Page 4 of Secret Bratva Baby
What happened to good old-fashioned love?
He explained his decision in his monotone, deep voice.
“I’ve decided that Melanie is better suited for the job than you are. We will review your performance again in twelve months, and perhaps at that time we can discuss a promotion for you, but as of now, your position remains the same.”
When he told me that, I wanted to fly across his desk and claw his eyes out. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t hide the anger on my face, and he was uncomfortable, but not uncomfortable enough to care or change his mind.
What I’d wanted to say was,You arrogant piece of shit. Everyone knows you’re sleeping with her, and that’s the only reason she’s getting this promotion over me. I’ve been at this company for three years, and I have worked day and night to earn this. She’s been here two months and she’s already earning more than me despite having zero qualifications or experience.
But I hadn’t said it. Because I need this job.
I’d pressed my lips together. I’d forced myself to stand up calmly and nod. “Thank you for letting me know.”
That’s all I said.
Then I’d gone to the bathroom to cry for thirty minutes, locked in a cubicle, sitting on the closed lid of a toilet.
Right now, I’m leaning against the sink, staring in the mirror, trying to figure out if any amount of makeup reapplied is going to hide my splotchy face and red eyes. When I cry, my already bright blue-green eyes go even paler, making my face look haunted with emotion.
Sighing loudly, I try to push away my internal frustration.
The tap runs cool, clear water, and I lean forward to splash my face. The cold soothes my skin. Taking a few deepbreaths to quiet my angry inner voice, I look into the mirror again.
“One more year, then you’ll get promoted,” I say to the tired reflection of my own face. I’m only twenty-three. I shouldnotlook this tired.
I pull the claw clip from my hair, brushing my fingers through the long blonde curls. I’m stalling having to go back out there. Everyone will have heard by now, and I’m so embarrassed. We were all already celebrating my promotion. We’ve been talking about it for two weeks. My boss made it sound like it was set in stone.
I take my time, hoping my face will stop being so blotchy, as I redo my neatly twisted bun and put the claw clip back in where it was before.
If I could, I would quit right now, just on principle of the matter. But I can’t lose this job. It pays more than my second job, which I do on weekends and sometimes at night after hours, but on its own, it isn’t enough to cover all of my expenses for myself and my little girl, Lily. I want to save for her future. I want to give her everything she deserves. But how can I save when I’m barely making my rent payments each month?
My heart warms at the thought of her. She’s my reason.
She’s the thing that fills me with purpose and happiness and pride, and she’s my reason for being able to keep pushing forward.
You can do this, Rose Ann. You’ve got this. You’re strong and capable.
I dab a tissue over my cheeks and take a final deep breath, ready to get back out into the office and carry on with the day.
Just another Tuesday, no longer anything special about it.
As I push the swinging door of the office bathroom open, Melanie walks past me, smiling.
“Good morning, Rose Ann.” She grins. “Did you hear?”
Her smug expression makes me want to claw her eyes out, too.
I decide the best answer is no answer at all and push past her.
Tania grabs my arm as soon as she sees me and tugs me to the side near the water cooler. She immediately wraps her arms around me, making me want to cry again, and whispers in my ear, “I’m so sorry, sweetie. Every single person in this office knows you deserved that promotion.”
I smile tightly, pushing away from the hug because I can’t get emotional again. “It’s ok. Maybe next year.”
She frowns. “It’s not right.”
“I know. But what can I do?” I shrug.
At lunch, I go for a walk. Usually, I stay at my desk and work all the way through, but today is not a good day, and I need to feel a little bit of warm sunshine on my face.
