31. Marnie
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Marnie
Caleb’s words have been replaying in my head for days. Take a chance on yourself.
I told him I’d think about it, and I meant it. I just didn’t know how to casually bring it up to Josie that I was interested in applying.
The job posting has been live for just over a week, and I’ve checked the website every day, reading it over to make sure it’s still there.
Today is the day I am going to ask. Josie had lunch catered for the entire staff, courtesy of a local deli—an assortment of breads, meats, cheeses, and toppings for a make-your-own-sandwich bar. In such a casual setting, it will be easier to discuss it, and I can disguise it as simple intrigue.
She’s sitting alone right now, several empty chairs around her. I feel my hands clam up, but I push through the nerves and march over to her table. “Is this seat taken?” I ask.
Her mouth is full after taking a bite of her wrap, so she tips her head to gesture to the open seat to her right. I thank her, setting my plate down and taking the seat beside her.
“Any fun weekend plans?” she asks between bites.
I tell her about my intent to spend part of the weekend relaxing and the other part celebrating Caleb’s birthday.
She nods, actively listening and engaging with the conversation.
It’s refreshing to have someone at work take a genuine interest in your life.
My work conversations with Irene normally consist of her piling on more tasks or telling me I’m not doing enough or that I could be doing better. But with Josie, everything is positive and welcoming. Like she truly cares about me and my well-being.
“What about you? Anything planned with the family?”
“My son has a baseball tournament off-island, so we leave on the first morning ferry.”
“That sounds like so much fun,” I cheer. “Wish him luck for me.”
When the small talk tapers off, I muster up all my courage to bring up the job posting. Here goes nothing. “How’s the progress with the candidate search?”
“A few applications came in the day it was posted, and several more have continued to trickle in this week, but we haven’t contacted anyone about interviews yet. I want to see how many more we get first before we start to narrow down who will get invited to interview.”
“Anyone promising?” I pry. She doesn’t owe me any explanation, and it might be inappropriate to ask, but I try anyway.
“I am still waiting for the right candidate to apply. We are such a close-knit group here, as you know, and I don’t want to hire someone without careful consideration.
” She pauses, like she’s contemplating whether to say more.
“You know, I was actually hoping you might apply. I was surprised that you didn’t say anything since it was posted. ”
“Oh,” I say sheepishly. “Honestly, I didn’t think I was qualified for it. At least, not yet. Not until this exhibit is completed and I can put it on my resume.”
She rests a hand on my shoulder. “Trust me, you’re more than qualified.”
There’s an earnestness in her tone, but I still can’t shake this feeling of uncertainty. “What would Irene say?”
“About you applying?”
I fidget with the bottom button of my cardigan. “Well, I don’t think she knows about the posting. So, it would probably take her by surprise since I’m a front-runner for a different promotion.”
She lifts an eyebrow, concern lacing her features. “I could mention it to her if you’d like.”
“I appreciate that, truly, but if I do apply, she deserves to hear that sort of thing from me.”
“I understand. That’s very considerate.” She starts to gather her belongings. “You’ll let me know what she says if you talk to her?”
“Yes, I will.”
Josie gets up to leave but does a quick turn to face me. “Marnie?”
“Yes?”
“I really hope you do talk to her.”