Chapter 11 #2
Where else would she be? Instead of going to Evelyn’s office to meet with her, Evelyn had insisted on meeting Kenya at hers so that she wouldn’t exacerbate her injury any further. The pity had grated, but Evelyn had good reason for it.
Dedra sent a look of support as she exited and closed the office door behind her.
“So, how are things going?” Evelyn asked.
Kenya shifted in her seat, gulping against her suddenly tight throat. “I’m doing okay and will be doing much better over time. I just started therapy, which should allow me to recover quicker.” Kenya ignored the echo of Solomon’s voice saying that it could last twelve weeks.
Evelyn nodded, unconvinced, her blue eyes cool. “So, last week’s presentation . . .”
Okay, Kenya, remain professional. Don’t let her see your weakness.
Oh, who was she kidding? She’d shown a lot more than weakness that day.
“Evelyn, once again, I apologize for what happened. I probably should have taken that day off to rest and get settled, but this presentation and this client, you know, have been my priority since last year. I still believe that Huntsville is the best place for them to host their convention, and if I can reach out to them again, I know I can convince them to give me—I mean, this agency—another chance.” Kenya tried unsuccessfully to keep the desperation out of her voice. She smiled so wide, her cheeks ached.
Evelyn perched on the edge of Kenya’s desk. “Yes, that client is very important, but so is the reputation of my company.”
“I know, I know. The mix-up on scheduling was my fault, but I didn’t plan on injuring my ankle—twice. This was a fluke. And it will not happen again.”
Evelyn’s smile remained thin. “I know it won’t. Fortunately for you, the Bellon Group was intrigued by the beginning of your presentation and would like to see the whole thing again in a few weeks.”
Kenya allowed herself to release a little breath of relief. Thank you, God, for the third chance.
“But”—Evelyn leaned close with a squished expression on her face, like an adult trying to talk reasonably with a toddler—“this hinges on your ability to secure the commitment of a top-tier local vendor.”
Kenya sucked in a breath. Vendor management was not in her job description.
“This is not your usual area,” Evelyn said, “but considering this unique situation, I’m letting you take the lead on that part.
The Bellon Group wants to ensure the buy-in of the local engineering community.
” She threaded her fingers together. “I appreciate your tenacity and your willingness to push through your pain to meet expectations. But I also value agents who are savvy and know their limitations. I wonder if you know yours.”
Evelyn’s statement stung. Kenya knew her limits all too well and had been working a lifetime to make up for them.
Evelyn continued. “You showing up here like you did just after injuring your ankle wasn’t proof of your commitment as you probably intended for it to be. Unfortunately, it also made me, as your benevolent and typically compassionate employer, look like a jerk.”
Kenya gasped. “Evelyn, that wasn’t my intention, and you know that. My goal is to give a hundred and ten percent to whatever I do. I love this job, and I value this agency.”
Evelyn’s gaze drifted over the office and landed back on Kenya.
“You have made that obviously clear with your eagerness to go above and beyond on behalf of this agency. But many of the clients we work with are not just looking at how styled and engaging our presentations are, they look at how we operate as a team because that is what they will see play out in the implementation of their event. If I come off as a dictator employer, making my employees come in despite hell or high water, then that affects the reputation of my agency.” She pursed her lips and placed her palm flat against the desk.
“So, yes, you will get to do the presentation again, pending a suitable sponsoring vendor in place that I sign off on. Let’s make it worth the Bellon Group’s time by securing a company that will not only serve as a high-level sponsor for next year’s proposed convention but will also attract more interest with a premier exhibit space. ”
Evelyn took a quick breath through her nostrils. “And you better be much healthier when you return, okay?” She clapped her hands together, the sound reverberating in Kenya’s chest like the slamming of a door even though this should feel like an open one.
The proposed dates were a year and a half away, but if their pitch wasn’t accepted and a venue booked soon, the Von Braun Center’s calendar would fill up, leaving no other suitable option for a tech conference of this scale.
