Page 78 of Just Like That

‘So, tell me…’ she continues, saving me from having to respond ‘…to what do I owe the pleasure of this call today? Not looking for a favour from the competition, I hope.’ She gives a tinkling laugh.

No time like the present. I take a deep breath to bolster some confidence, which oddly, I’m finding it hard to muster right now.

‘No, nothing like that.’ I chuckle, mirroring her tone. ‘I’m actually interested in chatting about that job offer you said would remain on the table.’

‘Really? Well, this day just got a whole lot more interesting. Though if you don’t mind me asking, why are you looking for a move? Capital Events has some meaty contracts – ones you know I’d love to steal away from them—’

‘And I could help you do that,’ I jump in quickly. ‘Once the restrictive covenant in my contract times out.’

I’m trying to divert Bree away from the question she’s asked, so I can make myself a no-brainer choice for her, before I tackle my reason for leaving.

‘This all sounds wonderful,’ says Bree. ‘Though I’m still keen to hear why you’re looking to move on.’

Dammit. There’s no way to gloss over this. She wants the hard facts, and because I’m planning to ask for part-time hours, there’s no point in skipping over that detail at this stage. She’ll find out anyway. Bree is exactly the type to go digging. Anyway, I’m banking on her looking past my situation to the finely tuned talent being offered to her on a plate, so I may as well get all my cards on the table.

‘I need to be honest,’ I say. ‘It’s a little uncomfortable for me to share.’

‘Try me.’

‘OK, well, Craig has essentially demoted me. He’s removed me from the high-profile projects because of a personal situation, and despite me more than proving my capability, he won’t let me take the lead on them again.’

‘I see.’ She pauses briefly. ‘We all have personal situations that come up from time to time, so that seems a bit harsh, given your track record.’

‘That’s what I think.’ I nod vigorously, despite the fact Bree can’t see me.

‘If you don’t mind me asking, what is this “situation” you’ve been dealing with?’

Raising pleading eyes to the sky, I give Bree a quick summary of the events of the last few months: Seth’s stroke, my decision to care for him as well as how I’m optimistic that it will be a temporary situation, and how Craig responded.

‘Jess, I am truly sorry to hear about your brother,’ says Bree, once I’ve shared all of this. ‘It sounds like a nightmare, especially with your parents not being around, and such a terrible fright for you. I expect anyone with an ounce of humanity would have done the same as you if they had the choice to do so. I also expect you couldn’t have lived with yourself if you’d allowed your brother to go into full-time care.’

‘Exactly that.’ I’m so relieved that Bree not only understands, but also supports my decision.

‘So, are you saying that you’d be looking for the same three-day week arrangement with me?’

‘Yes. And I know I could do it. I’ve more than proven myself to be capable and I’m just as effective working those hours. I’d just need to handle a slightly smaller workload.’

There’s a short silence then Bree clears her throat. ‘Jess, you know how highly I rate you…’

This is all a need to hear to know this conversation is not going in the direction I thought it would. My hopes are immediately smashed to pieces and all I want to do is cut the call, but I have no choice but to stay on the line and endure the long-winded excuses that are about to follow.

‘I would be delighted to have your expertise and offer you a role on our team, however I’m afraid I can’t offer you a position as a senior events manager. That role has to be done on a full-time basis, with additional hours as needed on weekends.’

Though I can tell it’s a lost cause, it’s not in my instincts to roll over the moment I’m told ‘no’.

‘I can easily do the additional weekend hours because I can plan those in and arrange cover. And I can make myself available to take important calls on Mondays and—’

‘Jess.’ Bree brings me to a halt by simply saying my name. ‘Look, this isn’t personal, it’s business.’

‘That’s what Craig said.’

‘And he’s right. The fact is: I need my most senior people ready to respond to our clients’ needs pretty much round the clock, and right now, you can’t do that. It’s not a criticism, it’s just how things are. I’m not going to demean you by offering you a more junior role, because I don’t think that would be the right thing for either of us, but what I will say is, once your situation is more stable, if you want to go back to full-time hours, the role you’re looking for will be waiting right here for you if you want it.’

After a few pleasantries, which include Bree assuring me she won’t share our conversation with anyone, we say our goodbyes. This is a relief, as the last thing I need right now – especially when I have zero options or leverage – is Craig finding out I’ve been shopping around for a new job.

Leaning back on the bench, I pick at my lunch while mulling over the conversation I’ve just had. Bree took the same line as Craig, which on the face of it, makes it seem like that’s just how things are and that their responses are reasonable. But the resentful feeling in my gut tells me they’re not; that they’re just using the full-time hours thing as an excuse and what’s really behind it is that they’re not supportive of flexible working arrangements. To them, it’s a sign of reduced commitment. Whatever it is, it’s clear to me that I’m stuck where I am for now, and that’s not a great position to be in. In fact, it’s so bloody infuriating, I want to return to the office and dump the contents of my Tupperware over Craig’s head.

While I’m ruminating over all this, I feel my phone buzz in my bag. Pulling it out, the home screen alerts me to a WhatsApp message from Nick.

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