Page 6 of Reconciling With the Rival

“Weren't you up for that promotion? How did he get it over you?” Adam asks me.

“It is what it is, I guess. He has been here longer than I have.”

“Yeah, but he sucks. You’re at least a good and reliable human with more than an ounce of work ethic. Fuck, he’s gonna be even more insufferable than before.” Rae sighs before getting up, her long, black hair swinging behind her as she opens my door. “Who wants to get drinks after work?”

Adam shakes his head, and that’s all I’ll get from him. He’s a pretty private person and tends not to give up too much.

“I can't either. I have to take Lizzie to dance tonight.”

“Family time sounds nice,” Adam states. “I originally came in here to tell you Imogen wanted to talk to you.”

“Did she say why?” I ask, wanting to ease my nerves a bit.

“No, but don't worry. It’s Imogen. You’ll be fine.” He taps on my desk before leaving my office, keeping the door slightly ajar. I take a deep breath before collecting myself.Why am I so distracted today?Not wanting to dive into that scenario right now, I head out of my office and to Imogen’s at the front of our floor. I pass by the bullpen, a collection of cubicles for some of the entry-level employees, and beeline for her office.

I knock twice on her door before I hear her tell me to come in. “Hi, Imogen. Adam said you wanted to see me?”

She smiles at me. “Yes. Have a seat, Ella.”

I sit in one of the chairs across from her desk, and I almost forgot how comfy these were. It has been a while since I’ve been in here. Imogen tends to hover around the office. She doesn't sit still very well and prefers to be on her feet when taking calls and such. I’m also surprised her desk isn't in the standing position. All our desks can be changed to standing ones, and I use mine sometimes when I’m tired of sitting all day.

“You know I hate doing this, but I need you to work some overtime this Sunday.”

“I don't mind. Is it to finish up the campaign for the new hotel chain?”

She nods at me. “Yes. I’ve also asked Rae, Brody, and Brad to help. I’m sure the four of you can push us over the finish line.”

I internally cringe at having to deal with Brody and Brad on Sunday, but at least I can see my friends after. That makes it all worth it.Fuck, I still have to get Paige a birthday present.I’ll add it to the never-ending list of shit I have to do this week.

One day at a time.

“That sounds great. What time do you need me here?”

“How about ten? I don't think it’ll take all day, and I can have some catering sent for lunch as a thank you. I’ll be here, showing the new person around, but I’ll be out of your way so you four can focus.”

“You're the best, Imogen. Is that all?” She smiles at me before nodding.

“That’s all, Ella.” I get up, and as I exit her office, I run into someone who seemed to be eavesdropping in the hallway. When I look up, Brody’s stupid fucking face is in front of me.

“Ella! I’m sure you’ve heard the news by now…” He trails off, as if he’s waiting for me to congratulate him.

“Yes! I heard your STD screening came back negative. Such great news!” I pat his shoulder as I try to move, only for him to block my path.

“That’s cute, but I know you’re going to miss having me across from your office. I know you enjoyed the view…”

Absolutely the fuck not.“Aw, Brody, you and I both know I wouldn't touch you with a twenty-foot pole. Iwillmiss catching you using artificial intelligence to draft your proposals and your two hour lunch breaks! Such a shame the front offices will have to deal with that. Best of luck to them!” I say before rushing past him and back to my office. Brody is the kind of guy who thinks he’s the shit when, in reality, he peaked in high school and is now a lazy, selfish human being.

I guess now that he’s technically my superior, I should be nicer to him. I just can't find it in me to care. As I sit back down at my desk, I look at the time—1:13 p.m.

Great. Only two more hours. I’m leaving at three so I have time in case traffic is bad on the hour drive to my dad’s house. Before I leave, I have a meeting with our design team to finalize a new campaign I’ve been working on with Rae.

My life always feels on-the-go, and one of these days, I crave some down time so I can take a much-needed breather. But until then, at least I don’t have to think about all the shit that’s gone wrong in my life. Nothing keeps the bad thoughts away like constantly having something to do, right?

The long drive isworth it to see my sister's face as she dances.

She got all the graceful genes. I might be the organized, type A sister, but she’s more go-with-the-flow than I will ever be. Today, they’re practicing some sort of ballet routine or something. I don't have a clue about any of this. Lizzie was more interested in sports and stuff like this. She’s been dancing at this same studio since she was young.

Well, since I could drive her, because our dad was always too busy working. It was a good bonding experience, and he never missed any of her recitals, despite working so much.

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