Page 2 of Stick to the Plan
As my last peer files out the door, it closes behind him. Sealing me from freedom.
Double damn. Is this about being late? I quickly replay the meeting in my head - I wasn’t too sassy, was I?
Richard purses his lips and taps his pen idly on the tabletop. “Very impressive work on the Sit Co project.”
A compliment? Is this a dream? “Th…thank you, sir.”
“You are a very thorough project manager. No detail gets overlooked, and your tenacity reminds me of myself at your age.” His eyes glint and his lips curl into a smug smile. I can almost see why others think him handsome. “That, and your ability to complete projects on time and budget, is why I want you to take the lead on the Innovative Solutions project. Do well and you will be in consideration for the Director of Project Management position.”
That promotion is everything I’ve been working towards for the last year. I want it so badly, I can taste it. “Yes, sir. Thank you.”
“One more thing. There was an issue with the extended stay hotel; they lost the reservation for the exec from Ireland. Some conference in town has it completely booked. I’m under strict orders from the board to keep thisMcLeary happy and impressed. I’m not putting him up in some freeway motel.”
A sinking sensation builds in my stomach. My gut is never wrong, and it’s telling me I’m not going to like whatever Stone says next.
“I remember you bought that big house. You have all that room and no husband or kids anyway, McLeary can stay with you. Since you will be working closely with him, this will give you the best chance to collaborate.”
“You want me to do what?” I ask.
This isn’t a dream, it’s a freaking nightmare.
“I want you to host our guest and ensure that he is happy. Frankly, I think he’d be a lot more comfortable at your house than a hotel. Plus, this way we can keep a close eye on him. Chance, this is important for the company.” His expression shutters. This is his ‘I have spoken’ face. Oh shit.
“Sir, doesn’t Mr McLeary arrive today? I’m not prepared to have a houseguest at this short notice.” Is he serious? This has to be some new form of torture he’s conjured up for me.
“Take the rest of the day to prepare. Come back at 5 to pick up McLeary. The company will compensate you for any utility and food costs you incur. The board appreciates you going above and beyond. That is all.” Richard lowers his eyes back to his tablet, summarily dismissing me.
My nostrils flare on three slow breaths. I turn on one icepick heel and head straight for the door, absolutely seething. Spine ramrod straight and vision tinging red, I retrace my steps of only 40 minutes before past my desk and to the elevator. I ignore everyone around me. If anyone stops me, I’ll explode and my ‘cool under fire’ reputation will be ruined.
Isweep into my house like a tornado. My anger just as deadly. So single-minded in my rage, I barely notice my small dog, Riley, jump off the couch and follow me to my bedroom. Finally giving into the fire burning in my veins, I kick off my heels towards the closet with a frustrated scream. Next, I peel off my skirt and blouse and throw them at the bed like they have personally offended me. Not even my favorite lounge clothes can comfort me.
“Asshole!” I scream at no one in particular. There is no way this is legal. Not married - real nice rubbing that in. Unmarried at 28 wasn’t exactly my plan, thank you very much.
My eyes wander to my naked ring finger. After almost a year, it still feels strange not seeing a diamond ring there. With a sigh, I turn to see Riley peeking out from under the bed. He looks worried more clothing will go flying. Seeing his anxious look, more of the violent rage dissipates from me. I reach down to scoop him up for a cuddle.
“I’m sorry, baby boy. Mommy’s not mad at you.”
Riley licks my cheek and nuzzles my chin. He understands in his doggy wisdom that I need cuddles, too.
“That man makes me so angry! He finally gives me some sort of recognition, then drops a house guest on me!”
I walk out of my room and down the hall. Absently scratching Riley’s head, my steps take me deeper into the living room. A white leather sectional dominates the room, anchored by a dense blue area rug. It faces a gas fireplace and TV on one branch and a full wall of glass sliders. The view looks out into my courtyard pool and garden. Over the past eighteen months, I’ve painstakingly remodeled every inch of this place. Every detail in this house is a representation of me.
Well, a messier representation of me, anyway. A large stack of books pile by the couch. I don’t think I have touched the guest room since Momvisited at Christmas. I know I left breakfast dishes in the sink too. Shit, what am I going to make for dinner?
I pull out my phone to look up recipes using what’s in my fridge. While I have my phone out…let’s check in on the girls. My running group message with my besties is the only thing that gets me through most days.
Breehive
OMG you won’t believe what DICK did today
LettyGo
Girl - it’s not even 10 AM yet.
Annabanana
Spill that tea
