Page 80 of Through You
“Richard, don’t worry. It’s me who should thank you for bringing this to my attention.” I turn my gaze back to Sasha, who is visibly sweating.
“Sasha, who is the manager of the cleaning crew?”
“Mr. Andrade.”
“And how long has Mr. Andrade been with the company?”
“One year.”
“You’re telling me that Richard, a man who’s been with us for fifteen years, wasn’t considered for a promotion to the position of manager? A position that’s better suited for him since it requires less physical effort and is more age appropriate?
In addition, he has more experience and knows the company better than Mr. Andrade, which in turn makes him the ideal candidate for a role he would excel at. Yet he was fired, just like that?”
“Sir, Mr. Perez didn’t finish high school.”
“And? He has fifteen years of experience under his belt and knows every member of the crew better than anyone.”
“Sir, if I may, several important factors were considered before arriving at this decision.”
“I’m having a hard time seeing these factors. What I see is a loyal worker who wasn’t given a promotion he deserved. Instead, he was fired.” I pick up from my desk the two files I requested.
“Mr. Andrade’s performance record is littered with complaints and mistakes throughout the one year he’s been working here.
Meanwhile, Richard’s record is spotless, not one complaint in his fifteen years of employment. Sasha, please explain to me why you promoted someone who is undeserving?”
“Mr. Andrade is younger.”
I smile sarcastically. “Be careful what you say. The point you are trying to make is dangerously close to discriminatory.”
Sasha looks alarmed. “No, sir. I would never.”
“Let me explain how we’re going to handle this matter since it’s Friday, and I’m sure we’d all like to go home.” I walk around my desk and stand in front of Richard. “On behalf of my company, I apologize to you, Richard. I want you to know I value the years given to us, and your hard work.”
Mr. Perez’s eyes fill up with tears. “You really don’t have to . . .”
I place my hands on his shoulders. “Your loyalty and dedication will not go unnoticed. I would like you accept the position of cleaning manager. Do you think you can take over the role?”
“Yes, sir.” He quickly wipes away his tears.
“All right, Sasha.” I turn to her, and I can tell she understands what I need.
She lowers her head. “My apologies, Mr. Perez. I did not mean to disrespect you in any way.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Richard replies. “You were only trying to do your job.”
I dismiss Richard and I’m left alone with Sasha. My voice turns cold. “Sasha, let this be the last time that you let the power you hold cloud your judgment and prevent you from appreciating the labor of those who work under you.”
“Yes, sir.”
This is a first time in a long time I’ve made it home while the sun is still up. So I’m not surprised to find the living room full of life rather than quiet and dark. Claudia and Apolo are on the sofa that’s across from the television. I squeeze the door handle tighter than I should when I see Claudia laughing heartily at one of Apolo’s jokes while playfully throwing popcorn in his direction. She looks relaxed in his company.
I would like to put up a wall between them.
I intentionally slam the door to get their attention.
The smile fades from Claudia’s face; she clears her throat and turns her attention to the movie. Apolo does the same, and whispers something to her. The soft tone in his voice makes her face light up; she’s clearly amused. Aw, they’re whispering to each other now. How immature.
“Claudia, can you fix me something to eat, please?”
