called me in this morning instead of just emailing me a long list of things she needs me to take care of, like she usually does every morning.
“As you know, some things are about to change with how the company is run around here.”
I nod again, smiling brightly, as my suspicions seem to be confirmed.
“And, as you know, I’m pregnant. But, at my last checkup, my doctor said I needed to start taking it easy and be on bed rest until the baby is born.”
I nod as I look down at her still-flat stomach. There is no way this woman is five months pregnant. I still can’t believe it.
“But, anyway, I want to take at least six months off when the baby is born. I want to just be a mom, which means I need to leave someone I trust in charge of the company to ensure it will continue to head in the right direction.”
My eyes widen, and my jaw drops a little bit at what she is suggesting. “You think I am capable of doing that?”
Jamie laughs. “Oh, no. I’m sorry. That’s not what I meant at all. That would be a huge jump for you, and you are not ready for that at all. But I don’t trust my realtors to lead the company either. We both know, if I let that happen, they would just use the leverage to start their own company. No one is loyal like you are to this company.”
I smile, but my smile is weak because I have no idea where she is going with this.
“So, anyway, I hired Sean to be me when I’m gone. He’s the best, the absolute best. And I just need you to report to me about how things are going while I’m gone and he is in charge. If things aren’t going well, I’ll end my maternity leave and come back, but if you tell me things are going well, then I will leave him in charge. Can you do that?”
“Of course. Does this new job come with a promotion?”
She laughs again. “I’m so happy you are my assistant, Olive. You always know just what to say to brighten my day. Of course it’s not a promotion, just a favor between two friends.”
I nod, but I can’t keep smiling. I’m not getting promoted. My heart sinks.
I don’t understand. Jamie and I have been friends for years. I’ve been completely loyal to her and the company, but I still haven’t earned a promotion. I don’t understand, but I’m not going to question her. I trust her completely, and anyway, I owe her.
“Is that all you need?” I ask.
“Yep. I’m still planning on going to your boyfriend’s concert tonight. I need one last night out before I’m confined to my bed for these next few months.”
I try to smile, but it’s impossible to be excited about spending time with my friend tonight. I nod and then leave Jamie’s office to try to go about the rest of my day like usual.
I walk back to my cubicle.
“Hey, Olive. Where is the coffee?” Lewis, a realtor in the company, asks as he walks by my desk.
“I’m sorry. I had to go pick up Sean and dry cleaning on my way into the office today. I’ll make it soon.”
Lewis frowns but walks away, grumbling, “It can’t be that hard to make coffee, can it? What are we paying an assistant for anyway if she can’t even make coffee?”
I sigh and try to remember that he doesn’t mean it. He just hasn’t had his morning coffee today, so he’s grumpy.
“Olive, where are the cookies for today’s open house?” Audrey, another realtor, asks.
“I’m sorry. I was never told you were doing an open house today. I thought it was scheduled for this Saturday.”
“It was, but my client moved it late last night. I really need the cookies.”
“I’m sorry. I think there are some frozen ones in the fridge that you can warm up and use. They’ll taste just as good. I promise.” I try to smile to reassure Audrey.
“You really should start making cookies every day. That way, we’ll always have cookies. You know clients want us to move things at the last minute all the time.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll do that in the future. I can go grab you some fresh ones if you want. There is an awesome bakery just around the corner.”
Audrey laughs. “I’m sure they are great, but they aren’t as good as your cookies are. Your cookies sell houses.”
I