Fighting the Inevitable

Chapter 5: The Deal

Copyright 2019 © Rosesareforever    

Fighting the Inevitable

Chapter 5

The Deal

Crossing and uncrossing her legs for the umpteenth time, Rachelle nervously fidgeted with the hem of her skirt while she waited for her boss Eleonore to arrive in the office. That morning she'd gotten a call from Eleonore's secretary that her supervisor wanted to see her. Rachelle had been surprised. It was unusual to be called to Eleonore's office. So far this was only the second time she'd been there – and the first one had been during her job interview.

The uppity woman was customarily late. Sometimes Rachelle wondered if she did it on purpose to show people she was superior, and therefore warranted to being late. Looking around the spacious office, Rachelle emitted a deep sigh. She'd been waiting for over ten minutes. After the secretary had led her to the office and offered her a cup of coffee, which she had politely denied, she'd been left on her own. Another strategy? She honestly didn't know. All she knew was that Eleonore never did anything without intent. The woman was a mastermind – a true manipulator.

"Rachelle," a high-pitched voice suddenly declared. "Welcome, welcome."

Looking over her shoulder, Rachelle mumbled a soft, "Hi," as Eleonore burst into the room, her face a mask of indifference.

After the woman sat down across from her, her long, manicured nails tapping against the wooden desk, Eleonore smiled malevolently. "I'm happy you could make it." Her words sounded feigned. Rachelle's heart started beating rapidly, and she held her breath, afraid of what would follow next. "We have a few things to discuss."

"Yes?" she wondered, confused. What on earth did they have to talk about? Her anxiety elevated to dangerous heights. It was never a good thing if Eleonore needed to discuss something. Over the years, Rachelle had done a remarkable job staying away from the demanding woman. If Eleonore wanted to talk to someone, it usually involved criticism and disapproval.

"You've been working for our agency for three years," Eleonore continued, an eyebrow raised. Rachelle nodded – not sure why the woman was stating obvious facts. "I'm sure you've noticed that business has been slow."

A lump formed down Rachelle's throat. "I have," she agreed, her voice uneven. She didn't like where the conversation was going.

"We've decided to start cutting people loose in order to ensure the company's financial health." In other words, Eleonore had decided that firing staff was the best way to proceed. "Your name was on the list of people being let go. Your contract ends next week, and it won't be extended as it was in the past. I'm very sorry, Rachelle, but we're no longer in need of your services."

Her eyes popping out of their sockets, Rachelle gasped. While she'd expected to hear bad news, she hadn't foreseen her being fired. Working with temporary contracts always meant being at risk of losing your job, but so far Rachelle had been lucky. They'd always extended her contract with a few extra months. "Excuse me?" she mumbled, stunned.

"You're being laid-off. There's no work available," Eleonore repeated, her tone unapologetic and cold. "You won't be receiving a dismissal compensation seeing as your contract will be expiring next week. You do, however, not have to work this week. You can view it as a paid vacation."

Taken aback, Rachelle sat frozen in her chair, unable to utter a single syllable. She was being laid-off? Mind boggled, she tried to process the information, but it didn't penetrate. She needed a job. She had tons of bills to pay and no savings. "I..."

Before she could reply, Eleonore stood up, successfully ending their conversation. "Well, it was nice working with you, Rachelle. I wish you all the best in your next endeavors."