shook his. It was the first time we’d seen each other in person since he’d fired me in the back seat of his car. I tried not to have any hard feelings about it, to just leave it in the past.
“You too, Cleo. How are things around here?”
“Once the holidays were over, they picked up right away.” I sat behind my desk.
He took a seat in the comfy chair facing me. “That’s good. So, what requires my attention that can’t be expressed in an email or phone call?” He was a no-nonsense guy. He just wanted his paycheck and to live his life. He was set in his ways, a little rough around the edges.
But I had clients just like that, so it wasn’t a big deal. “I thought it would be best to talk in person. Unfortunately, we don’t cross paths often, so I appreciate your stopping by to see me. And I’ll make this quick because I’m sure you’re hungry.”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “Alright.”
“Well…” I forced myself to be confident, to act like I deserved this raise instead of having to beg for it. I may not leave the condo for a long time, and not paying rent had saved me a lot of money. But I needed this raise, regardless…because I didn’t know what the future held. I might need that money like a life raft very soon. “I’ve been working here for eight years, and I absolutely love my job. I love all my clients, I love Matt and Anna, and I think that love is why my performance is so superb. I want to work here forever, until I’m too old to take care of the residences, so I’m very committed. But I haven’t been given a raise in over five years, and I’d like to discuss a higher salary.”
His eyes widened. “So, you sleep with two residents then ask for more money?”
I knew he would say that, so I was prepared. “And every resident in this building signed a petition stating they would leave if I weren’t reinstated. That’s pretty incredible, for these wealthy people to take time out of their lives to put their signatures on paper, to even have the time to care about the person serving them. But I’m their confidante, their friend, the person who keeps their life together. I’m essential to them, this building, and you.”
He sighed and looked away, like the evidence was undeniable. “Cleo, you are essential, and I want to keep you. I want to make you happy. But if this turns into a situation where you’re constantly asking me for raises and strong-arming me, then I will hire someone else they’ll eventually fall in love with, and then I’ll get rid of you when no one cares anymore.”
Fuck, I hadn’t expected him to say that. I had to think of a response quickly. “You know that’s not my character. And you know it’s reasonable to give me a raise considering the fact that I’m always on the clock, every minute of the day. When a pipe is busted at three in the morning, I’m the person they call.”
He watched me for a long time, chewing his inner lip. “I’ll give you one raise. But ask me for another, and I will find someone else. Your purpose is to save me time, for me never to think about you at all, so if you continue to annoy me, then your value decreases.”
“Fair enough.” I pushed the paper toward him. “This is what I’m asking for. You’ll have my loyalty and gratitude indefinitely.”
He looked at the number then cocked an eyebrow. “This is ridiculous.”
“For the amount of work I do, it’s not. And being able to afford an apartment nearby would save me essential time. I can’t do that on my current salary. I know how much money comes into this business every single month. You won’t even know it’s missing.”
He sighed loudly. “You’ve got balls, I’ll give you that…”
“Give it to me, and I’ll never ask for anything else. I’ll continue to keep this place as the most desirable building in the city. You’ll never hear from me.”
He looked at the number again, biting his inner cheek, and then he let out a sigh that flared his nostrils. “Alright.”
Wow, I couldn’t believe I actually did it.
“But I don’t want to hear a peep from you.” He rose from his chair.
I had to sit for a second, unable to believe I’d negotiated a salary