Doug’s executive council, the vice presidents of all the departments, welcomed me on board. Yesterday these same folks wouldn’t have opened their mouths to speak to me. Today I’d become a member of their club.
Shirley, Doug’s admin, asked what my favorite snacks were so she could stock the kitchen. I told her I favored fresh-squeezed guava juice and Japanese-pickled vegetables. Since I could have whatever I wanted, I wasn’t asking for a soda.
Doug walked in with Winston at his side. I could think of only one reason for Winston being there. Doug planned to give him my old job. Crap.
I needed to meet with HR now. Once Winston’s promotion went through, my dossier wouldn’t matter. I’d be stuck with him again. Before I could reach Rachel, the HR VP, Doug took his seat at the head of the long oak conference table and called the meeting to order.
Doug smiled at me. “One of our most important duties is the development of our people.”
The executive council nodded their approval. My heart pounded so hard I only heard snatches of whatever else Doug said. “Beginning of a new dynasty… All on the same page…Part of my team…” Doug called my name. Everyone applauded.
On shaky knees, I walked to the head of the table, shook Doug’s hand, then Winston’s, not quite understanding why I’d be shaking Winston’s hand for my promotion. It all became clear when Doug asked everyone to join him in welcoming TGC’s newest vice president: Winston Holmes Jr.
So much for my pickles and guava juice. As I stood there with this frozen grin on my face, Doug thanked me for showing true TGC spirit.
“Kadence is far too modest to share this. Not only did she pinch-hit as VP for six months, she gave up her vacation to ease Winston’s transition. We need that kind of devotion from all our people. If you’d cut her, she’d bleed TGC green.”
More applause: a tribute to my alien blood.
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