Page 2 of Feeling the Heat: Part Two
“Are things really that bad?” I ask bluntly. I should’ve kept that thought to myself, but the reception I’m getting is throwing me off-kilter.
Alex chuckles and shakes his head. “Let’s just say it could be a lot better if we had you on our side again. Mr. Diaz is going to continue being his…colorfulself no matter how hard we try to persuade him otherwise. With the frequency of his indiscretions, we’ve decided to move our PR efforts into an in-house position. You’ve already proved you’re up to the challenge, and we’d love to offer that role to you.”
I blink at Alex, and a long moment passes before my brain catches up and realizes he’s offering me a job, on the spot, without an interview or an interrogation about what went down at Pulse. He hasn’t mentioned my designation at all.
Is it possible he didn’t read over my resume?
My stomach clenches, and I really don’t want to bring it up because I need this job, but I’m not about to repeat the fiasco that happened when I didn’t disclose my new designation to my previous employer.
“I’m definitely interested in working with DesigNation again, and appreciate that I’m your top choice for the role?—”
“Oh, thank God.” Alex lets out a relieved exhale, cutting me off before I can continue. “We can match whatever Pulse was paying you, plus we have a fantastic benefits package and healthcare. Just please say you’ll helpus out, Camille. I’m drowning here trying to handle it on my own. The guy they pawned off on us after you left Pulse was incompetent.
I force a laugh. “That’s a very generous offer. However, I do need to inform you that my circumstances have changed.”
Alex’s grin falls. “Dammit, did you already accept another offer? We can offer twenty percent more on top of what they’re offering. Hell, I could probably get it up to thirty.”
Wow, it must really be bad.
“No, but, uh, you know I’m an omega now, right? You saw that on my resume?”
I expect Alex to blanch, but his smile returns, and he nods emphatically. “Yes! It’s not a problem. Honestly, having a PR head who is an omega will be a great PR boost on its own.”
I raise an eyebrow at his assessment, and he grimaces, waving his hand. “That’s not why we want you. It’s your proven skill managing our unique challenges that we want. The optics of you being an omega are just a bonus.”
I search his face for any hint of insincerity or alternate motives. Alex has always been friendly and professional, but he’s also an alpha, so my omega is wary. And even if he turns out to be as harmless as he seems, what about their pervy CEO?
“Does Mr. Diaz know?” A sick sensation roils in my gut. “Is that why you want to hire me?”
“Absolutely not! Mr. Diaz is aware of your designation, but I can assure you he wants to hire you for strictly professional reasons.”
I’m not sure if I believe him, but what other options do I have?
“Alright. That’s good.”
Alex leans forward a bit, and my omega bristles, but I stay still, reminding myself it’s not a threatening posture, it’s a sign of his eagerness. “So you’ll consider the role?”
I take a moment to pretend I’m thinking about it, then nod. “When would you want me to start?”
“Now!” Alex says with a laugh. “Or as soon as you can. No rush. But also maybe a bit of a rush. Mr. Diaz is on vacation right now, so that means we’re on the verge of another shitstorm at any moment.”
He says it flippantly, but it’s clearly an actual concern. For the first time, I notice the dark circles under his eyes and the premature greying at his temples. “How do you deal with it? How does it not get to you?”
He leans back and sighs, scrubbing a hand across his face. “I won’t lie. It’s exhausting. I know I should try to put a rosy spin on it, but you’ve already seen how much of a mess he can create. I stay because I care about DesigNation’s mission. The work we do here is important. It changes lives. Do I wish our CEO wasn’t an omega-harassing creep? Of course. But there’s no company without him.”
It’s reassuring to know that at least Alex cares. “I’m sure the benefits package doesn’t hurt either,” I say with a small smile.
“Hah! Yeah, not at all.”
A mix of trepidation, dread, and relief washes over me. “Alright. I need to think about it, but if you email the offer for me to look over, I’ll get back to you within a few days.”
This is by no means ideal, but it’s a job. One where I’m valued and well-compensated. I may have told Alex I need to think about it, but there’s no doubt in my mind I’m taking this job.
I watchmy email like a hawk as soon as I get home, waiting for the job offer. Alex said it was a done deal, but all the rejectionshave made me paranoid. I stress bake muffins and eat three as I sit in front of the television trying to distract myself with one of my comfort movies. The email finally pops up at 7pm, my stomach jolting at the ping of the new message notification.
I swipe open my email app, frowning when I see there’s no attachment.
My stomach sinks as I read the email.
