Page 125 of Love Is an Art
He shakes my hand. “Congratulations!”
“Thank you.”
“I have to talk to you privately.” He looks around and then gestures to an empty corner. We walk over to stand behind the posterboards announcing the main speaker.
Ken says, “We listed the position. Tamara gave notice earlier than I expected. I know I told you she would give notice in October. You have to apply now if you want it.”
“Now?” My heart sinks.
“You know these positions don’t come around that often. If you want it—”
“I do.”
“Then this is your shot,” he says. “Let me know when you submit, and I’ll send in my recommendation. I wanted to let you know as soon as possible, and what better place than at this FLAFL dinner?”
“What better place?” I repeat.I can’t apply now.Not before I get the bonus. My stomach roils.
“Someone’s trying to get your attention,” Ken says.
Wyatt waves at me from across the room, holding a huge bouquet of flowers.
“Your boyfriend?” Ken asks.
“My ex. He bought a table and invited all my friends.”
“And he’s your ex?” Ken asks. “Sounds like he wants you back. I’ll leave you, then. Let me know when you apply.”
Ken walks away as Wyatt and my friends make their way through the crowd.
When I apply. Not if.Ken will doubt my commitment if I don’t apply now. This position is perfect for me.
Do I give up the bonus? I bite my lip. I could apply and not tell the firm.Not ask for a recommendation from Jack.It’s not like you usually tell your boss that you’re applying for new jobs before you actually secure the position.
But Jack has been such an important mentor for me. I want to tell him and ask for his recommendation. I’d feel better being open about it. But that would mean giving up the bonus. They’re not going to give me a bonus if I’m leaving.
Why did Tamara have to resign now and not in October—three months after the bonus was awarded?
If I don’t tell Jack, he’ll be using up his political capital to advocate for me to be awarded the bonus, and then he’ll look like a fool when I up and leave the next week.
But people quit jobs.
I bite my lip.
This is business. I have to focus on what’s best for me.
And I’m just applying for the job. I may not even get it. I shouldn’t sacrifice the bonus before I even know if I’ve secured a different job.
I’ll tell Jack if I get the job.
My friends join me, and we exchange hugs. Wyatt hands me the bouquet of flowers.Awkward.
And there’s Zeke, looking so handsome in his crisp, blue suit with his shirt open at the collar. My heart does a little flip. He comes up to me and kisses me.
“Let me introduce you to my friends,” I say. “Wyatt bought his usual table and invited some of my friends.”
Zeke’s eyes widen. I didn’t mention it before because I didn’t want Zeke to feel pressured to do the same when he’s saving money for the venture capital partnership buy-in.
I should have told him.
