replies, pulling out his phone and showing me a picture of a golden lab on his lock screen. The little puppy has a red bandana around his neck, and his long tongue is hanging out as he sits in the grass next to a rubber ball.
“Aww, he’s adorable. Did you ever settle on a name?”
He snorts and rolls his eyes as he slides the phone back into his pocket. “Scout. I didn’t name him; my mom did. She puppy sits for me while I’m at work. I left work one day and went to pick him up, only to find she’d named him. He was responding when she called him, so I didn’t have the heart to change it.”
“That’s sweet, and it’s a good name,” I say, managing to keep my voice even, despite my nerves.
The elevator opens just as Gavin starts to reply, cutting him off. We both step inside and he pushes the button for our floor.
I turn to resume our conversation, but he beats me to the punch.
“I don’t mean to be forward, but would you like to go out with me sometime? It seems like we’ve been dancing around it for years and I just figured, why not ask?” He looks hopeful with his wide eyes and raised brows.
“Oh, um . . . ” I don’t know what to say as I bounce from foot to foot. “Sure?” I answer, but it comes out like a question.
His smile breaks free as a long breath leaves his lips. He’s relieved. “Really? I thought for sure you’d say no. Can I pick you up tonight? Are you free?” His words come out in a nervous rush.
A giggle slips between my lips, something that happens when I’m under pressure. “Yeah. Yes, I’m free.”
He claps his hands together. “I’ll pick you up around eight, text me your address?” The elevator door opens but he’s blocking my exit.
I force a smile and nod. “Mm-hmm.”
He backs out of the elevator and holds out his arm so the door doesn’t close as I step out. I turn to face him, unsure of what just happened. Why did I agree to that date? Maybe it’s the chance I need to explain why this isn’t a good idea. Or maybe the date will be bad and we’ll decide we’re not meant to be. Then all of this worry will have been for nothing.
“I’ll pick you up later?” he asks one more time.
I nod my head with a smile in place, watching as he turns and walks away. When he’s no longer in sight, a deep breath leaves my lips. Today has brought me all kinds of surprises. I shake off the worry and nervousness and push myself forward, toward my office. I walk past my assistant and she follows me in just like she always does. As I begin putting my things away, she reads off my messages. Most of them are about returning calls or emails, but then she says it: “Mr. Mason would like to see you in his office as soon as possible.”
I can hear the fear in her voice. She’s afraid for me. No one gets invited into Mr. Mason’s office unless they’re being fired. I was hoping this announcement would be a public one, so I could watch the emotions change on Jeremy’s face. I know. I’m petty.
“Okay, thank you, Mary.”
She nods and rushes out the door, closing it behind her.
Now that the room is empty and I’m alone, I take a few minutes to get myself prepared. I take a deep breath and let it out slowly, feeling a sense of calm settle over me as I do so. I close my eyes and repeat the process. I can feel my heart slow to a steady rate as my breathing evens out. My eyes pop open and I begin straightening my gray slacks and matching blazer. I turn to face the mirror, fluffing my blonde hair that’s curled to perfection. My green eyes are wide with fear, but sparkling with excitement. Lastly, I pull out my tube of MAC lipstick and apply a fresh layer. I want to make sure I look my best when I accept my new position.
As I’m walking out the door, a feeling of doom settles over me. What if I’m not getting a promotion? What if I’m actually getting fired? I shake my head and roll my eyes at myself. No way am I getting fired. I’ve always met and exceeded the goals and