Page 49 of I'm Looking for a Man in Finance
“It’s incredibly difficult to find someone who can treat a woman right in this city.” Anthea trailed off for a moment, lost in her own head before clearly remembering I was still standing in her office wondering why the hell I had been called in here. “Right. Well, I wanted to speak with you about the critic position.”
Anticipation tightened my chest, making my breaths shallow. Was this it? Was this the moment I’d been waiting for ever since I’d applied toSophisticate?
“I think it’s only fair that I let you know we have another candidate for the position that the board wants me to interview.”
Wait, what?
Had I heard her correctly?
Anthea’s words echoed in my mind, a confusing bunch of half-understood phrases. Every hope I had drained away like air from a punctured lung, the weight of the realization crushing me. I’d been stupid to think that it would be this easy. That Anthea would hand over sucha prestigious position to me if I’d only written a few articles.
“It’s not a done deal. I told the board I already had another candidate that I was seriously considering, but I can’t really turn them away when they want something. I wanted to let you know that I really liked what you did with this last piece and how you discussed the food elements in it. It was insightful, thoughtful, and your voice really shone. I think you’ll have a promising career in the industry.”
I might have floated on air after her compliment if she hadn’t just crushed my dreams.
“You’ve got skill, Hallie. And you are very much still a contender for this role. But you’re also doing so well. As editor-in-chief, I have to consider whether giving you a column in the magazine and on digital would be a better position for you. Maybe something on dating. I’m still experimenting with it.”
Each word was a blow, a sharp sting that chipped away at my resolve. I suddenly found myself facing a double-edged sword by following Anthea’s instructions. Ironically, my current achievements put my future at risk. I shouldn’t have felt surprised that I was being passed over in my career. It happened in every aspect of my life, so why not this one? Like when my parents praised my sister when she got engaged and then turned to ask me if I had found anyone yet. Or when we went out and men looked at Roxie before they looked at me because she was exotic, unusual. And I was just … me.
“I’m excited to read your article next Monday night.I’m sure it won’t disappoint. Just keep raising the bar with the glitz and glamour. It’s really kept the readers engaged.”
A wave of numbness washed over me as Anthea dismissed me from her office, and I nodded, the stale air heavy in my lungs.
Janelle popped into my cubicle as I finished packing my bag, wanting to get far away from the office now as quickly as I could.
“So, what do you have planned for the weekend?” Janelle asked, seemingly oblivious to the tension that still clung to me after the conversation with Anthea. “Please tell me Mr. Old Fashioned is treating you to somethingamazing. A quick trip out of the country? Somewhere warm? A shopping spree? I can only imagine what it would feel like to shop with a no-limit black AmEx card.”
I paused, trying to force a smile, but it came out more as a strained half-grin. “Actually, we’re heading to the Hamptons for the weekend,” I said, the words sounding strange coming out of my mouth.
Janelle’s eyes widened in surprise. “The Hamptons? That sounds incredible. Have fun. I can’t wait to read all about it.”
I nodded, trying to ignore the way my stomach turned at the idea of having to share whatever happened this weekend. I didn’t want to think too much about it—just needed to get out of here.
Roxie:
Are you on your way home? James is picking us up in thirty minutes!
Hallie:
