Page 85 of Mistlefoe
Conor and I jerk away by reflex. Thankfully, the boards are right behind me and I don’t fall flat on my derriere. Richard, our boss, has a smile on his face that makes me nervous. Given that he’s been a strong supporter of this relationship before it was even born, I’m not too concerned with what he just heard or almost saw. It’s more about what he just said.
“Oh, hey, Richard. Having a good time?” I ask as I recover my balance with the help of Conor’s arm.
“Absolutely, you both truly put together the immersive experience you promised. Thanks to the eggnog and the games, I feel both like an adult and a child at the same time.”
“That’s great.” Conor smiles with way more ease than I feel. “We’re so glad it met your expectations.”
“And then some.” Richard makes a pause. “Both of you did. And I really wish HR had approved two promotions instead of just one.”
“We’re sure we can’t split the promotion?” I joke but at the same time I wish it was possible.
Richard shakes his head. “Alas. Now, do you want me to tell you who’s getting it now, or will that spoil the night’s fun?”
Conor turns to me and I look up into his eyes. He’s serene, and I don’t know him to be the kind of person who masks his thoughts or feelings. This must mean he’s fine either way and, surprisingly, so am I.
The Sierra of a month ago would be dishing out barbs to relieve the panic rising on the inside. Right now I feel nervous for sure, but I’m not scared. If Conor gets the promotion, I’ll be thrilled for him because I know how hard he’s worked to put together this event. It’s opened my eyes to understand that’s the same mettle he’s given his job atSPORTYever since he started.
I’d be sad for myself because I’ve worked damn hard too, but that wouldn’t take away from his accomplishment. His success doesn’t take away from mine. In fact, if it makes him happy, I’ll be happy too.
I hug his arm tighter and turn back to Richard. “I think we can hear it now.”
“All right.” Richard takes turns observing Conor and me, and finally opens his mouth to announce who’s getting the promotion.
CHAPTER 29
CONOR
“Actually, can I please say something first?” I ask right before Richard can even form the name in his mouth.
The two of them stare cartoonishly at me, as if they can’t believe I’d dare to interrupt this significant moment. But it’s for the best reason, so I make that little noise from my throat that is like a question on its own, until Richard snaps out of it.
“Very well, if you must.” He folds his arms across his chest.
“I was just telling Sierra how I couldn’t dream of doing all of this on my own.” I motion around us. “In fact, the whole thing was her idea from inception.”
Sierra interrupts with a shake of her head. “That’s not true. You’re the author of classics such as Throw the Ornament at the Velcro Tree, and CEO Santa and his helpers. Not to mention you almost died for those booths.”
I snort and squeeze her hand. “I was riffing off your ideas and you know it. You masterminded this whole thing, expertly blending in the holidays with what we do atSPORTYand who we are. And look, everybody’s having a blast.”
Serendipity is saying that and pointing right at Camila Puigas she skates by in her half elf costume, laughing her head off at whatever Rachel Leon is saying next to her. The three of us aren’t the only ones who have stopped to stare at such phenomenon.
“Indeed,” Richard says with his eyebrows up to the roof.
Sierra shakes my arm and casts a fierce scowl in my direction. “If you’re trying to get me the promotion, I will kill you, Mahoney.”
“There’ll be no bloodbath tonight because I’m the only one with the decision power,” Richard chimes in and we both ignore him.
“No, I’d be completely wrong if I said I deserve it more than you.” I shrug. “I have two years less experience, yet in the past month I’ve learned more from you than those two years combined. I’m just stating facts here.”
Sierra blows air in an exasperated way. “It has to be a fair and square game for it to mean anything.”
“It is. It has been. You deserve this.” I smile down at her even when she continues to glare.
“As fascinating as it is to see how drastically the dynamic has changed between you two, I have to remind you again that I’m the one who decides.” Richard shakes his head at us, amusement oozing from his pores. “Can I finally make the freaking announcement now?”
“Yes, sorry.” I clear my throat.
“Please,” Sierra says in a begging tone. “Put us out of this misery.”
