Page 4 of When in December

“You’re both amazing workers. Unfortunately, these things happen. It’s logistics. This doesn’t mean that you won’t be considered for a promotion in the future. For the time being, I thought of a solution to solve our problem.” Michelle opened her hands as if in offering to us both. “We have a last-minute spread within our upcoming magazine issue. An article fell through. So, I figured, why not have some friendly competition?”

“I’m not sure I understand.” Was I the only one still lost here? “Alison and I are competing against each other for the senior interior designer role?”

“All in good fun, yes.”

Fun.Fun?

“Both of you are working on some of your first independent design projects here at Home Haven, centered around the winter season. As you complete your projects, one of our photographers will come in. I’ll assess from the photographs and progress reports. The best design for our readers wins. You’ll get the design byline inHome Haven Magazineas well as the promotion.”

Was she serious? It was clear she was, but my heart started to beat a little faster in my chest.

After the past two years as a junior interior designer and being told the job was mine more than a few times, I’d thought that, well, it was mine. I’d finally have the job title I always imagined. The job title I’d worked for and deserved.

Earned.

Something was going to work out and fall into place. At last.

“I’m aware this is unusual, but a little friendly competition never hurt anyone. Most of the office will be in and out come December with the holidays, so please feel free to use anyone or each other to help make these two homes places to be proud of. I know you two already will. Do what you do best and make a home a haven.” The edges of Michelle’s lips quirked up. “That was cheesy, wasn’t it? Anyway, you get what I mean.”

Alison smiled as if she couldn’t have planned for better news. “It was perfect.”

“Does this sound all right to both of you then? I don’t want to make either of you uncomfortable. Have a good time and use your resources. Poppy?”

Uncomfortable? I wasn’t sure what I was feeling, but I was certain that I was past that. I’d just finalized all my plans for the home I was going to see for the first time outside of pictures tomorrow. Now, I suddenly had the desire to throw it all out and start over again. But I couldn’t give up. I wouldn’t.

I could handle this. I could do difficult things and then some even if it meant pulling another week of all-nighters to make sure that I didn’t fail.

I refused to let myself down.

“Yes,” I finally replied. “Sounds great.”

“Wonderful. Alison?”

Alison shrugged her shoulders like this truly was all in good fun. “Agreed.”

“Great. Now, both of you should head home. It’s crazy that any of us are still in the office at this time. Get some good sleep and be ready to take on your projects,” Michelle advised. “Have a great rest of your night.”

“Have a good retreat,” said Alison.

Startled by the end of the conversation, I didn’t realize that they’d both stood. I jerked myself to my feet. “Thank you.”

“Have a great first day on your project tomorrow, Poppy. Give me a call if anything isn’t what we’ve prepared for.”

I dipped my head in another nod, heading out of the office behind Alison. Once Michelle’s door shut behind us, Alison finally glanced up at me from where she stood, about five inches shorter.

I’d seen Alison’s designs before. We’d even worked together on projects within the past year. I liked Alison. She was pleasant enough, though kept mostly to herself. More than that, I was impressed by her truly contemporary style that people oohed and aahed over whenever they caught photographs of the before and after.

Now, I had to go head-to-head against her for a promotion I’d thought … God, how stupid was I to assume it was mine?

“That was a lot, huh?” Alison asked.

“Kind of.”

“We’re both going to do great,” she said. “You’ll let me know if you need anything when everyone is out of the office. I have afeeling we’re going to be the only two working out on-site once we get closer to Christmas.”

“Of course. You do the same.”

“Thank you, Poppy.”

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