even interested.”
Of course, I was interested! This was more than I could everdream. But I didn’t have the freedom to jump into something without thinking about how it would impact all other parts of my life and, more importantly, Clara’s and Sophie’s lives. Swallowing my excitedyes,I tried to force my brain to move slower and more logically.
“Wow, I’m so honored to be considered.” I sucked in a breath, pausing to consider if I was screwing myself by bringing it up. But my other responsibilities weren’t going to disappear because I ignored them today, so I pushed through. “My only concern is how this change in role will impact my hours. As you know, I have two little girls at home.”
Christina took over then. “I know how much you’re balancing with the girls, and I already brought that up with Eduardo. He’s a family man, too, and would maintain the same flexible schedule we’ve developed. You are worth making it work.”
My smile could have split my face as I looked between them. I reached over and squeezed Christina’s hand, whose eyes shone. “Then, yes. Please consider me for the position. What do you need from me?”
“We will need an updated résumé. I know there won’t be anything new on it besides KMG, but we need it for our records,” Christina explained.
“There is one more project I want to see from you before I make my decision. The dean of the College of Architecture at Billings College in Boston contacted me. He asked us to develop an exclusive internship program. Christina mentioned you worked for the internship department in college.”
I nodded along. Four years as the student employee to the director of internships in school had shown me the best and worst experiences someone could have. If this was my final audition, Eduardo couldn’t have picked an easier one.
“That sounds wonderful. May I ask why we’re partnering with a school in Boston instead of a school here in Orlando?”
“Two reasons. First, I’m a Billings alum myself. I’ve beenan active donor for years, and they’ve asked me to provide my support in a new way. Second, they were the ones who asked.” He shrugged. “You’ll design it with the vice president of architecture.”
“Fantastic! Roland and I will come up with something you and the dean will love.”
“Oh, you won’t be working with Roland.” The mischievous glint in Christina’s eye made my stomach flip as I realized where this was going. “He’s retiring, too. We plan to announce the staffing change in two weeks.”
“I assume this was an internal hire, since I was not involved.” I ground my teeth together and faced away from Eduardo so he couldn’t see the daggers I was throwing at Christina.
She barely contained her laughter. “You’d be correct. Ben was the obvious choice. It makes more sense for you to start the work with him, even though he isn’t the VP yet.”
Like his name had summoned him, there was a knock at the door, and the devil himself poked his head inside. I went stiff as a board.
“You ready for me, Eduardo?” His eyes flashed to me and then back. A light blush took over his cheeks. Was he embarrassed about our argument? More likely, he was worried about making a negative impression on Eduardo.
“Yes, sir. Come on in. Thank you, Christina.” The traitor, once known as my mentor, smiled at me as she headed out of the room. Ben took her place on the couch next to me, and I shifted away to avoid our legs touching.
Eduardo fixed us with a serious look as the door closed behind Christina. “I’ve noticed some tension between the two of you. I know there was some miscommunication in Juliana’s early days, but I hope you will put it behind you. Ben, this is not to leave the room, but Juliana is being considered as our new chief recruitment officer. If she receives it, you both will sit on my executive board, where no animosity will be tolerated.”
We said “Yes, sir” in tandem, mimicking each other’s chastised tone. I risked a glance at Ben out of the corner of my eye and saw him doing the same. I dropped my eyes back to my lap before anything more could come of the exchange.
“Great. So let’s discuss this internship.”
We spent the next half hour throwing around ideas and expectations, debating how many interns we could hire, what projects they could work on, and what quality of work we would expect. Eduardo released us, sending us off to take the next steps.
“So I guess this means you have to accept my truce now.” Clearly, Ben got over his scolding from Eduardo faster than me. I grabbed his arm, pushing him against the wall and sticking my finger in his face.
“This is a huge opportunity for me.” I kept my voice quiet as white-hot rage flooded my body. I could feel the blood pounding in my ears and fought the urge to scream. “Whatever problem you have with me, get the fuck over it. I’m not missing out on the best job of my life because you get off on pissing me off.”
I finished with one last jab in his chest. The universe zeroed down to his face. His eyes flared, and he grabbed my attacking hand before swinging me around, trading our positions. He stepped closer, trapping our clasped hands between our bodies.
