Page 124 of Not Safe For Work

“Your effort hasn’t gone unnoticed, and I actually called to talk to you about an opportunity.”

“Okay,” I say with a bit of trepidation. What kind of opportunity? I don’t know how my family would feel if I asked to repeat this type of event regularly.

“First of all, Andie wanted me to make it very clear that this was not her idea, and it has nothing to do with your friendship. I thought it would be best coming from her, but she said you’d never believe it wasn’t a favor, so I’m confirming right now, this is not a favor.”

I laugh, having no trouble imagining Andie’s voice when she told him that.

“Okay, not a favor. I understand.”

“Good. Mario and I discussed this on the ride back to the city, and I went over it with Vaughn when I got home. We’d like to create a new position for you on the marketing team, as a Client Event Manager. We’ll be setting aside a budget and don’t expect your family to offer free services in the future. But we’d like you to plan similar events around the country, to help retain and attract more business. I can email you the full job description now, so you can see the details and what’s expected of you.”

He pauses, but I can’t find any words. Is this real? Because it sounds a little too good to be— “Is this because of what happened with?—”

“I’m still not sure about the details of what happened with Mitch. Honestly, I hope that one day soon you’ll feel comfortable enough to tell me. I’m already looking into other behavior that we could terminate him for, especially considering he’s been inPortlandfor the last month.” He mumbles this last part and I wonder if Andie had a chance to share my suspicions yet.

“But this has nothing to do with him,” Daanesh continues. “Mario and I both want you to know that your work is impressive, and we feel like your talents are being wasted right now. The fact that we’ve already determined a salary and event budget for you should tell you this is serious. Come talk to either of us tomorrow and we can discuss the details. I really hope you’ll consider it.”

“Okay,” I say. “I’ll consider it. Thanks Daan–”

“One more thing.”

“Yeah?”

There’s a long pause. For a second I wonder if the call dropped.

“Look, I don’t know if this is inappropriate. I’m dating your best friend and vice versa, so I think some lines have been blurred already. I just wanted to say that Andie adores you. When I told her about the position and how Mario wanted you on the marketing team, she actually cried. And I know she’s been feeling guilty about lying to you. But that’s entirely my fault. I feel like shit about it, truly. I just hope it doesn't affect your relationship.”

“Oh.” It takes me a second to formulate my thoughts. “If anyone understands wanting to keep their personal life private, it’s me. I just hope you can go public with it soon. Andie and I are both eager for a double date.”

“Yeah, me too. Sorry for calling on a Sunday, but please consider the offer. We really want this for you.”

“Thanks.”

After we hang up, my first thought is to call Gavin and get his opinion on the position. Or maybe Andie, though she isn’t exactly impartial. Instead, I throw on my noise-canceling headphones and turn on my favorite playlist.

And I think about what would make me happy.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

OLIVIA

Mitch doesn’t returnto the office until Friday.

He texted me last night with a thumbs up emoji when I emailed him the signed contract for Surf and Stream. When he called me at ten o’clock, I didn’t answer.

Now, he comes barreling in like he’s stepping into a welcome home party, expecting our whole team to cheer for his return.

“What’s up,” Gavin says to greet him, barely looking up from his computer. I can’t help but laugh.

“Livy! I knew you could do it. You just needed the right motivation.” He sits down at the empty desk next to mine. “Tell me what happened.”

The right motivation? Give me a fucking break. I notice the way Gavin’s jaw tightens across from me, trying his best not to defend me. I love him even more for staying quiet.

“We haven’t had a one on one in a few weeks,” I say cheerily to Mitch. “Wanna chat?”

“Sure, let’s go to my office.”

I follow him across the room, looking back once to throw Gavin a wink.

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