Such a Beautiful Family: A Thriller(38)

Nora felt lucky to be a part of such a chill work culture. Comfort and practicality were key; the dress code was casual. IMPACT celebrated and rewarded workers for their efforts. What a concept, she thought.

On the second floor as she passed by Jane’s office, she noticed that the blinds covering the glass wall were open. Jane was sitting at her desk, the phone pressed to her ear when she waved her in. Nora stepped inside, closed the door quietly behind her, and then took a seat in one of the plush leather chairs in front of Jane’s desk.

Jane laughed at something the caller said, then after another minute said goodbye and ended the call. Jane’s gaze connected with hers, but she didn’t say anything.

Nora had the urge to put up a hand and wave it in front of Jane’s face. Instead, she cleared her throat.

Jane blinked. “So good to see you.”

“Thank you. It’s good to be back.”

“What did you think about Hailey’s new hair color?”

“It could have been worse,” Nora said. “She could have pierced her eyebrow and tongue.”

“You didn’t like it?” Jane asked.

Nora wasn’t going to say anything about it, but since she was asking, she figured it might be best to let Jane know she didn’t appreciate Jane allowing her daughter to color her hair without consulting her. Before she could express her view, though, Jane said, “I thought she looked like one of the cool kids. The lavender goes perfect with her fair skin tone.” Jane began stacking files while she talked. “People with purple hair are thought to be incredibly imaginative.”

Nora said nothing. What would be the point?

“Trevor would do well with a little color . . . maybe a splash of green on the bangs area to give him some personality.”

Nora tensed. “Trevor is fine just the way he is.”

Jane made a face that told Nora she disagreed. Then she pushed a notepad and pen across her desk toward Nora. “Come on. Team meeting in conference room B.” She glanced at the time. “We’re late.”

“This is the first I’ve heard of it. I’d rather skip it. I need time to catch up and see what I’ve missed.”

“Come on,” Jane said brightly. Despite her tone, she held a look of superiority, as if she were testing Nora. “I’d like you to be there.”

Nora drew in a breath before reluctantly standing and following Jane from the room.

Team meetings at Nora’s last workplace were usually a bit chaotic, everyone talking at once, tossing ideas back and forth until something stuck. But here at IMPACT, the atmosphere bordered on stifling. Most of the seats were filled, everyone sitting quietly, spines straight, notebooks flat on the table, pens ready to go, a murmur here and there.

Jane went to the head of the table and took a seat. She offered no warm greeting or good morning. Once Nora was seated, Jane looked straight at her. “I thought it would be nice if Nora let us all know how her trip went.”

Nora felt the blood rush to her face. “Maybe tomorrow would be better.” She looked around the table at all the faces. “My apologies. I had no idea there was a team meeting scheduled this morning, and I’m not prepared.”

“The truth is,” Jane said, “Nora killed it. I talked to more than one trade show attendee, and they were impressed by Nora’s presentation, noting that she represented our company well.”

“Thank you,” Nora said. “The venue was incredible, and I found the social support at the event to be empowering. The experience gave me the opportunity to talk to business owners from all over the world. People who are eager to implement software that increases productivity and workflow.”

“I was told you listened to potential clients’ concerns and that you were personable and passionate about making management and employee training a number one priority when implementing our software. Excellent work.”

Everyone in the room clapped.

Nora blushed.

“This is why I wanted you here,” Jane said. “I have exciting news to share.”

Nora felt like a fraud. The truth was, the hotel in Paris had been magnificent, and she had met some friendly people, but overall, the trip had been a time suck.

“The feedback has been overwhelming, and for that reason, I have decided to make a new position here at IMPACT. This position would allow a representative of the company to travel around the world and speak at only the most influential shows about the importance of spending time and money up front to train employees and customers on our software so companies can get on track quicker and easier.”

Nora took another look at the employees sitting at the table, wondering whom Jane had selected for the job. Oddly, everyone was looking at Nora.

The look Jane gave Nora made her nervous.

“We took a vote yesterday,” Jane said, “and decided you would be perfect.”

Nora had no words. Had she heard right? Finally, she raised a hand to her chest. “Me? You want me to travel around the world on IMPACT’s behalf?”

Jane nodded, clearly pleased with herself.

Nora was speechless. This wasn’t the time or place to tell Jane that she was absolutely, 100 percent out of her mind. There was no way Nora was leaving her family to jet around the world talking about software.

“Think about it,” Jane said, most likely noting her reticence. “That’s all I’m asking.”