BAMBOOZLED

Managed Expecations

"So what you're saying is I-I'm fired? Am I that bad at my job? I-is this because of what's going on with George?" I asked.

"Oh god, I really am bad at this." Sin groaned. "No, Vice, you are not losing your job. It's the opposite! A promotion. We want you to be the manager."

I sighed in relief. "Oh thank god. Oh Sin you scared the shit out of me!"

"I'm so sorry, I told you I've never done this before, I should have led with a promotion."

"It's okay. I'm just glad I don't have to look for a new job. Now can we go back to the part about you wanting me to be a manager?" I asked.

"Vice, you've been doing an incredible job here. You know almost as much as we do about this shop. We want to have a bridge between owner and employee and you are the perfect bridge." Sin smiled.

"And everyone agrees on this?"

"If you're asking about George, yes he did. I know you guys don't exactly get along, but I think he still recognizes how great you are at this job. It's undeniable. So a promotion was the only option. And that comes with a raise too. So you'll definitely pay for your parent's house in time."

"Sin..." I whispered. "Thank you. Really. This means a lot to me. I'm um, I'm not good at a lot of things, but it feels good to know you guys think I'm good at this."

"You're not good at this, Vice. You're amazing." Sin got up and hugged me. "We're so glad you're a part of this."

"Thank you, so am I." I blinked back tears. Something about being here felt like home. Sin and Fred felt almost like siblings. And George felt like something else entirely. He made everything feel like it makes sense.

"Alright." Sin wiped her eyes. "Let's go meet our new employee, Ms. Manager."

"So did she accept?" Fred grinned.

"I did." I smiled back. "You are looking at Vice Richardson: Manager."

"Congrats, Vice." George said. "You deserve this."

"Thanks."

The bell to the front door opened and in walked a girl about my height with straight black hair and light brown eyes. "Hi. Sorry I'm late!"

"You're good." Fred assured her. "Everyone, this is Annie. Our new employee!"

"Hi!" She waved as she approached us. "I'm really excited to start working here."

"We're excited for you." Sin smiled. "I'm Sinthia."

"Great to meet you." She shook her hand.

"And I'm George."

"Telling you two apart is going to be kind of hard."

"You get used to it pretty easily. Fred is easy to get along with and George is not." I laughed. "I'm Vice, the manager."

Wow I could really get used to saying that. I can't believe how proud I am of this title. I never thought I'd actually find personal satisfaction in a job, and yet here I am.

"Nice to meet you. I love your name." Annie grinned.

"Thanks." I already really liked Annie.

"Vice, why don't you give Annie the tour?" Sin suggested.

"You...you want me to give her the tour?" I asked.

"You are the manager." Fred grinned.

"Um, yeah okay. Let's go Annie." I led her to the back where she could drop her bag off and then the tour started.