Faker - Sarah Smith Page 0,115

professional,” he amends. “We’re all adults. If he can’t deal with us, he can quit.”

I follow him to Will’s office, where Will greets us with a startled snort before spinning away from his computer screen. I recognize the eBay logo before he minimizes the window. Lynn trots in seconds later and moves a chair next to Will.

She beams her signature megawatt smile. “My dream team!”

Tate shoots me a heart-melting sideways smile that Lynn can’t see because she’s rummaging through the notepad she brought with her. Will doesn’t notice, either, because he’s discreetly kicking his box of Star Wars action figures farther underneath his desk so Lynn can’t see. My insides quiver with the knowledge that from now on, Tate can give me as many sweet looks Monday through Friday as he pleases. I grip the arms of the chair, vibrating with joy.

“So! I’d love to hear an update on how things are going on the social media and marketing fronts regarding the homebuilding project,” Lynn says.

I grab the relationship disclosure form from Tate. “Before we get into that, we want to give you this.”

I slide the paper onto Will’s desk. He and Lynn do identical jaw drops.

“You two are dating?” Lynn says.

We both nod with tight-lipped smiles.

Will makes a “huh” sound.

“Well. I can safely say I did not see this coming.” Lynn smiles warmly and makes eye contact with both of us. “How’s that for romance in the workplace?”

“Thank you,” I say. “Now, as far as the social media and marketing efforts for the homebuilding project are concerned, Tate and I have some excellent ideas and plans for the upcoming months. We’ve already put a lot of work into it.”

“Every time we post a hashtag, it trends locally for the entire workweek,” Tate adds. “And Nuts & Bolts has doubled its number of social media followers since the charity homebuilding project kicked off almost two months ago.”

“And from those press releases I’ve written and sent, I’ve scheduled two upcoming interviews with local news stations,” I say. “Nuts & Bolts’ homebuilding project is being included in a community magazine feature about community service too. The local newspaper is also going to do a write-up about us next month.”

“How wonderful,” Lynn interjects in happy tones. Will nods along.

“It is. And I think Tate and I should be compensated fairly for the additional work we’re doing. We appreciate the extra vacation, but building the home is projected to take about a year. That means at least a year of carrying out this extra work for the marketing and social media project. Both of us feel a raise is justified.”

The words fall from my mouth with natural ease. It’s no effort at all to speak so assertively. This is me. I can be soft, hard, assertive, sensitive, thoughtful, decisive, and more.

Tate chimes his agreement.

Lynn responds with a smile. “Spoken like a true boss. I always knew you had it in you, Emmie. It’s a pleasure to see it come out with this project. I have a feeling you’ll go far at Nuts & Bolts if you keep this up. So encouraging to see a young lady like you carve out a place for herself here.”

Lynn’s reply has me glowing. In this moment, we’re more than just coworkers. We’re women in a mostly male workforce at different points in our career, but with the same goal: to succeed. I see Lynn in a new light now. With her take-charge attitude and cheery spirit, she’s established a meaningful and powerful position as a manager. The fact she recognizes a similar drive within me means everything.

“Why don’t you two email Will and me later today with an official wage proposal? I’ll see what we can do.”

Tate clears his throat. “There will also be a vacation request for you to approve.”

“Oh yes, I remember your vacation request, Tate. That’s already been cleared. You’re good to go,” Lynn says.

“I meant Emmie. We’re going on vacation together. I want to make sure it’s okay for her to take the time off too.”

I whip my head to him. I am?

“Sure, that won’t be a problem. Where are you kids going?” Lynn’s eyes glisten with excitement. Her enthusiasm for our new relationship is sweet, but I’d like to be clued in to whatever Tate is talking about.

The mix of mischief and joy on his face when he turns to face me makes my stomach flip.

“The Big Island of Hawaii. Emmie grew up there, and she’s graciously agreed to show me her old