Ah, I’d wondered if HR would let him pick and choose as easily as he’d made it sound last week. Regardless, it’s encouraging that he’s so interested in me moving up. And surely he’ll have significant pull when it’s time to choose the candidate.
“I’ve been thinking about the position extensively since we talked, and I’m honored that you think I’d do well in the role. I’d like to apply.” My resume is polished and ready to go, and I’ve already started to envision myself taking more of a leadership role.
“I’m so happy to hear that.” Jeff smiles, and for the first time since entering his office, I allow myself to relax, even as excitement blooms in my veins. Only a year out of college, and I’m being considered for an assistant manager position at a company I love. What life is this?
“So, back to Spencer,” I say, because he’s the reason he called me in today, and we’ve yet to resolve the matter.
“Yes…” He reclines back in the chair again and taps his thumb on the leather armrest. “The problem I’m having is that if I go to HR with your concerns, it’ll launch an investigation that will most likely delay the hiring process for Will’s position.”
Oh. I hadn’t considered that. Also… “You haven’t talked to HR yet?” He said he’d handle the situation correctly. And knowing that he hasn’t officially addressed it doesn’t sit well.
“No. I wanted to see if I could work things out myself first.”
I’m pretty sure that’s not how BoCo’s harassment policy reads. Someone needed to notify HR—if not me, then him, since he is the supervisor I reported the incidents to—and he assured me he’d take care of it. But now I’m reluctant to do it myself for fear it’ll jeopardize my chance at this promotion.
“Spencer’s assured me that he’ll be considerate of your space and discomfort.”
My stomach turns. Spencer has been coming on to me for years, despite being told repeatedly that I’m not interested. I’m more thanuncomfortable. I’m angry. And becoming even more so the longer this conversation goes on.
“Well, I’ll be sure to let you know if he doesn’t.” I get to my feet, frustration brewing and threatening to boil over.
“I appreciate your consideration,” Jeff says cluelessly as I turn for the door. “And keep an eye out for the email from HR about the position.”
Right. Because, apparently, being sure he isn’t overworked without an assistant is more important than me being sexually harassed.
Maybe he isn’t the kind of person I want to work beside after all.
* * *
DEAN
The thick white envelope with the Davidson Legal Group logo stares up from the kitchen counter where I left it three hours ago after my post office run.
At some point, I should open it.
At some point, I should let Tessa know I finally have the papers.
But not tonight.
Tonight, I’m going to live in denial and pretend I didn’t royally fuck things up with the first woman in a long time—hell, maybe the only woman ever—that I could see something long-term with.
Tessa and I are different in so many ways. She’s ten years younger. She likes the city life and people, and she has no problem making her feelings on any matter known. I don’t. I like it quiet, and the more I can blend into the background, the better. I throw myself into my job, and I don’t give a shit about the rest.
Except her. I care about her, and the thought of ending any part of our relationship, however impetuous some of it has been, feels like getting bucked off a bull in less than a second and taking a hoof to the gut right after.
I like this girl, and there’s no reason we can’t keep seeing each other after the annulment. But it’s counterintuitive, and that’s messing with my head. My heart, too.
I pick up my phone and thumb out a text.How’d the meeting with your manager go?
She replies quickly.Not good. Can you talk?
Day or night, sweetness.I hit the Video Call button and head to the bathroom to wash up.
“What happened?” I ask as soon as her face fills the screen. She’s already ready for bed, with her hair pulled up and her face scrubbed free of makeup.
“Jeff didn’t talk to HR,” she snaps. “He’s trying to handle the situation himself because he’s worried that a harassment investigation within our department might hold up the promotion of a new assistant for him.” She throws herself back on her bed and groans. “Can you even believe that?”
“Isn’t he considering you for the job?”
