Sidelined

Her friend held up the phone and tapped in a reservation time. “All done. Don’t you love these new apps?”

Skye growled. “One drink. But I’m warning you. I’m not going to be any fun, no matter how awesome the bar is.” Kari had tried to drag her downtown for months. At least she would make her friend happy even if she was feeling miserable.

“Got it. One drink. Meet me there at eight. I have a new dress I’m going to wear. What about you?” Kari peered over the monstrous desk that took up most of the space in Skye’s office.

“Um, what’s wrong with this?” She glanced down at her black suit. It was her power suit. The one that was supposed to scream ‘I am a competent, intelligent, kick-ass advertising executive’. Today, it had failed miserably.

“Nothing. I love that suit on you. But I thought you might want to go home and change.” Kari picked up her purse and waited by the door.

Skye shrugged her shoulders. “Nah. I might as well pull together all of the files for Greg now so I don’t have to do on Monday morning. I’ll just wipe this account out of my office before I meet you. I don’t want to be reminded Monday that I lost it.”

She scrunched her nose. It still hadn’t sunk in what had happened this afternoon. She was positive she was going to run point on the San Diego tourism ad campaign. It had been her project for six months, and today it had been ripped from her hands.

“I’m just glad you agreed to go. I’ll see you at eight.” Kari waved good-bye to her friend before turning for the elevators.

“I’ll be there.” Skye returned to the task of organizing the files and figuring out how she could hand over all this hard work. Disappointment didn’t even begin to describe the void that had suddenly opened in her chest.

“What can I get you? Are you alone?” The waiter placed a cocktail napkin in front of Skye. Now that she had actually made it to the bar, she started to regret not changing out of her suit. Sure, it was chic but compared to the cute club clothes surrounding her it looked stuffy. Although, that was the problem, wasn’t it? She was stuffy.

“Can I take a look at your wine list?” She smiled nervously. Kari should have beaten her here. It took longer to box up the tourism reports than she thought. She checked her phone again but there was nothing from her co-worker. She decided to give her ten more minutes before calling.

The waiter returned with a leather-bound list. “Here you go.” He scornfully glanced at the empty seat across from her.

She ignored what he was insinuating. She had not been stood up. “Thanks. I’ll take the California Moscato.” She pointed to one in the middle of the page. Fifteen dollars for one glass of wine seemed outrageous, but that was part of San Diego living.

Skye had been in the city three years. After she graduated from college, she interned in Chicago for a year before landing her current job. She knew she was young, but she had spent three full years pouring her energy into this position. It didn’t take long to realize she wouldn’t move up the corporate ladder if she didn’t start knocking away at some of the rungs. Advertising was exciting, but cutthroat. Today was a prime example.

The waiter placed the chilled glass in front of her. “Is your date a no show?” He smirked.

“No—she’s my—” There was no point in explaining the situation. “No.”

He walked away as she reached for her phone. Kari had officially surpassed the safe time to be late. Skye dialed her number.

“Kari? Are you ok?”

“Oh, Skye. I feel terrible.” There was a muffled sound.

“What’s wrong?”

“I think it was the sushi we ordered at lunch. I have a terrible stomach something. I’m so sorry—hold on—” Skye thought she might have heard retching. She cringed.

“Don’t worry about me. Do you want me to bring you something?” She tried to think of what was good in these situations. Saltines and gingerale perhaps.

“No. No. You should stay away. It’s not pretty. I’ll call you in the morning.”

“Ok. But if you need anything—”

“Got it. Bye.” Kari hung up.

Skye looked at the phone in her hand. She had

a full glass of wine and was sitting in the middle of the bar alone. Great. Friday night couldn’t get any better. The void that started this afternoon in the conference room when she was sitting in front of all her peers spread through her chest. She wished she could stomp on it, punch it, or just kick it up Greg’s pompous ass.

“I guess your date didn’t show after all.” The smug waiter was back. What was wrong with this server?

Before Skye could think of a witty retort, a man slid into the seat across from her.

“No, her date is here.” He smiled, flashing white teeth, flanked by edible lips.