Celeste returned to the helm of the table and took a long draw from her dainty teacup as if to cleanse her palate. “Now that you know how easy it is to find yourself unemployed, let us move on to happier topics. I realize the office has been aflutter with speculation the last few weeks. It’s time I put some of those rumors to rest.” Celeste stood at the head of the oval table, the queen surveying her empire. “You already know that when my sister suggested I start a satellite office in a tiny corner of Arkansas, I thought she had lost her mind.”
The room filled with polite laughter. Morgan sat with her chin propped up on her hands, hanging onto Celeste’s every word.
Our boss cleared her throat and continued. “But little did I know she’d discovered an unexpected gold mine for our firm. As a result, we’ve seen exponential growth at Flair here, and our work rivals that of our New York office.”
Elton kicked me beneath the table and leaned in to whisper. “Look at Gunnar. He probably thinks this promotion is his.”
Gunnar Zapinski, age thirty-two and twice divorced, barely possessed the ability to find his car in the parking lot. He’d been at Flair the longest, but he wasn’t any competition. Our eyes met, and Gunnar gave me an excited but discreet thumbs-up.
“The flagship office has grown tremendously as well,” Celeste continued, “and we’ve decided to bring one of you along to fill a role as senior brand manager.”
This was it. The moment I’d been waiting for.
I can provide my application in three different fonts, my résumé in two languages, and my portfolio in five different mediums.
Sign. Me. Up.
“I’ve spoken to a handful of you and know some have zero interest in leaving the work here in Arkansas,” Celeste said.
I could feel Morgan’s hyperfocus burn into my head, trying to implant her negative thoughts. Of course she wanted the New York job, and of course she thought she’d get it.
The thought of leaving my beloved home in Sugar Creek caused a pain on par with jumping out of a moving car or stepping into a bonfire. My family, my friends, and my sweet downtown apartment were all here. Yet I wanted nothing more than to learn, climb up the PR ladder in my secondhand Louboutin heels, and run my own firm one day. The best way to make that happen was to take on the bigger accounts in New York. The opportunities there were the stuff of my work-obsessed dreams. And knocking Morgan out of the job would be the cherry on top.
“If you’re interested in the New York role, I need an email from you declaring your intentions by end of business today.” Celeste paused as the room absorbed the fast deadline.
“So we just apply for the job?” Morgan asked. “That’s it?”
“That would be too simple, wouldn’t it?” Celeste had mastered the art of the ironic smile, and her lips curved upward. Had I practiced that look in the mirror on more than one occasion? I’d never tell. “I will be assigning everyone who applies a brand-new account.”
That sounded easy enough.
“Plus,” Celeste added, “along with your updated résumé, I’d like a detailed report in which you tell me about the major client thatyouhave secured. One you need to find immediately.”
“Any type of client?” Elton asked.
Celeste shook her head likesilly little man. “I want big name, big company, and big pockets. I want an account that will be a jewel in our now-tarnished crown. Do not bring me some small-town business or a low-key individual. I want a name that makes us look amazing. I wantbig.”
I absolutely hated soliciting business. Abhorred. But at this point, there was nothing I wouldn’t do to land a mega client. Personally pay for their PR? Absolutely. Promise them the moon and stars? Totally—andgift them a telescope to view all the glories when we were done. Give my heart, soul, and twenty-two hours of every day? They could have my every breath. Who needed sleep?
“You’ll have one week to turn in your report,” Celeste added. “Any more questions?” Her voice snapped with a tone that let us know she was done with the topic.
“Next item of business.” Celeste smoothed a hand over the waist of her tailored jacket, as if the meeting had unsettled her stomach. “Today we have the distinct privilege of meeting a new potential client. And ladies and gentlemen, this person is the very definition of heavy hitter—the exact level you should aspire to recruit. This individual and his company are moving to Sugar Creek from California, which will be a boon to the economy of Northwest Arkansas. They’re in search of good PR, desire someone local, and are interviewing agencies this week. I was lucky enough to secure some time with this dynamic entrepreneur so we could hear about exactly what he needs.” Celeste checked her phone and quickly read a text. “Berta’s bringing him upstairs right now.” She looked upon her team with some hesitation, but also hesitant pride. “Today we could add a new category to our client list—video games.”
Yawn.I knew nothing about video games and hoped this meeting wrapped up soon. I wanted nothing more than to exit the room, race to my desk, and begin researching potential clients.
A knock sounded, and Celeste’s face lit. “Team, it is with the utmost enthusiasm and honor that I present to you Arkansas’s newest resident. He’s made millions in a matter of years creatingMars Wars, turning the gaming industry on its head. And his company has just gone public.” The door opened on cue, and Berta stepped inside, followed by one very tall gentleman.
My heart torpedoed to my stomach.
The man’s eyes traveled across the room, then locked on me.
Celeste extended her hand toward our guest. “Flair is elated to introduce the brilliant innovator we can’t wait to partner with—Lachlan Hayes.”
My two coffees threatened to come right back up.
Dear God.
It can’t be.
