Page 71 of It Could Happen
“Briefly. Why?”
She shrugs. “No reason.”
She walks past me without another word. Ugh. I need to prepare myself for what’s coming. I really hope I’m up to the task of having to deal with Shannon. Maybe she would’ve been a better fit for the director’s position? After me, she has the highest sales in the office. I’ll need to work hard to keep peace in the office. I see a lot of ego boosting in my future.
Parker isn’t around, so thankfully I don’t have to answer any questions.
When I check my phone, I have ten text messages from the group chat waiting for me. Surprisingly, this makes me happy.
The first text is an invitation to Caroline’s Bachelorette Celebration at Erica’s. The texts following are assignments for each of us. It looks like Erica is back in full maid of honor mode, and I admire that a lot. It takes a strong woman to put your problems aside for another person.
My assignment is to bring some yummy desserts (Erica’s words), and she’s given me the names of local bakeries to choose from. Hmm … if she already has the bakery picked out, why does she want me to be in charge of desserts? I don’t question her because I’m certainly not going to kick her while she’s down.
Anyway, I guess there are worse assignments. Thankfully I’m not in charge of the games. I don’t even like playing shower games, so the last thing I’d want is to lead them. She gave that task to Rachel. Maybe she did it subconsciously? Especially because Rachel has been keeping her distance and hasn’t embraced Erica being in charge of everything. Leslie is bringing wine, which doesn’t surprise me. And Jeannie is bringing some non-alcoholic beverages and a karaoke machine. Erica also says she’s ordered matching pajamas and slippers for the photo ops. Just what I wanted, matching PJs with Leslie.
Everyone responds to the texts except Rachel. I wonder if she’ll even show up. I honestly don’t know how she could be in Erica’s home while she’s living this lie. Does the guilt ever get to her? I can’t help but wonder how long Christian is going to protect her and not come clean. Is he willing to take the fall all on his own?
I’m pretty sure Tyler already knows that Rachel is the other woman. How long before everyone figures it out? I saw it the first night at the kickoff party. The rest of this group can’t be so oblivious that they don’t see it, right?
“Did you see the email from Spencer?” Parker asks, rushing toward my desk. Meeting at four forty-five today. This is it. I know the job is yours.”
“We’ll see what happens,” I reply nervously. “I can’t stress about it.”
Of course, I’m freaking out on the inside. I’m anxious, nervous, and second guessing my decision. I really hope this is the right move for me.
“I love how Spencer operates,” she says, a dreamy look in her eye. “He’s so laid back and informal, but still so professional. It doesn’t surprise me that they send him to all the offices to clean things up.”
I snort. “Remember when you first heard he was coming here? I believe you referred to him as Mr. Fix-it.”
“Yeah, but that was before I met him,” she reminds me. “And he can fix whatever he wants.”
I’m dying to tell Parker what Spencer said about her, but I should probably wait until after the announcement is made. She will have a million questions about our meeting and that will lead to questions about the job.
“It’s showtime,” Shannon calls from her desk. She sounds so confident and sure, it almost makes me feel bad. Unfortunately, she’s had such a bad attitude through this whole process.
“Don’t listen to her,” Parker whispers. “You got this.”
I can’t believe this is really happening. My heart is pounding inside my chest.
At a quarter to five, we all gather in the conference room. It feels like a lifetime ago when Steven announced he was resigning. At that time it never occurred to me that I would be the one stepping into his job.
As soon as Spencer walks in, everyone becomes silent. Parker smiles warmly at him, and he gives her a friendly grin in return. The chemistry between them is so obvious.
Spencer starts off by telling everyone to relax and take some deep breaths. Easy for him to say. I’m a bundle of nerves, and I already know I have the job.
“Okay, team, you all know why you’re here, so I’m going to get right to it,” he says. “First, I’d like to say that I’ve been so impressed by each and every one of you. You’re fantastic, talented, and hardworking. Our decision about who was the best fit was made based off these traits and who we felt would be the best person to fulfill the role. It was a difficult decision because all of you have strengths to lead this sales team. Without further ado, please congratulate Tori Hayes, your new director of sales.”
Parker jumps to her feet in excitement and cheers. Bobby and Serena clap and actually look relieved. I’m not sure if they are relieved because it’s not them or because it’s not Shannon. And Shannon hasn’t moved or said anything. I wonder if she went into shock.
“Congrats, Tori,” she says finally. She looks completely blindsided. I guess she really expected her name to be announced.
“Thanks, everyone,” I say, slightly bewildered. “I’m still trying to wrap my head around it myself.”
After everyone settles down, Spencer explains that he will be working with us a few more weeks, and I notice Parker’s face fall. She must be realizing that Spencer will be moving on from our office. I can’t wait to talk to her privately and tell her that I don’t think she’s heard the last from Spencer Brady.
Shannon is the first to exit the conference room after the meeting finishes. It’s a few minutes past five o’clock, so the workday is officially over. Spencer, Parker, and I are the last to leave. Parker is talking a mile a minute, telling Spencer that they made a very wise decision. He tells her he appreciates her vote of confidence. I can see the tiny sparks flying between them, so I nonchalantly excuse myself.
When I return to my desk, I start packing up my laptop and check my phone. A grin spreads across my face when I see a message from Tyler.
