Contract with the CEO

Claire walked behind Gary, an older man with a slight belly and silver hair, through an empty and dark office. She followed him into his office which was much larger and secluded than the open space most of the department worked in.

He pointed at the chair and she obediently sat down, still thrilled from the night.

Gary poured two glasses of champagne and passed her one of them, clinking her glass with a wide smile.

"Tonight was a major success, Claire." He drank the champagne.

"I'd like to think so. I never thought we will be able to get this contract."

"Come on! You did amazing! You absolutely deserved it. I do sincerely hope that you will lead this project."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course! God, you need to recognise how good you actually are." Gary chuckled at Claire's inability to recognise her work and talents. "Claire, you've done some splendid job over the last few years." Gary sat down behind his dark mahogany desk and lit up his cigar which he stacked in the drawer for days like this.

"Thank you." Claire blushed, still not accustomed to praise and compliments.

"You know, you have a very bright future ahead of you. Within five years you became our top team member, moving from a junior position to being the team lead and senior designer. It's rare to find a talent quite like yours."

"Oh, stop it." Claire waved her hand dismissively.

"You need to learn how to take compliments." Greg laughed again.

"Maybe," Claire admitted.

"Today was a grand success. Because of you, we've managed to secure the biggest contract in our company's history."

"I just did my job."

"And you did it well." Greg's smile dropped. "But I do want to run through an idea with you."

"Do you have to sound so ominous?"

"I will be retiring in a few months."

"Oh no! I don't think this department will be able to stand without you. You're like the pillar for us."

"Thank you for your kindness, Claire. I can't stay here forever and I'm sure you know that."

"That's truly a shame. Are you sure you can't spare us a few more years?"

"I was thinking about training my replacement over the next few months, and hence I've decided that it's time to find a replacement."

"I know my opinion is of little value but I highly recommend Derek."

"Derek is good, he's a great designer, but he isn't going to be a good leader. Never mind that he's going to butt heads with our 'beloved' CEO from the get-go, and he will buckle before making himself stand straight."

"Oh, then Zoe?"

"Claire, before you suggest every other member of our team, I was thinking that you'd do great."

"Me?!" Claire almost shouted. "I don't have as much experience as the others. They'll never listen to me. Besides, I can't deal with the boss. Every time he is due to come to check on our department I make sure to be in the field, assessing the land or progress of the build. I dread meeting him in person. He's dreadful enough through his notorious emails."

"That's why I will train you. I'll tell you how to deal with him and I'm sure you'll be fine. Besides, you're strong. You are going to get what you want."

"I'm not sure what to say."

"Just say yes, agree to it! Take this opportunity and go with the flow. If it's really horrendous you can always find someplace else. There are plenty of firms that will value you. Let me mentor you for the months to come and then you can see whether this place will benefit you enough or not."

"Thank you, Gary. Thank you so much." Claire struggled to contain her excitement.

"Your new role will bring you plenty of benefits, too. Including a much higher salary, which I know will help you and your family tremendously."

"It really will."

"How is your mother doing?"

"She's waiting for a transplant but the waiting list is long. I'm hoping to send her abroad or go private if things don't turn for better soon, but…"

"You can use that money." Gary sighed as he put the empty glass on his desk.

"Indeed." Claire nodded as she looked down at her almost empty glass. Her excitement was waning at a reminder of her family struggles.

"How's your father?"

"He quit his job last month to be able to care for my mum full-time. But he's okay."

"How are you keeping up?"

"I'm keeping up."

"If you need anything you know where to find me."

"Thank you, Gary."

"Does it mean that you accept the position?"

"Yes! I'd love to."

"That's great. I'll announce it on Monday. Go, have rest, and enjoy your weekend as much as you can, or rather what's left of it."

"Thank you." Claire stood up and shook Gary's hand before taking her leave. It was already 2 am on Sunday and she was exhausted after the banquet at the client's new site opening. She slowly made her way out of the building, still wearing her long black dress and high heels that started to become bothersome. As she stepped outside, the cold air woke her back up again. She slowly eked across the square, towards the car park where she left her crappy hatchback. The dark car park did make her uneasy but the reminder of being in her bed soon enough was good enough encouragement.

It took Claire a few minutes to remember which floor she parked on, and then a few more to find her keys in her tiny purse that was loaded with all the essentials.

Claire stopped with the keys in her hand as she was sure that someone was watching her, but as she turned around, there was no one around and nothing else besides a few more cars. One car drew more attention due to its lavish style, but nothing else seemed to be standing out. Claire quickly got into her green-coloured and rusted car and drove off hurriedly, checking her mirrors regularly, still feeling as if someone was watching her. That feeling thankfully eased off as she drove out of the parking lot and drove onto the road.