The sales team// J.H

12

"Val get in here!" I whisper-yelled, covering the microphone of the telephone with my frail hand as I looked over at her.

She put her hands up in defeat as an amusing frown painted her lips. She closed the door to my small office as she trailed back to the seat behind her computer. I sighed, closing my eyes and removing my hand from the mic.

"Yeah, I'm so sorry about that. We were talking about the color of paper. Yeah, okay."

-INTERVIEW

"Well, after the...um..Ryan breakup....I took a couple off of work and focused on my personal life. During that time, I, uh, realized the money my parents were sending was enough for someone...Just not a teenage girl." I said, folding my hands in my lap as I looked back at Valerie messing around in the anex.

"She's a growing girl. She wants things the money my parents send can't afford. So I decided I was gonna take it into my own hands. I figured my parents can't send too much money with everything going on. Plus, as much as I complain, I love Val. She's a great kid. So I decided to ask for a raise. But David and Michael-well hardly Michael- decided I was hardworking enough to get a promotion." I smiled, looking over at the camera man.

But a frown crossed my face as he asked my next question.

"Well, actually, they originally planned to send me to Stamford because of the possible downsizing. They thought maybe I would make an impact. But, then I found out Jim, had also gotten a promotion in Stamford."

"No! No-uh sorry- No. I have no problem with Jim....But....it's possible he might, might, have a problem with me..."I cringed.

~INTERVIEW

"Oh, hey Toby! Come on in!" I greeted, throwing a stern glance over atValerie.

"Hey, Lana." He spoke, his usual soft tone warming my day. He pulled out a chair as he set a folder on my desk.

I got ahold of the folder and ripped it open with curiosity. My eyes scanned over the file, my eyes widening at the situation written down. I looked over a Valerie, who seem to be staring back with major interest.

"Hey Valerie, do me a favor and go run your essay over Dwight. As much as I hate saying it, he's a smart guy." I chuckled, giving her a warm glance.

She nodded, confusion painted all across her face. She stood up, paper in hand and trailed out of my office.

"So, judging by the look on your face, you know Michael called Oscar 'Faggy'" I nodded, looking out of my window to see Michael standing in Kellys cubicle, staring into the window of my office.

"It was extra offensive however because...Oscars a homosexual himself." I deeply sighed as I looked over the folder once more.

"I-um, assume you've called Jan." Toby nodded as he leaned on the table.

"Yeah, About 2 hours away." I nodded as I got up.

"Have you spoken to Michael?" I asked him, holding the folder close to my chest.

"No, that's actually why I came in. I kinda need you since you're my boss." I nodded as he got up from the chair.

I opened the door for Toby and we sailed across the office, people staring at us while we knocked on he door to Michaels office.

I heard a faint, 'come in,' and swung the door open. Once Toby was inside, I closed the door slightly.

"Michael, I expect you know why Toby and I are here?" I asked, he shook his head while standing up.