Professor Martinez nods. “An auspicious beginning. I’m happy to connect you with local experts through the college who can consult and advise.”
“That would be greatly appreciated,” I tell him.
He gives me a wry smile. “That’s what Foster hauled me in for.”
Jay catches my eye and smiles and nods, and I appreciate it as a friend, but it gives me an extra level of pride that he’s pleased with the way I’m executing his grandfather’s vision.
“I commend your extra work here, but I have some reservations.”
Pfft. Just like that, Catherine blows out my warm glow.
“I expect you’ll be open to input,” she continues. “I see some areas worth deeper discussion before we begin setting budgets and installing display cases.”
“Certainly,” I say. “May I inquire as to the nature of your concerns?”
I see Jay’s forehead furrow again in my peripheral vision, but I don’t break eye contact with Catherine. Maybe she’ll respect a show of strength.
“We can get into specifics at our next meeting. For now, I’d sum it up as questions regarding the overall tone you’re striving for.”
Is this doublespeak? Is she referring to my personal tone? Or is she really confining her critique to my plans? She’s being so vague that I have no idea if I’m offended or not.
Jay clears his throat. “Part of my role is to represent our family’s interest, and I’m pleased and impressed with your progress and plans.”
I know he’s trying to help, but he is the one person I don’t want to speak up for me in front of Catherine Crawford, given her particular issues with me and men, specifically handsome men my age. I give Jay a slight nod but address Catherine. “I welcome your thoughts, Mrs. Crawford. Is it regarding the multiuse spaces or?—”
“Truly,” she says with a firm smile that doesn’t reach her cool gaze, “it can wait. Chairwoman Berg, I’d love for us to set a precedent of efficient meetings, especially for those of us returning to Boston this evening. Icandrive at night, but I don’t like to, and I dislike hearing my children fuss at me for doing it even more.”
I return to my seat and try not to think of it as slinking away from a scolding.
“Agreed,” Michaela says. “This has been a promising first meeting, but we’re at a good stopping point. Director Hopper, the hiring committee will be comprised of myself, Professor Martinez, and Dr. Smithson. We’ll conduct panel interviews and make our recommendations to you. Oncewe’ve had a chance to confer with you as a hiring committee, you will be free to extend job offers.”
“Thank you.”
She does all the proper parliamentary procedure to set the next meeting. Once she officially adjourns this one, it’s like a spell breaks as everyone relaxes into more natural smiles and stands to stretch or chat with their neighbor. They begin drifting toward the exit, apparently each eager to get on with the rest of their evenings.
I am not. I am seething, in fact. It took me a few seconds to realize I was boiling mad as Michaela finished up the meeting, but I am. I’m not sure how many times I’m supposed to let Catherine Crawford swipe at me while I take it with a polite smile, but it’s clear that she’s decided her sole purpose in life right now is to block me at every turn.
She’s settling her handbag on her arm, already turning toward the door, and I hurry to catch her before she leaves.
“Catherine, could I speak to you for a moment?” I keep my voice low, but Jay glances over with a sharp look. What I really want him to do is get everyone away so they can’t hear our conversation, but I don’t know how to signal him without Catherine taking it the wrong way. I ignore him and focus on her.
This talk has to happen. I have to nip her obstructing tendencies in the bud. Except it’s been blooming since she blocked my promotion this spring, so this is a deadheading. It may be the single most important thing I’ve done since starting.
“I do need to get on the road, Phoebe.” She doesn’t even pretend to use my title as a courtesy.
“This won’t take long.” I can’t let her call all the shots.
Jay seems to sense I need privacy, so he turns to Professor Martinez and starts asking him a question while walkingtoward the door. “Professor, I wanted to ask you what you know about …”
The rest of the question is muffled as they turn into the hall.
“What can I do for you?” Catherine asks.
“I’d like to know what kind of footing we’re starting on.” Might as well lay it out plain. “I’m aware you opposed my promotion at the Sutton. I suspect you would have tried to talk Foster out of making me the director here if you knew that’s what he was planning.”
“I accepted this appointmentonlybecause you’re the director. The other trustees aren’t aware of how much supervision you’ll need.”
It’s not just blunt; it’s rude, but I won’t let her see me lose my temper. “This is why I wanted to clear the air. I understand why you were concerned by my response to Hayes at the gala?—”
