“Are you going to be okay?”
It took her only a second to imagine what she must look like through his eyes—a jealous, paranoid middle-aged woman. She inhaled. “Yes. Of course. I’ll be fine. I’m just tired.” But she seriously wondered if that were true. She also wondered if everything she was feeling was warranted. Deep down, she felt trapped, stuck, as if she had no power or control over what happened in her life.
And she had no one to blame but herself.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Early the next morning, Nora entered her place of work. Just inside the iron-framed double doors, she stopped to take in the modern and bright space with its sweeping staircase across the main floor that led to her office on the second floor. For a moment, she admired the vast open work space at IMPACT. Dozens of open-office desks were separated by lush tropical plants, giving employees a sense of privacy. The large-paned floor-to-ceiling windows provided plenty of natural light, and at both ends of the room were comfy couches and low padded tables for employees to take a break and put up their feet.
Nora felt lucky to be a part of such a chill work culture. Comfort and practicality were key; the dress code was casual. IMPACT celebrated and rewarded workers for their efforts. What a concept, she thought.
On the second floor as she passed by Jane’s office, she noticed that the blinds covering the glass wall were open. Jane was sitting at her desk, the phone pressed to her ear when she waved her in. Nora stepped inside, closed the door quietly behind her, and then took a seat in one of the plush leather chairs in front of Jane’s desk.
Jane laughed at something the caller said, then after another minute said goodbye and ended the call. Jane’s gaze connected with hers, but she didn’t say anything.
Nora had the urge to put up a hand and wave it in front of Jane’s face. Instead, she cleared her throat.
Jane blinked. “So good to see you.”
“Thank you. It’s good to be back.”
“What did you think about Hailey’s new hair color?”
“It could have been worse,” Nora said. “She could have pierced her eyebrow and tongue.”
“You didn’t like it?” Jane asked.
Nora wasn’t going to say anything about it, but since she was asking, she figured it might be best to let Jane know she didn’t appreciate Jane allowing her daughter to color her hair without consulting her. Before she could express her view, though, Jane said, “I thought she looked like one of the cool kids. The lavender goes perfect with her fair skin tone.” Jane began stacking files while she talked. “People with purple hair are thought to be incredibly imaginative.”
Nora said nothing. What would be the point?
“Trevor would do well with a little color . . . maybe a splash of green on the bangs area to give him some personality.”
Nora tensed. “Trevor is fine just the way he is.”
Jane made a face that told Nora she disagreed. Then she pushed a notepad and pen across her desk toward Nora. “Come on. Team meeting in conference room B.” She glanced at the time. “We’re late.”
“This is the first I’ve heard of it. I’d rather skip it. I need time to catch up and see what I’ve missed.”
“Come on,” Jane said brightly. Despite her tone, she held a look of superiority, as if she were testing Nora. “I’d like you to be there.”
Nora drew in a breath before reluctantly standing and following Jane from the room.
Team meetings at Nora’s last workplace were usually a bit chaotic, everyone talking at once, tossing ideas back and forth until something stuck. But here at IMPACT, the atmosphere bordered on stifling. Most of the seats were filled, everyone sitting quietly, spines straight, notebooks flat on the table, pens ready to go, a murmur here and there.
Jane went to the head of the table and took a seat. She offered no warm greeting or good morning. Once Nora was seated, Jane looked straight at her. “I thought it would be nice if Nora let us all know how her trip went.”
Nora felt the blood rush to her face. “Maybe tomorrow would be better.” She looked around the table at all the faces. “My apologies. I had no idea there was a team meeting scheduled this morning, and I’m not prepared.”
“The truth is,” Jane said, “Nora killed it. I talked to more than one trade show attendee, and they were impressed by Nora’s presentation, noting that she represented our company well.”
“Thank you,” Nora said. “The venue was incredible, and I found the social support at the event to be empowering. The experience gave me the opportunity to talk to business owners from all over the world. People who are eager to implement software that increases productivity and workflow.”
“I was told you listened to potential clients’ concerns and that you were personable and passionate about making management and employee training a number one priority when implementing our software. Excellent work.”
Everyone in the room clapped.
Nora blushed.
“This is why I wanted you here,” Jane said. “I have exciting news to share.”
Nora felt like a fraud. The truth was, the hotel in Paris had been magnificent, and she had met some friendly people, but overall, the trip had been a time suck.
“The feedback has been overwhelming, and for that reason, I have decided to make a new position here at IMPACT. This position would allow a representative of the company to travel around the world and speak at only the most influential shows about the importance of spending time and money up front to train employees and customers on our software so companies can get on track quicker and easier.”
Nora took another look at the employees sitting at the table, wondering whom Jane had selected for the job. Oddly, everyone was looking at Nora.
The look Jane gave Nora made her nervous.
“We took a vote yesterday,” Jane said, “and decided you would be perfect.”
Nora had no words. Had she heard right? Finally, she raised a hand to her chest. “Me? You want me to travel around the world on IMPACT’s behalf?”
Jane nodded, clearly pleased with herself.
Nora was speechless. This wasn’t the time or place to tell Jane that she was absolutely, 100 percent out of her mind. There was no way Nora was leaving her family to jet around the world talking about software.
“Think about it,” Jane said, most likely noting her reticence. “That’s all I’m asking.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
That same evening, as Nora made a salad to go with the pizza she’d picked up on her way home, she couldn’t stop thinking about Jane’s ridiculous new job offer. They were a software company. They made a product to help companies run their businesses more effectively. She shook her head. What exactly was Jane up to?
Trevor walked into the kitchen. “What’s for dinner?”
“Pizza and salad.”
“Cool.”
“Do you know where Hailey is?” Nora asked. Last she’d heard, Hailey was going to be dropped off by one of the cheer team’s mothers.
Trevor pulled his phone from his pocket. “I’ll text her.”
Before he could send the message, the front door opened and closed. Nora walked over to see who it was and saw Hailey zip past, rushing up the stairs, something wrapped tightly within her hooded sweatshirt. “Hailey!” she called. “Dinner is ready!” Nora was halfway up the stairs when Hailey told her she was going to change her clothes and then she’d be right down.