Simulated Love (2024)

Chapter 19 Continued...

After the call, I had no trouble finishing my work, The next morning, I posted the review and leaned back in my chair feeling good about myself.

Before I could start on another assignment, Maggie barged into the office.

"Elijah," she said, "about the channel manager position..."

I shot up in my seat. "Oh shit. It's getting announced today, isn't it?"

She closed the door behind her and pulled up a chair to my desk. "Yes, and I'm freaking the fuck out."

"Just take some deep breaths. You got this."

"And what if I don't. I don't wanna quit but if I don't get this position then I need to to deliver a message."

"I really hope they wouldn't be that stupid."

She sighed and slammed her head down on the table. "I have a bad feeling about this, Eli."

"You are up against Henry. You have way more experience. Way more talent."

"But Henry is a guy. A white guy. Him being lead is just easier for the guys to digest."

I wanted to give her more encouraging words, but she was right. She was at a disadvantage here.

There was a knock and then the door opened. It was Evan with his head peeking inside.

"Hey, join us in the meeting room. The channel manager position is about to be announced."

~

The meeting room filled with anticipation. Especially with Dean's ugly ass standing in front of the room.

I sat near the back, my eyes on the front, where Maggie and Henry sat side by side. The channel manager position was a great opportunity, a chance to shape our content strategy, to lead, to make a mark. And Maggie, with her talent, experience, and dedication, deserved it.

Dean cleared his throat. "Thank you all for being here," he said. "As you all know we are here to announce the winner for the new channel manager position. As you see, we have two worthy candidates here with us today, and even though we have decided. I would still like to give them the floor to potentially sway the votes. I want it to be fair for them both, so Maggie, please come up to speak?"

Maggie got up, her heels clicking on the ground as she replaced Dean's spot. Her figure was accentuated by the perfectly tailored charcoal gray pantsuit. The crisp white blouse beneath was neatly tucked in, highlighting her attention to detail. A sleek black blazer draped effortlessly over her shoulders, exuding an air of authority. Her hair was flawlessly styled, cascading in waves down to her shoulders. Every strand seemed to be in perfect place. Her makeup was tastefully done, enhancing her natural features without being overpowering. A hint of confidence lingered in her eyes as she scanned the room, ready to take charge and make an impression.

"Good afternoon, everyone," she started. "I am Maggie Monet and I have been with Game Spotlight for a few years now. I started out in Henry's position and then after a year, got promoted to being the lead. As the only woman that works here, I hope to inspire other women to work in this field and having a woman in charge of a big role could be huge in expanding the diversity of this company. The channel manager position isn't just about numbers and analytics; it's about figuring out how to connect more with our audience and reach out to a broad number of people. Whether it's gender, sexuality, and or race. It's about weaving narratives that resonate with our audience, that keep them coming back for more. And let me tell you, I've got stories. I've got ideas that'll make our company soar. I've got the passion, the drive, and the track record to prove it. So, when you think of the channel manager, think of someone who'll champion our voice, who'll elevate our content, and who'll lead with confidence. Thank you."

Everyone clapped for her. I clapped the loudest.

"Thank you for those words," Dean said. "Henry, you're up," Dean said.

Henry walked up to the front, with stains on his dress shirt from the pits, chewing on his nails with his fingers in his mouth, and a hunched posture.

"Uh, h-hi. I'm Henry. I mean, you all know that. I'm new here, fresh out of college, really. But, um, I've been crunching numbers, analyzing trends, and, uh, I think I can, um, optimize our reach. I mean, data doesn't lie, right? And, uh, I've got some ideas. Simple ones. Like, maybe we could tweak our posting schedule? Or collaborate with influencers? I-I know it's a big role, and I'm not as experienced as Maggie." He took a deep breath before his eyes landed on her. "But I feel like I cannot finish my speech without thanking, Maggie. So Maggie, I would like to thank you for your guidance and for teaching me everything you know. Without you, I wouldn't be standing up here right now. What you said in your speech was all very important and if I get the position I'll make sure to make those things happen. So, yeah. That's it. And thank you Dean for recommending me for the position."

The room exploded with applause from everyone but me and Evan. Evan looked at me from across the room shaking his head. Maggie was obviously not getting that position. It was obvious that it was a fucking setup.

Despite the obvious bias, Maggie's smile was bright, her posture confident. She'd been with Game Spotlight for years, her creativity shaping our brand, but she was gonna lose her dream position to Henry.

She turned to me with a smile and gave me a thumbs-up. Her lips read, "It's okay."

I couldn't bear to hear the announcement. I didn't wanna see her get taken down like that.

When Dean got back to the front, he cleared his throat. "If anyone would like to change their vote, now would be the time to do so."

As I looked around the room, no one seemed interested in the offer.

"Alright." Dean opened the envelope in his hand. "The Channel Manager position goes to," he said as he opened the paper, "Henry Caskey."

Henry's grin widened. "Thank you, sir. I'm so honored."

Dean turned to Maggie. "Maggie," he said, "your dedication is unmatched. But we've decided to go in a different direction."

Maggie's smile wavered. Her eyes met mine, and I saw the disappointment. I clenched my fists. Maggie deserved that opportunity. But Henry, with his privilege, had won. The room erupted in applause, but my hands stayed still. However, through all the applause for her defeat, she stood strong.

As turned to everyone, she held her head high. "I would like to make an announcement of my own."

The room went silent. "First I want to congratulate Henry. It has been my pleasure working with you and teaching you everything I know. You will make an outstanding leader even if you don't fully believe in yourself right now. You were a great companion. I would like to thank Game Spotlight for giving me a chance and taking a chance on me. However, I am choosing to say goodbye to you all because I don't feel like my talents and efforts have not been appreciated here." Maggie gave a smile to me and Evan with tears welling up in her eyes. "Thank you Evan for believing in me and fighting for me even though you are not in my department and thank you, Elijah for being my rock and becoming my best friend. Without you, I couldn't have been able to do this."

"As sad as this news is. I respect it," Dean said.

He was so fucking condescending.

Maggie smirked. "Sure you do."

Without another word, Maggie walked out of the room and Evan and I followed her. I already knew it was gonna be a drink-at-the-bar kind of night and I couldn't wait for Dean to see the game I had prepared to show him that thing wasn't always gonna go his way.