Page 49 of Partner Pursuit
Returning to the living room with their mugs, they discussed Eve’s menu choices. And then Eve asked what had happened with Colette. Audrey hugged one of Eve’sdark-redtasseled throw pillows. “I had such a disturbing conversation with Tim. He warned me against Colette. He said she thinks it’s a competition between me and her as the two women vying forpartner.”
Eve shifted to face her. “Maybe Tim is trying to pit you against each other.”
“I considered that as well, except that Colette isn’t very friendly and does seem to be challenging myactions.”
“That’sannoying.”
“It really is.” Audrey shook her head. “But maybe I’m just being sensitive.”
Eve sat up. “I’m sure you’re right. You shouldn’t doubt yourself. And don’t let her make you questionyourself.”
Audrey sighed. “I just don’t needthis.”
“What’s your game plan?” Eve asked. “When I was first hired and that guy was hassling me all the time, I had to show him not to mess with me. Remember, he was always calling me offensive names, and then he switched my sugar and salt. And I made these horrible cookies, although luckily, I tasted one before I sent them out, but still, I was so behind. And then I made a regular batch for the kitchen staff for our communal dinner dessert, but gave him one from the bad batch.” Eve laughed. “Oh, the expression onhisface.”
Audrey laughed. “That was brilliant.”
“He never messed with me again.” Evechuckled.
“The thing is, I don’t see the benefit to scoring points off Colette. That won’t help either of us to make partner. Even if I make her look incompetent, which she isn’t, I’ll look bad. And that’s not the way I want to make partner. But I also don’t want to be a total wimp and pushover for her. I get so annoyed with my mom when I think she is being too accommodating so as to not ruffle any male feathers in her department. I need to convince Colette that we should worktogether.”
“Good luck with that.” Eve poured more tea. “What’s happening withJake?”
“Jake told his sister that he wants to stay single when I was with him at his sister’s. I thought he was romantically interested before, but I think now it’s just friends. He hasn’t called to set up a date, and he seems like he’s the type who would if he was interested.”
“He definitely seems like thego-gettertype.”
“And frankly, how can I date him now when I’m up for partner? Work is crazy right now,” Audreysaid.
“If he was interested, I’d say you still need to go for it, even withwork.”
“And lose out on makingpartner?”
“You’re not going to lose out on making partner by dating someone. He’ll support your goals.”
Audrey nodded. Even if Jake did not support the goal of making law firm partner, she still couldn’t help liking him. “Hey, I was planning to throw that party in October to showcase your catering. Do you still want to do it if you’re about to become an executive pastrychef?”
“Yes, definitely. I’m closer to my dream, but I’m not there yet. And I like keeping my optionsopen.”
“ExceptforPete.”
“Well, Pete stole my heart on our third date when he convinced the bread chef at our favorite bakery to give us a lesson. Sometimes it’s pretty clear when they’re keepers.” Eve yawned.
“Pete’s definitely a keeper.” Audrey stood. “I’ll let you get to bed. But thanks for listening to me.”
Eve rose too and gave Audrey a hug. “Any time. I’m here for you. And you’re in the home stretch—only three more months until the announcement, and then you won’t have to worry aboutthat.”
“Unless I don’tmake it.”
“Don’t evengo there.”
“I know. As Mom would say, eyes on the prize, don’t let doubts deter you.” Audrey washed her bowl inthesink.
“Well, your mom’s right that you have to think positively, but your mom also knew exactly what she wanted, I mean, in terms of her career. She wanted to be a professor of French literature.”
“What are you trying tosay?”
“I love cooking, but I don’t know what the right prize is. For now, it’s to be an executive pastry chef. But later on, I don’t know. I just think you have to be open to possibilities.”
