Scratching Her Vinyl

I actually enjoy the drive back to the office, taking my time a little and choosing more “scenic” roads. It's a nice day out, and I find myself rolling down the window to enjoy the sunshine a little.

I’m a tech guy, not much of an outdoors guy. I don't usually act like this. I can't decide if I like it or not. But I think I do. I shrug, and think about something else.

I'm quickly back at the office and walking inside. I pass someone in the lobby, we both nod to each other on greeting. As I look past them, I see the clock on the wall. I notice the time and frown. I was sure I had something to do right around now, but I can't remember what. I go to the elevator and push the button.

While I wait, I pull out my phone. The elevator doors open and I step inside. I push the button for the top floor where my office is. The doors close and I'm in the elevator alone. It's quiet in the elevator, not even the sound of music. Maybe we should invest in that? I chuckle to myself at the thought.

I look at the calendar on my phone to try and figure out what was so important I needed to do today. At that moment an alert flashes on my screen, "Conference call 1PM”.

I stare at my phone, then at the time, then frantically push the elevator button again, as if that will make it go faster. Fuck, fuck, fuck, I can't believe I am about to be late for this meeting, or that I even forgot about it in the first place. This is what happens when I let my guard down and do things outside of my comfort zone.

The elevator reaches the top floor. The doors open and I practically run to my office and burst through the door. I slam it behind me and click on the phone, as it’s ringing. "Good morning, Gentlemen, my apologies, I'm here," I say, joining in on the conference call.

I try to sound calm and collected as I sit behind my desk and pull out the papers I will need.

"Good of you to join us, Dominic. Not like you to be late," One of the directors remarks.

I shuffle my papers and try to hide my annoyance at this whole situation. "Yes, I'm sorry about that. I can assure you it won't happen again." I reply to the board of directors.

They quietly cough and clear their throats. I still can't believe that happened. I'm starting to question whether or not it was worth it to go down there? I'm only digging myself into a deeper mess with Juliette, and on top of that I have thrown myself off schedule today. That's really going to mess with my head.

"Okay, down to business…" one of the directors says.

I force myself stop thinking about her. I need to concentrate now. "Business here has been going really well. We are progressing nicely…" I explain to the board of directors.

I present them with different facts and figures, even giving them the good news about our major increase in profits compared to last year.

"That's all good news Dom, but the first thing we need to discuss is the opening of the new branch in Nevada." One of the directors says, interrupting me.

I look through my papers and find the memo and the email I had printed out with all of this information. "Okay. How is that going?" I ask.

"Well, the building is operational already, we even have a team out there. The only thing we are missing is someone to be in charge of everything, who will oversee the entire operation," the director explains.

"Well, who did you have in mind?" I ask, while trying to think of colleagues I could nominate for the job.

"Actually, we want to send you. Your company is thriving right now. Point blank, you're the best in the business. We have no doubt that you can do the same with this branch. What do you think?" They ask.

I honestly have no idea what to think. It's a great honor to be complimented on your work like that. I've been selected for things like this before, I always accept without hesitation, but today I'm shocked by the opportunity.

I'm speechless for a long time. "Dom? We really need an answer." The director reminds me.

"Um, yes. Sorry," I reply, clearing my throat.

I fidget with some of the papers on my desk for a moment before I finally blurt out, "If it's all right with you, I'd like some time to think about this."

There is silence on the other end of the phone. I've shocked them and myself. "Very well. Just try and get back to us as soon as possible, because we can't afford to waste time on this," the director says finally.