Page 33 of The Wrong Promise

She smiles. “Anna wants to stay at home until she finishes university. It takes her less than an hour on the train, so it’s financially viable for her. On weekends, she stays with either George or me.”

We could all benefit from a shared apartment.

I continue reading emails until George returns to his desk, three rows ahead of me. He sits quietly and resumes working. I can’t tell if he perceived the news as good or bad.

What if I’m terminated because I’m the new girl, my role is relatively new, and before the probation time has lapsed? If I’m fired so soon after starting, my extra work won’t have time to pay off with a promotion to the human resources department.

“Zara.” I glance up to Tim standing near my desk. “Can we talk in my office, please?”

“Sure.” I sign out of my computer and follow him along a hallway, my heels clicking with every step. His assistant glances up from her desk and stares at my feet. It sounds like I’m wearing tap shoes and ready to dance when my insides feel like I’m heading to my career funeral.

He closes the door behind me, and it’s the first time I have seen his office. The walls are dark gray with timber structures accentuating thoughtful architecture. His oak desk faces the window that overlooks the London skyline.

“Please take a seat.”

“Thank you.” I sit forward in the black leather chair andcross my legs, taking a deep breath to compose my nerves. It’s not my first rodeo in a boss’s office to discuss my value as an employee. In my head, I run over reasons why I deserve to hold my position and my value to the company. Remind him of my experience.

“I’m sure your coworkers have mentioned that Warburton Investments is about to experience some changes. While these changes were in motion over the past year, the process accelerated over the last month, and a sister company will be joining us.”

“Sir, is the merger going to affect my new role?”

His eyes widen. “Yes and no.”

Fuck.

“Your role, among others, will be reduced.” He holds my gaze, and I assume the others he mentions are Piper, Anna, and me, and others. “However, in another month, we’ll have Board changes and require new executive assistants. Since you have experience in HR and have been delivering exceptional work on additional projects since you started, you are currently best suited for the position.”

What?

I’m gaping at my boss. I can’t find the words to thank him as my brain was fired up, ready to defend my value.

I never expected this.

“There will be an interview panel as we are required to advertise the position, but the Board wants you to work alongside Gretchen, who is the CEO’s executive assistant.”

I nod three times to make a point. “Thank you.” Butterflies upset my stomach. “Sorry, sir, I’m shocked. I expected my coworkers to be considered before me.”

“You’ll be privy to information not yet shared with other employees. We need it to remain confidential until a formal statement is released.”

“Yes, sir.”

“When I know more, I’ll let you know, but right now, while I’m following the rules, I’m also a bit in the dark.”

I nod. “I understand. Will you be announcing my new position to my coworkers?” It’s the last thing I want in case of backlash or losing friendships if anything goes south.

“Not as yet, though tomorrow I’ll formally introduce you to Gretchen.”

I nod and leave the room, closing the door quietly behind me. Then I take a deep breath of relief while excitement replaces nervousness, knowing my hard work has paid off.

When I arrive homefrom work, I change into casual clothing and take a walk along the Thames. Finally, my life is falling into place. With an extra spring in my step, I smile at strangers as they pass. It’s not until the air turns chilly that I head back to Jobe’s penthouse, unsure whether I’ll see him tonight.

I unlock the front door and tepidly walk in, looking around for him with my every step. The apartment is quiet, too quiet.

Opening the refrigerator to decide on what to cook, I grab some vegetables, but when I turn around, I’m startled and jump, almost dropping my dinner’s ingredients.

Jobe is sitting on a barstool at the counter. His eyes meet mine, though he doesn’t acknowledge that he’s scared the shit out of me.

“Zara.”

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