Page 46 of Game Change

“I think I’m going to get her a broom for her next birthday,” he whispered. “Damn witch.”

My phone dings, pulling me out of my thoughts about Heath and his office enemy.

Francesca: How about dinner tonight? My place. I’ll cook.

Me: I’m a bit of a foodie and an excellent cook. Are you sure? I’m a tough audience.

Francesca: So am I. I bet I can outcook you any time.

Me: Okay. Put your money where your mouth is.

Francesca: I’d rather put my mouth somewhere else.

I reply with a shocked face emoji, and I’m relieved when she doesn’t text back. It’s only mid-morning. Too early for lunch and too late for me to drink more coffee. It’s definitely too early for whiskey.

When a loud knock sounds on my office door, I call for whoever it is to come in, and to my shock, it’s Brynne. She does not look happy as she walks to my desk and stands there with her hands on her hips, not saying a word.

“Yes, Brynne,” I say.

My phone buzzes, and it’s a text from my sister. I ignore it. Brynne eyes my phone, but I flip it over so she can’t see who it is, not that she knows my sister’s name.

“I’d like to talk about the favor,” she says and clears her throat. I don’t respond. I sit there and wait. For someone who needs a favor, she has an air of hostility about her. “I planned to promote Ernestine and give her a managerial position. She would be in charge of the support staff. Milton was fine with it, but I suppose I need to go through you now.”

Someone needs to work on their favor-asking skills, but I keep those thoughts to myself. I don’t bother responding because I don’t hear a question. When I remain quiet, she takes another step closer. Now, I can smell her perfume. It’s not enough that she smells good; she also looks amazing in all black today. Her pants are tighter than she normally wears in the office, hugging her hips perfectly. She has a long-sleeved button-up black shirt tucked into her pants and knee-length black stiletto boots. As sexy as the outfit is, it’s not as sexy as what I know is underneath. I suddenly turn into a teenage boy and get an erection. I grab my desk and pull my chair closer so she doesn’t see.

“Is there a question?” I ask when she doesn’t speak again.

She takes a deep breath and looks at the ceiling as if searching deep for patience. “Will you approve the promotion, please?” The words are said through gritted teeth. “If you check your email, you’ll see the job requisition in writing. We have to post it, of course, but Milton had already given me the green light to go ahead.”

While she speaks, I open the email and scan it. She has a description of the job. This would streamline the support staff and take some responsibility off my shoulders. Other than her animosity toward Heath, Ernestine is well-regarded and respected in the office, but I’m reluctant to reward her with a promotion, given how combative she is.

“I’ll have to think about it,” I say while I scan the rest of the email. “And there’s no way I would ever allow her to have any authority over Heath.” I see her take a small step back in surprise at my words.

“Because?” she asks.

“Because that would be a disaster.”

“Well, Heath is redundant. We don’t need him. There are people here with more experience who can give you the support you need.”

I let out a little snort. “He’s not going anywhere.” I love that kid and hiring him has been the best decision I’ve made.

“And how much time do you need to think about it?” she asks with a bit more attitude than necessary for someone who needs something from me. “I’m not going back on my promise to Ernestine. She earned this new position.” She mouths something inaudible, but I swear she says,unlike some people.

I stand and take two long strides before I reach her. “What was that?” I ask. I’m suddenly aching for a fight. She stands straight and juts out her chin but doesn’t reply. “Unlike some people. Is that what you just said?”

“I don’t believe I said any such thing,” she lies.

“Unlike me and Heath, you mean?” She purses her lips, but I can see from the smug look on her face that’s exactly what she said. My phone buzzes, and I turn my back to reach for it. It’s a text from Francesca.

Francesca: Any allergies or can you eat anything?

From the wink emoji, I know she’s not just talking about food. I smile down and respond.

Me: Anything.

I add my own wink, knowing that the only thing I’m eating tonight is food. I look up and notice Brynne’s face. She looks like she smells something foul.

“Is that your little blondie girlfriend?” she asks.

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