Chapter 5
Tia woke up early the next morning.
Rehearsed.
Reviewed her notes.
Mentally prepared to meet with the Director, whoever they may be.
Around 10 a.m., her phone rang.
“Hello! This is Diane from MediaTech.”
Tia’s heart leaped. “Good morning, Diane! Are there any updates for the meeting? Should I come in early?”
“Meeting?” Diane chuckled. “Oh no! We want you locked in before we all disappear for the holidays. I’m calling to review your employment terms.”
“My… what?”
“Your employment terms. Shay sent in her evaluation early this morning, and let me tell you, it was glowing!! She said it’s the best early Christmas present the company could have asked for. I don’t think I’ve heard such rave reviews about any other candidate since I’ve worked for her. You seem to have worked some magic on her. She’d like to hire you at the salary you requested.”
Tia’s blood froze.
“Shay?”
“Yes, she said the conversation over dinner was exactly the kind of informal culture-fit check she prefers. Very creative setup. Were you nervous?”
Tia’s hands trembled.
“Shay is… the Director?”
“Director? No, sweetheart. Didn’t Shay tell you last night? The Director had to be at his son’s soccer match. So, Shay stepped in. She’s our CEO.”
Tia’s vision blurred and the fairy lights from last night’s dinner danced in front of her eyes..
A little ping sounded on her phone.
A new notification.
Tia looked down.
It was a text from Maya.
Maya: Sorry, girl! Food poisoning. Your date is today. Why are you panicking?
Maya: Wait. Don’t tell me you actually went YESTERDAY?
OMG! Are you OK? Did you meet a serial killer?
Tell me you are alive.
Maya: Tia?????????????????? Reply right now or I’m coming over
Tia stared at the screen
Back on the phone call, Diane was still talking. “Shay absolutely loved you. She said you have initiative, drive, and an impressive ability to handle pressure in unfamiliar situations!”
Tia whispered, “I just went on a date with my future boss!”
And then…
She fainted!
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