Trusting Jay(26)
23
Getting up for work Monday morning was easier than ever. As I entered our cubicle, Sam’s eyes widened at me. Something was going on, and for a moment I thought it might be the day Calvin finally fired me.
“Calvin’s gone,” she said, her voice giddy.
“Shut up!”
“Seriously! When I got here this morning he was in Richard’s office but about ten minutes ago he came out, his face drained of color, and now he’s clearing out his office. I bet they walk him out of here soon.”
“I’ll believe it when I see it.”
“No, look, here they come now.”
The two of us watched as Richard and Sally, walked into Calvin’s office. They re-emerged soon after, along with Calvin who was carrying a box. The three walked past us, towards the door. Calvin glanced our way, glaring at me.
Sam and I watched them go, almost in disbelief.
“At least we can put our resumes away,” Sam said.
“Well, we’ll see if the next manager is any better.”
Richard, the vice president of reporting and Sally, an HR manager walked back in our direction, without Calvin.
“Abbie, can I see you in my office, please.” Fuck. My heart pounded, was I next?
I followed him into his office and perched on the seat across the desk from him.
“As you may have gathered, Calvin will not be working here.”
“Yeah, we got that impression.” Richard looked at me, as though annoyed at my interruption.
“So we now how an opening for his position, and we’d like you to take on the role.”
“You what?”
“We’d like you to take on the role. It comes with a lot more responsibility but we’re confident you will excel in the role.”
Unbelievable. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Don’t worry, the added responsibility comes with a pay bump. Of twenty three point two percent.”
“Holy cow. Thank you.”
“Plus you’ll be enrolled in the additional management pension plan, as well as be entered into the management bonus program.”
I sat there, unsure what to do or say.
“The cleaners will tidy out Calvin’s stuff tonight, after that you can move your things into your new office. You can use it now if you like, but I wouldn’t put your things in it yet so there’s no confusion for the cleaners.”
“Richard, I don’t know how to thank you enough for this. Calvin was a disaster, you were right to get rid of him, and I promise I’ll do a much better job.”
“Good.”
“I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity.” I kicked myself for gushing.
“Well, it might not just be me you have to thank. But I assure you, you have my support.”
I walked back to my desk, dumbstruck at what had just happened. In the first fifteen minutes of work, all my problems had been solved. Sam wasn’t at her seat. No doubt she was off spreading the word around the office.
About to burst, I texted Jay.
You’ll never guess what happened… Calvin gone, me promoted!!!
After I hit sent, I stared at the phone in my hand. I had texted Jay the news before Jenny. I sent her a message.
Get this, Calvin fired, me promoted, mortgage problems solved!
Sam rounded the corner, a devious laugh on her lips. She halted when she saw me.
“What’s going on, what did he say?”
“Get back to work, underling!”
“He said that to you?”
“No dummy, I’m saying that to you.”
She stood still, her mouth gaping open. My phone beeped, and I looked at it to give her time to digest the news.
Shut the fuck up! Celebratory drinks, tonight
I love Jenny. Any excuse. I texted back.
Obviously, my treat
Before I could turn my phone screen off, Sam’s arms were around me, hugging me tight as she jumped from foot to foot. I hugged her back, and we did a little dance around our cubicle. Thank goodness for high walls. If Richard saw us he’d probably rescind the offer.
We tried to do some work, which had taken on a new urgency for me. The reporting was now on my shoulders. I had so many ideas on how to improve it, and there were so many of Calvin’s ideas to undo, like the ridiculous Weeksend report. Excited with my new position, I was eager to get on with the job.
Word got round the office, and people kept popping by our cubicle to confirm the news and congratulate me. I kept checking my phone, but still had no reply from Jay.
“Aren’t you going to sit in your new office?” Sam asked.
I smiled. “Should we?”
“You should.”
“No, we need to have an important department meeting, in my office Sam, now!”