Page 6 of After Effect

I swallowed, hoping I was composed enough for casual conversation. Fortunately, my voice sounded calm when I finally let it escape my throat. “Yeah, I’m Finch. Finch Corbin.”

“Jonathan Chandler.” He dried his hands on a paper towel, before offering one for a shake. I washed the soap off my hands and met his greeting, trying not to think about what I was just doing with that hand. His smile was gentle. “I hear they put you on slush pile duty already. What did you do to piss off Baek this quickly?” Jonathan laughed. He had one of those demeanors that put you at ease, no matter how stressed out you were. Which made sense. You don’t make it to the head of acquisition without learning to sound calm and cordial in the face of even the most angry diva.

“I thought it was an improvement from being the coffee gopher.”

“That’s fair.” He nodded. “Find any diamonds in the rough yet?”

I paused as Lilly’s voice replayed in my head. Embarrassment aside, her voice had such a powerful effect on me for a reason. I looked Jonathan square in the eye. “I… Yeah, actually. I think I might have.”

“That was quick.” His eyes widened in pleasant surprise. “This is why I like getting fresh ears around the office every now and again. How about you shoot me an email with the file, and I’ll give you a second opinion. It’ll be a good chance for you to learn how this all works.”

Really?! Just like that? For some reason, I had expected more of a hazing. More doubt and disrespect. I stood up straight and held my head back confidently. This is my chance. Don’t waver. “I’ll send it over as soon as I’m back at my desk.”

“Looking forward to it.” Jonathan gave me a pat on the shoulder and headed out of the bathroom. I returned to my desk and drafted my email.

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