And what does Evelyn mean by “return”?
“So, out of the generosity and graciousness of my heart, I’m going to give you a couple of weeks off to make sure of it. From there you have the 5K fundraiser coming up that you will run point on from the sidelines, but I am going to make Vance the lead for the North Alabama Investors’ Tour.”
Kenya blinked. That last statement was more jarring than Evelyn’s terms for the presentation.
“Evelyn, please. I don’t think that will be necessary.
I’m going to be in consistent therapy. I have those sessions already in my schedule.
On the correct dates and with correct times.
” She laughed nervously. Evelyn didn’t join her.
“Um, I should be good to come to the office each day in between and still keep up with the work that needs to be done for the tour.”
Evelyn’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Kenya, I know you will do your best to squeeze it all in, but I need you to be at your best. I already talked to HR, and it seems that you have not used much PTO since your little trip to California last year.” Kenya couldn’t believe it had been that long since she’d had a lengthier break.
“Evelyn, that tour means a lot to me. You know how much legwork Dedra and I have already done for it.” She started ticking off the fingers on her left hand.
“My team sent invites to probably hundreds of companies and investment groups nationwide. I set up the tour locations, the workshops, restaurants, and even recruited local college students from the business departments of A&M, Calhoun, and UAH to help.” She counted off the last of her fingers.
“At this point it is just plug and play. I’m committed to making this a successful tour for the Huntsville metro area and giving attendees tangible opportunities for investment and franchise expansion.
” Kenya needed to breathe. Deeper. This meeting wasn’t going the way she’d anticipated.
It wasn’t the worst outcome, but how did she handle this limbo?
Because underlying Evelyn’s decision was the potential for worse, much worse.
“Evelyn, what you’re suggesting won’t be necessary. Like I said, I’m doing physical therapy, which is flexible. I can do both. I can still be here to work, and I can also take care of my ankle and myself.”
Evelyn stood. “I am aware of that, but have you considered how much literal legwork it will take to implement everything that you planned for the tour? To travel from place to place and lead the investors into all the locations you mentioned? I need an experienced lead to run point since you won’t be able to physically.
I never said you couldn’t be there. Your involvement will just look different. ”
Kenya wasn’t sure she was still breathing.
Evelyn tipped her head. “You also have sick leave built up. Come on, Kenya, what kind of place do you think I’m running here?”
Kenya stood slowly, wincing from the ache in her booted foot. “You are running one of the best event-management agencies in the Southeast.”
Evelyn Ford crossed her arms, an ambitious twinkle in her eye.
“One of the best? My dear, you know it is my goal for this agency to be the very best. And in order to do so, I need employees who take care of themselves.” Kenya nodded readily because it seemed like Evelyn was waiting for her to agree.
“I need agents who are intentional about being as healthy as possible and who overflow with”—she twirled her hands—“spark.” She snapped her fingers.
“Imagination.” Another snap. “And creativity.”
“You know I’m good for all that and more.” Kenya’s legs felt wobbly, her throat thickening.
“So, I must reiterate why I need you to take some time off. Get over the worst of this injury. Attend your therapy, drink plenty of water, and come back ready. I believe in you, Kenya. That’s why I trust that this will be good for you and good for my company.
Don’t worry, Vance will cover some of the areas that you’re not able to. ”
Kenya swallowed a groan. That’s exactly what she worried about.
Evelyn walked toward the office door and then paused.
“Because if you really feel like you are ready to take on the role of creative director, which I am confident you do, I need you to be your best you.” She placed her hand on the door handle.
“I need you to know your limitations and to work well with them in a way that shines a good light on my agency. Send an email to HR requesting the sick leave you’ve had piling up, or PTO—whatever you choose.
You will get that ankle healed and come in ready to blow the Bellon Group out of the water with your spectacular presentation.
I expect your desk to be empty until”—she glanced at her watch and looked up after a few swipes—“until Monday, September fifteenth.” She stepped out the door.
“It would seem a promotion is riding on it.”