Chapter 8 Bossholes and Job Offers #2
“Just now. I’ve been in an interview today, which is why I’m calling. I was so nervous at first, feeling like I answered every question wrong. They said even though I was a few years out of college, they’d still like to hire me and get me up to speed with some on-the-job training.”
“That’s fantastic. Which firm?” I leaned back in my leather chair, hoping for the best for her.
“Merrill I didn’t ask for it.”
“I know.”
“It’s just… if I take you up on your offer, I don’t want you thinking I’m taking advantage of you, like Brianne did. I could never be her.”
I swallowed hard, letting her words sink in, wanting to trust. Still having a difficult time with that four-letter word.
“What I’m offering you I would never offer anyone else, Penny.
Take the deal. You deserve to work someplace where you’ll be respected and nurtured and given room to grow.
Here, I can ensure you get that, setting you up for a bright future. ”
The only cost would be the spark that we had started. Easy to snuff out for all the right reasons. Even if it feels so wrong to do so.
The silence in my office stretched until she answered. “I trust you, Archer, if this is what you want. If this is what you think is best for my career. Best for us.”
The last three words stabbed me in the gut. I clicked into my schedule, and slowly, letter by letter, deleted Matt’s words “DINNER FRIDAY NIGHT WITH MYSTERY DATE.” I stared at the blinking cursor, my social calendar empty once again.