I marched myself straight into Kyle’s office. I was nervous, but ready. I closed the door and walked to the front of his desk.
Kyle sat behind his massive desk, suit jacket flung over his chair, sleeves rolled up as he scowled at his computer screen. I cleared my throat to get his attention.
“Mr. Caldwell, sorry to bother you, but I wanted to discuss something with you.”
“Talk.” He groaned.
“It’s about my position here at FuSeWater now that Marjorie’s not coming back.”
Kyle’s scowl deepened, his piercing blue eyes narrowing at me. “I’m completely pissed. She’s pregnant at forty-five. She has a baby and now she wants to be a stay-at-home mother. What happened to women giving a shit about their careers?”
“I don’t know.” I said, noticing how misogynistic he sounded.
“I sent her gifts for this midlife crisis baby. And like every other woman in my life, she fucks me by not coming back.”
I waited for his rambling to end, and then I swallow hard. Be strong, Aerica.
“Well, as you know, I’ve been handling both Marjorie’s job and Tim’s job for three months now. I was hoping you could make Tim’s position permanent for me, with an appropriate salary adjustment.” I had changed my mind on the spot. I didn’t want to be his admin. I wanted to work as the social media content creator.
Kyle stared at me blankly for a long moment, then barked out a harsh laugh. “You must be joking. You haven’t been here long enough to demand anything.”
“I didn’t demand. I asked you to be fair.”
“Why would I want the temp girl around permanently?”
I clenched my jaw, fighting to keep the hurt from my facial features. Of course, he’d react like this. But I won’t let him get to me.
“I’ve been really working my ass off. I make sure things run smoothly for all your meetings, presentations.”
“So, basically you were doing your job.”
“And Tim’s job. I’ve been staying late and going above and beyond.”
“The answer to whatever question you asked, is no.”
“But there are lots of jobs available.”
“You’re a temporary employee. You do whatever time the contract says and then you go.”
“But you have vacancies and you know that I’m qualified. I’ve been here for three months. This is your company. You could hire me on full-time.”
“I could hire you, but I don’t want to look at your face every day.”
He already looks at me every day. He was just being his normal asshole self. I didn’t have any clever words. I was too hurt. I nodded curtly. “I see. Thank you for your time.”
As I turned to go, my hands shook with anger. I made a decision. In two weeks, I’m leaving this place. It’s time I found an employer who actually values me. I’m being taken advantage of. I have two weeks to find another placement agency or a job on my own.
I bit my tongue and resisted the urge to cry as I hurried back to my desk. I grabbed a tissue and dabbed at the corners of my eyes. My cubicle wall was high enough that Kyle couldn’t see me. I refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing me break down. I’ve been doing two jobs for three months and he won’t even pay me more, or make me permanent.
The employees started coming back from lunch. I grabbed my purse and removed my cosmetic bag. I removed my pressed powder to look at myself in the compact mirror. My concealer was gone and my lipstick was bitten off. I touched up my makeup, hoping it would camouflage the hurt on my face.
Sitting at my computer, I took a few deep breaths to calm myself. I may feel hurt and angry now, but I knew my worth. Kyle’s behavior reflected his issues, not mine. I’ve worked hard and handled twice the workload without complaint. I deserved better than this.
My phone buzzed with a text from my best friend, Jordyn.
Jordyn: [How’d it go? When’s the promotion party?]
ME: [I’m going to call you.]