“Look, based on what Mr. Whitmore wants right now he is going to have to select two people from this team to be project leaders. It’s a lot of extra work but it also pays extra. If you’re interested just fill out the project leader form on our shared drive. Everyone that wants a chance to be a leader has to submit one and he will make the decision. This could be a good way to show your initiative to the big boss too.”
I nod. “Thanks David. I will do that. And thanks for offering your help earlier.”
“No problem. I’ll catch up to you later,” David says as he exits my office.
I close my eyes. So the CEO who just ignored me is going to select the girl who has been here less than a month and who he just ignored? I snort in a breath. It’s a long shot to say the least. I take the last gulp of my coffee which has now turned lukewarm. I don’t even care because my mind is racing with a million thoughts, and I don’t want to stop and go refill my cup. I shut my office door, sit back in my chair sighing out loud. I pull out my phone to do a quick check-in with Beth.
Me: Morning! How are things going?
Beth: Slow. I’m going to send Ashley home early and then take stock.
Me: Okay. Sounds good.
Beth: How about you?
Me: Well, the CEO basically just ignored me.
Beth: What do you mean?
Me: I asked if he wanted my help and he literally ignored me.
Beth: I’m sure you’re just imagining it.
Me: I’ve had five cups of coffee so I doubt it.
Beth: Slow down with the caffeine! Do you really care that he ignored you?
Me: Well yeah. It was rude.
Beth: I feel like you’re not telling me something.
Me: Like what?
Beth: I don’t know. My spidey-senses tell me you might like him.
Me: Like him? I don’t even know the man. I have spoken two sentences to him since I started here.
Beth: Right. But I’m not an idiot. Jared Whitmore is well known in this town, and not just because of his contributions to the community.
Me: Ok?
Beth: Lace. He’s a seriously good-looking guy. Not like I haven’t seen his picture.
Me: He’s handsome. So what.
Beth: You can be attracted to him. Just say it.
Me: I’m not attracted to him.
Beth: I call bull.
Me: Whatever. I’m not attracted to him. I’ll talk to you later. Gotta get back to work!
Beth: *eye roll emoji*. Who’s ignoring who now!? We aren’t done with this conversation!
I laugh and put my phone back in my bag and go download the project leader form David told me about then I tab over to my inbox that now has twenty new emails. I’m not sure if I can handle the extra responsibility if I’m chosen to be a team leader but I know I have to try. The extra money alone would be worth the stress. And if it means I might get to see a super handsome CEO a little more, then that’s just an added bonus.
Chapter six