going to do this, but I’m still surprised. She didn’t say when
she was going to do it. I assume she sent the email to Charles
on Sunday, but maybe it was before.
“I wanted to tell you that I know we’ve been hard on
you, but it was to push you to succeed. This job is what you
make of it, especially since most of
the work is out of the
office. Overall, you’ve done a great job. A few bumps in the
road here and there, but that happens. Your recent record
shows that you’ve really had a desire to strive to do your best.
I have five new clients for you and I’m happy to say that we’re
giving you a two dollar an hour raise.”
“Really?” I squeak., and then just blurt out, “After all
that pressure you had on me, I was sure I was about to get
fired.”
Charles nods. He pushes the folders a little further
towards me with that strange stare that gives me chills. This is
his happy look, but somehow that smile doesn’t really match
the intensity of his gaze. He looks at a person that way pretty
much all the time, whether he’s pissed or elated. The rest of
his face changes, but his eyes never do. He’s like the painting
on the wall that follows people around.
“Thank you!” I jump up and gather the files. I didn’t
even bring my regular work tote or my big messenger bag, so I
just clutch them against my chest. “Thanks again.”
“Have a good day, Adley.”
“Thank you.”
I stumble out of the office and head down the hall, past
the reception desk, to the front door. Being in there just
reminds me why we have most of our client meetings out of