Page 9 of In Love and War
I didn’t say anything, so he went on.
“You know that above all else, hard work and gratitude are the two most important values in our family. This company was built from nothing through the sweat, grind, and endless hours of work your grandfather and I put in. It wasn’t easy. And I want the person that takes over to understand the value of the position and be willing to work just as hard as we did. I was afraid your lack of effort in other areas of your life would carry into your work, but I hoped I was wrong. I had asked Zac to take you on this summer because he knows better than anyone else here what it means to work your way up from the bottom. I also requested that he treat you not as my daughter, but as he would any other intern, and to be honest about your performance.”
“So… what are you saying? I won’t have a job here after I graduate?” My voice came out weaker than I’d intended, but I didn’t care. My mind was spinning, and I felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me.
Numerous scenarios had run through my head as I had made my way up here to have this conversation, but I could confidently say this was not one I had been prepared for.
My father contemplated for a few seconds before speaking again. “Once you graduate, you will apply for the job and go through the formal interview and recruitment process. If the individuals responsible for the hiring see you as a fit candidate based on your experience and academic record at that point, you will be hired.”
While trying to process what was being said, something occurred to me.
“What happens if they don’t like me and I don’t get hired? Or I do get hired but my ‘performance’ isn’t up to your standard? Who will take over once you retire?” I spoke slowly, and my voice was shaking now. I was genuinely hurt. I couldn’t believe this was happening.
What was I going to do if this didn’t work out? I didn’t have a backup plan because I didn’t think I would ever need one. For the first time in my life, I was unsure of my future. It was terrifying.
“When the time comes, I will choose whomever I believe is best suited and deserving of the role.”
Zac shifted in his seat and sat up a bit straighter. The move was so subtle that I barely caught it. But when I looked over, a half smile was tugging at the corner of his lips, threatening to break out as he tried to hold it back.
And that, my friends, was when it finally clicked.
He wants to be the one that gets chosen. That’s what this whole thing has been about. The sneaky, manipulative, conniving son of a bitch!
The rush of anger hit me like a ton of bricks as my head whipped between Zac and my father.
“What, do you meanhim?” I pointed my finger toward the rodent. “You cannot be serious. Dad, please, for the love of all logic and reason,pleasetell me you don’t meanZac.”I spat out his name like it was poison on my tongue.
“Milly, calm down. No decisions will be made for a very lon—”
“But you’re totally considering it, aren’t you? I can’t believe this. Dad, he’s a nightmare to work for!” The more I panicked, the louder my shaky voice became.
“And I’m not the only one that thinks so, I know I’m not! The other day one of the accounting interns came out of his office upset and crying. Is that really the type of person you want in charge? She doesn’t even report to him!”
I felt Zac stiffen beside me. For the first time so far during this meeting, he actually looked uncomfortable.
A beat of silence before my father asked, “Which intern? What is she talking about?”
Hah!
“Yelena Melnik,” I answered for him, crossing my arms triumphantly.
“Zac?”
“It is true that Yelena was in my office and that she may have left upset. However…” He hesitated and squirmed uncomfortably in his chair. “It was not work related.”
Oh.
Oh!
Ooohh.
Understanding washed over my father’s face, and then, almost immediately, his expression turned into concern. “You are aware that interpersonal relationships within the workplace are frowned upon. More specifically, they are strictly forbidden when it comes to our leadership teams… no exceptions.”
This really hadn’t led down the path I’d been expecting.
“Yes, Mr. Bloom, I am fully aware of the company policy. I ask that you trust that nothing happened and that the situation was handled appropriately.” A single glare was thrown my way, and I could see his ears reddening for the third time that day.
It felt way better than it should have to know I’d gotten under his skin.
