Page 84 of Until You

“Stay strong. Let me know how it goes.”

“Thanks.”

The call came two hours later, but it wasn’t from Eve. It was from Eve’s boss, the senior VP, Michael Hunt.

“Lanie,” he said in a good-natured tone. “I was hoping we could chat about your e-mail to Eve.”

“Sure.”

“I have to say, I was surprised to read your letter.”

Lanie steeled her back. “I meant every word I said.”

“And that surprises me even more. You’ve been with us for ten years, and your performance had been exemplary.”

“This is my fourth VP in five years, Mr. Hunt. Some have been good and some have been bad, and I’ve had to adjust and cater to them, and frankly, I’m done with it.”

“I’m sorry you’ve felt neglected.”

“Neglected isn’t the word.”

“Lanie, I’m going to be direct.” He was silent for a moment. “We’ve been unhappy with Eve and how she’s managed…some things. You’ve handled her amazingly well; in fact, you’ve handled all the other VPs amazingly well, not to mention all the construction crews you hire in every location you move to. Contrary to how it looks, I’ve been watching, and I’ve been impressed for some time, which is why I want to offer you a new position.”

Lanie blinked. “Excuse me?”

“We’d like to make you a VP over the western region. You can set up an office anywhere you like, and while you’d have to travel every so often, you’d be able to establish a home base.”

“Anywhere I want?”

“You’d have an office and a small staff, and you’d oversee existing stores as well as the stores we’ve got plans to open.”

“Isn’t that Eve’s job?”

“Not anymore.”

Oh. Wow.

“Obviously, you’ll want to give this some consideration,” he said. “So take some time to think about it. You can work out the remainder of your notice, then give me an answer the day of the grand opening. I’ll even come to Kansas City and be a part of it.”

“Thanks…I’ll definitely consider it.”

“Good. Good. Then I’ll be seeing you in three weeks.”

---