Shipped(6)

“Hey, ladies,” Tory says with a grin, hugging a stack of folders to her chest. “What are you two plotting over here?”

“Happy hour at Miller Room after work. You in?” asks Christina.

“Yes, perfect. Count me in. I have news to tell you too. Big news.” Her smile widens to the point that I think her round cheeks are going to crack.

“Spill,” I say.

She checks her watch. “Can’t. I’m late for a meeting, got to run. Oh, and Henley—it looks like that director of digital marketing position is finally happening. I’ll give you the details later.” She crosses her fingers as she backs away, then turns and bustles toward the conference rooms.

My breath catches in my throat and I use every ounce of willpower not to paste a million-watt smile on my face. Tory is the director of financial planning and analysis, so her office has to approve the budget for any new positions. She undoubtedly has all the tea.

Christina nods after Tory. “It’s about time we had a digital director.”

I slide a look to Christina. It’s no secret that I’m gunning for the new role, but she’s been with Seaquest longer than I have… what if she expects the promotion? We haven’t actually talked about it.

Dropping her chin, she puckers her lips. “Oh, come on, Hen. You really think I’m some nineties sitcom version of the friend who gets all catty over her bestie’s success? We both know you deserve that promotion. You work harder than anyone else in this entire company. It’s kind of pathetic, actually.” Winking, she hops off the desk and sidesteps our divider to return to her cube.

My chest fills with warmth. Christina’s not just a work friend anymore, she’s a real friend. And it’s not like I have an inexhaustible supply of those. I smile to myself as I pull my phone out of my bag. Tory’s whole “big news” thing has reminded me of something. I open Walsh’s texts from last night and fire back a reply.

So what’s the surprise?





I drum my fingernails against my cheek. No answer. Undoubtedly, Walsh is revving me up for whatever crazy bit of news she has to share. Either that or she’s not awake yet. She’s on mountain time in Colorado, so presumably she should be awake, but then again time is a loose concept to Walsh.

My phone buzzes in my hand, making me jump.

When do you get off work? I’ll tell you then.





Well, look who’s up.

Tell me now





Ugh. Fine. 5:30



Cool, talk soon!





Crap, I forgot about happy hour. I start typing a reply but my computer dings with two new emails. I click off my phone and open the first. It’s from Graeme, a reply to my original message last night.

To: [email protected] Cc: [email protected]

From: [email protected] Subject: Re: Social Media OVERDUE

done -G



James is back in the loop, and Graeme is back to a monosyllabic caveman. Typical.

I browse our social media pages. They’re now filled with tweets and posts of the British Columbia airfare promotion. I suck in a deep breath through my nose. Was it only last night that Graeme and I were joking about the size of my hypothetical knife collection? I’d like to believe it never happened because it’s just too weird. But my stomach somersaults, reminding me that it did.

The second unread email draws my eye. It’s a calendar invite to meet with James at four o’clock. As I’m clicking to accept the invitation, my desk phone rings. I answer it.

“Evans,” I say automatically.

“Hi, Henley, it’s Barbara,” says James’s secretary in her light, airy voice.

Is this about the digital director position? Every speck of hope inside me distills into a pulsing, living thing inside my heart. Aiming for calm, I lean back in my chair and smooth my coral skirt over my knees. “Hey, Barb, how are you? I just got the meeting invite.”

“That’s what I’m calling about. I know I probably shouldn’t say anything…” Her voice is muffled now like she’s whispering behind her hand. “But I overheard James talking to Marlen this morning.” Marlen is our CEO. The blood freezes in my veins and I don’t dare breathe.

“Your four o’clock meeting? It’s not just about your British Columbia idea. I overheard Marlen tell James that he wants to consider you for director of digital marketing… Henley, you made the short list.”





3




First thought: I’m on the short list! The short list! That director job is as good as mine. Yes! Fist pump, high five, get some!

Second thought: Short list… what short list? I should be the list. One name. Me. No one else. Hulk smash!

I blink several times and realize that Barbara is still talking. “… I can’t say any more.”

“Who else is on the list?” I ask, voice quiet and urgent. The plastic of the telephone groans under my grip.

“Barbara! Get in here.” James’s voice booms in the background.

“I’m sure James will fill you in. I-I’d better go.”

“Right.” I shake my head. “Sorry, yeah. Thanks so much for the heads-up. I really appreciate it.”