Getting work done that could add to the company’s bottom line should take priority.
“I mean, we’re all busy, but we’re willing to make the time, aren’t we? Showing we’re all in at Dax Designs isn’t just about the technical work but camaraderie, too.”
Evan was laying it all on a little thick, but Devon could see others nodding. He turned to look at Dax, who was watching them, amusement dancing in his eyes. Dax would never force any of them to participate, but this sort of thing was something their boss loved.
A sheet of paper slid in front of him, and Devon glanced towards the woman who held her pen out to him. “He’s not wrong, you know,” she said, voice lowered, so her words remained between them. “I’d suggest being the first to sign up. It would look good and make Dax and the board see you’re committed to being a team player.”
Devon blinked at Dax’s Executive Assistant, Amanda. She didn’t seem to be joking, but he couldn’t usually tell. Amanda always had a look of concentration on her face from holding Dax’s entire schedule in her head and her devices, so Devon wasn’t surprised. The woman was a miracle worker and could sweet-talk anyone into anything when it came to getting stuff done for their boss. But she couldn’t be serious about this.
“I’m a team player.”
She nodded. “Of course, but trust me, Devon. Your definition of team player and Dax’s are vastly different. Dax prides himself on his work and play balance. I know you’re angling for a Principal position and being more involved in things like this will go a long way. I’ve worked closely with Dax for years; you know I know the man.”
Shit. Had Dax mentioned something to Amanda in passing? Devon had been working his ass off to achieve his career goals. He’d thought he’d been on the right track with his plans. He was determined to earn a coveted spot as a partner of the firm before he turned forty. He had an entire spreadsheet dedicated to keeping track of his goals. He was serious about charting his progression, but could participating in this bake-off really give him a leg up with a promotion?
As a Senior Project Manager, he was so close to the next phase of his plan, and he didn’t want anything to jeopardise that. Something as frivolous as this couldn’t actually ruin that, could it? He also didn’t want to do it because of Evan’s annoying words.
But he couldn’t risk it. Couldn’t allow a single thing to hinder his detailed life goals. He had an exact vision of where he expected to be in the next five years. Making Partner. Getting married. Having two children, which was sufficient on his current trajectory. He was frugal about his finances. According to his calculations, he could afford to raise two children with his spouse’s combined income.
None of that involved baking.
Amanda placed the pen across the blank sign-up sheet as Dax went on about the rules of the competition.
“People are encouraged to team up, but if you’d rather be brave and go it alone, that’s fine, too. Depending on the interest we get, we’ll have team and individual prizes. The most important thing, apart from having fun, is documenting your thoughts leading up to the bake-off. This includes any trial goodies you decide to make,” Dax’s expression turned serious, “which must be made by you or your team members. No store-bought treats, no trying to pass off someone else’s as your own.”
“But how exactly will we know if someone actually made it?” a voice asked from somewhere in the back. It sounded like one of the junior designers, Terry.
Dax grinned. “This is where the video diaries will come in handy. Throw in some discussion on how you decide to match your creation to the theme without giving away too much. Make it interesting! The trial diaries will give you bonus points and will count towards the overall score. An email will be sent outlining the rules, theme, judging categories, and the link to where the vid diaries must be uploaded. Just so we’re clear on everything.” He winked, and Devon suppressed a groan.
This sounded more annoying by the minute.
“You can get someone from outside the company to assist you or guide you, but the creations must be your own. You’ll be the one making them on the bake-off day, anyhow, so I suggest those who aren’t the best bakers to get those lessons going! This is why we’re telling you two months ahead of the event. The bake-off also takes place after my big birthday bash, so we’re making it a weekend of treats.”
“Isn’t putting a bake-off after your epic party just cruel?” Terry joked.
Devon hadn’t attended last year, but from what he’d seen previously, Dax’s birthday events were usually over the top and tended to get a little wild. It was as if the staff was too excited to get into the free liquor to think about the consequences of their behaviour on Monday morning. Devon had seen some things the one time he had attended and would prefer to strike it from his memory forever.
Dax shrugged. “Well, we couldn’t make it too easy for you all. If you can attend the party and function enough the next day to whip up some goodies, then you deserve to win.”
Devon sighed. Dax was speaking in his easy, friendly tone, but the man was serious about these types of events. He would disqualify anyone who tried to cheat. It wouldn’t get them fired or anything like that, but Dax wouldn’t forget it. He always remembered a slight against him, and he would take this personally.
Mention of the party also meant that Devon would need to show up for that too. Dammit. The party was usually open to employees and their partners, though it wasn’t a big deal if someone came with a family member or friend in lieu of having a romantic partner. He hated small talk and mingling with inebriated people, especially co-workers who couldn’t determine a boundary once they were tipsy. Hell, some of them didn’t know the meaning of personal space while they were sober. That shit would get messy as hell.
But he didn’t think he could get away another year without at least popping in for a bit. He would need to be on his A-game for the competition the next day, so late-night partying wasn’t his plan. Perhaps the timing would work in his favour after all. He could slip out early and get some rest while those who decided to party late into the morning would do themselves a disservice. He knew Evan never left the party early—he had heard enough stories on the Monday after—so it was possible he would be off his game for the contest, Devon hoped. Evan’s overachieving ass was sure to go all out on his idea.
He signed his name on the first line and slid the sheet back at Amanda. She patted his shoulder. “Too bad your intern isn’t around.”
Banging his head against the desk sounded really good right now. Kim not being here wasn’t ideal—this entire venture was right up her alley. The Building An Appetite event had been her baby. He’d used his Senior Manager pull to help her get it approved and off the ground. Had crafted an extensive proposal complete with benefits to the company for agreement to be given. Kim was interested in culinary arts and architectural design and had meshed the two to conceptualise the idea for the Building event. The event was a hit and a bright spot on Kim’s résumé and Devon’s file.
Devon hadn’t doubted the success for a second. He excelled at spotting profitable ventures and had been thorough in his presentation.
Garnering lots of media buzz, it had put the company in a positive light of fostering young talent on their island. Guests had gone gaga for Kim’s creations that were delicious geometric concoctions. The showstopper piece had made some people question whether the 3D design was even edible. Kim was that good.
Devon had been damn proud of her and hoped, after her studies, she would return home to work here. She was already guaranteed a job, but there would be so many other firms courting Kim, it was no certainty she’d want to come back to the island to work with them.
But damn if he didn’t wish she was still here. With her help, he would be sure to win the ridiculous bake-off. Now, what was he supposed to do? He had put his name down, which meant he had to somehow come up with a plan for this. No way in hell was he going to look like he couldn’t hack it at some pointless extracurricular venture. He didn’t do failure—even if it was at something he had no idea how to do.
Devon took great pride in his planning and organizational skills. His mother and siblings usually rolled their eyes at his carefully curated lists and spreadsheets. But what was life without some structure? They might be okay just winging shit, not him.