Page 8 of One Sultry Summer

I step out of the car and look up at the Salesforce Tower across the street from my work. It’s a beautiful building, known as the tallest skyscraper in San Francisco. With sixty-one floors of glass and steel, it can be seen in almost any location in town. I glance at my watch and make my way indoors. I press the button for the elevator and take a sip of my coffee. Other workers gather around me, waiting for their turn to ride the elevator.

Once the doors open, everyone makes their way inside filling the car. As I announce myfloor, a wave of agreement ripples through the elevator. The closest person to the buttons jumps into action, pressing each floor in quick succession, and together we ascend, anticipation builds with every stop we make. As each person departs, they wish everyone a good day.

Once I exit off my floor, I repeat the well wishes to the remaining people standing in the elevator. I open the glass doors to Phoenix Construction and see Devin sitting at the receptionist’s desk who greets me with a smile.

“Good morning, Valerie.”

“Morning, Devin. Do I have any…” Before I can finish my sentence, he hands me a stack of mail and messages. “Thank you. Have I told you lately you’re amazing?”

“No, but you don’t have to. I know you appreciate my work.”

“Do you want to have lunch today?”

“Sorry, no can do.”

“Are you busy?”

“No, you have a meeting with the CEO this morning.”

“I don’t recall having an appointment. Did it get added to my schedule?”

“Yup, by the man himself. He called me and said to clear your schedule.”

“Oh, okay. Thank you for letting me know.” I nodded and turned to go down the hallway to my office. My mind was spinning with anxiety. Is he unhappy with my work? Is he planning to let me go? The only thing I can do now is ensure my tasks are completed and my work is impeccable. I turn on my computer and wait for it to warm up so I can log in. I glance around the room at the photos of the buildings we’ve constructed, and some of me cutting ribbons at opening ceremonies.

A lump settles in my throat and I hold back tears thinking of what’s to come. As the property acquisition manager of Phoenix Construction, I’ve immersed myself in all aspects of realestate, from assessing land potential to skillfully negotiating and securing properties. Each step of the journey has been an exciting challenge! I am willing to take on any job, no matter the size. As I lift my gaze from my hands back to the screen, the cursor blinks expectantly, eager for me to finally sign in.

I rub my hands together before I type my credentials and wait for my home screen to pop up. A photo of me with my best friends on a cruise to Mexico sits on my desk. With a heavy sigh, I click open my calendar, eager to uncover the time for my upcoming meeting. My eyes scan the entries, searching for the elusive moment when I’ll need to be in the spotlight.

Nine thirty is my scheduled meeting. Okay, I need to make a quick phone call or two, then I’ll be mentally ready for whatever is in store for me. I set an alarm on my phone for nine-fifteen so I can run to the bathroom then grab another cup of coffee before I head into the conference room.I need to keep it together, work diligently, and not get inside my head and worry.

Before I knew it, my alarm went off. I rush to the restroom and then stop at the break room for some freshly brewed coffee. With my coffee mug in hand, I grab a pen and a pad of paper from my office before heading to the conference room. I take a deep breath and pull the door open.

Gathered around the impressive long, oval mahogany table, I find our dynamic CEO, Mr. Steven Graves, at the helm. His presence commands attention, setting the stage for an engaging discussion ahead. He sits along with the remaining upper management at the table that seats ten people comfortably. I nodded my head to acknowledge their presence. I pull out a chair to take a seat at the opposite side of the long table.

“Valerie, please sit closer.”

“Yes, sir.” I walk further into the room and take a seat across from the CEO. The black leather seatis cold against my skin.

“Let me begin by telling you that I think the world of you, Valerie.”

“Thank you, Mr. Graves.”

“The last thing I want is for you to become bored with your job.”

“That would never happen, sir.”

“I’m glad you feel that way. However, I’ve been thinking about expanding our operation.” I listen to him closely, as this doesn’t sound like he’s going to fire me.

“Well, times are changing, and we’d like to develop property in another state.” I nodded my head and continued to be intrigued by his words. “That’s where you come in.”

“How so, sir.”

“There’s a small town in Texas called Skybrook, where we would like you to travel and survey several properties. We’re excited to embark on an unforgettable journey by creating a stunning hotel and an exquisite golf course!Could you head over there and dive into some thorough research for us? I need your insights!”

“You mean, I need to evaluate the economic growth and any potential impact on wildlife?”

“Precisely! And if all goes well, we’d like to open a small satellite office. Are you interested in going?”

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