The Trust

Chapter 26: To Those Who Wait

"Darce, can I see you for a moment?"

I step down from the ladder and hand Todd an ornament to place on the tree. Usually, I'm the one who hauls out the old Christmas tree from storage and decorates the place by myself to give everyone a little holiday cheer. This year, I've talked the agents into helping me. I'm also running a decorating contest; everyone has to decorate their desks and the most creative display wins a prize. It's only a five-dollar coffee card from the local shop, but it's all I can afford. It's a small price to pay for a little holiday joy. Lord knows, we can all use a bit of that.

"Coming, Brian." What now? Anytime a boss asks to see you for a moment, it's never anything good.

Brushing tinsel from my skirt, I do a quick knock before entering his office. "Shut the door, would you please?" he says. Oh no, I'm getting fired. My face flushes and my heart pounds. I can't afford to lose this job and the pittance I earn. I'm stretched to the bone as it is with Clive gone. He is resisting signing the divorce papers until I agree to sell the house. I can't lose this job, I just can't.

"Take a seat." I comply, scanning his face for anger or disappointment but see none, just his usual open, friendly expression.

"You've been working a lot lately — getting in early, staying late."

"Yes. Lots to do," I say nervously.

"And you've brought three new agents to us — Kelsey, Morgan and Victor."

"Sure. I grew up with Victor, and Kelsey and Morgan's kids are friends with my daughter. They weren't happy with their real estate companies, so I talked up ours. We have better benefits for realtors and more opportunities for growth and career development." I shrugged. "We seemed like a better fit for all of them."

"Uh huh," he says, shuffling some papers. "You've been here for five years now, holding the place together. None of us could do what we do without you. I think it's time for a promotion, don't you?"

"Excuse me?" It's like he's speaking some other language to me. Promotion?

"Cassidy just left, as you know. She was our Human Resources manager, but not a great one to be honest. Too young, too inexperienced. I'm not sure why George hired her."

I'm pretty sure I know, thinking about the tall, leggy blonde. But I don't dare say it. Instead, I lean forward with interest to hear what he has to say.

"I need a manager who can attract agents, onboard new employees, supervise them, engage them and help them to be successful. Think you can do it?"

Flushed with happiness and pride, I nearly jump out of my chair. "I'm doing it now, Brian. Of course I can!"

"I know you are. I think you'd make a great HR manager. The job comes with a hefty raise and bonus structure — $1,000 for every agent you bring in. You've already earned $3,000. With your signing bonus, that comes to $10,000 up front. We can cut the cheque for you by Christmas. What do you say?"

Ten thousand dollars. I closed my eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. Christmas was saved. The house was saved. I was saved.

"Yes." I jump to my feet and shake his hand.

"Great. Your first order of business will be to hire someone for your old role. Now, you'll have an assistant. How's that feel?"

"Pretty great," I say and mean it.

"How about a drink to celebrate?" He takes a bottle of scotch out of his desk drawer and pours two fingers into a glass for me then one for himself. I clink glasses with him and down it in one quick swallow. The liquid fire burns my throat and stings my eyes and I force myself not to shudder with disgust. I have a seat at the head table now and it feels pretty damned good. Part of the deal is liking scotch.