Negotiation

Unable to snap back to reality, Giselle suffered from the information she learned from Shane Ricardo.

'Become an Editor for THE JAYCE.'

Those words shocked Giselle more than anything.

Giselle confessed, "I think it would be too much for me to handle. It is just pressure. I'm not sure, Mr. Ricardo."

Shane remained calm throughout her turmoil. It was as if he had something valuable to lock her down from such negative outbursts and make her accept his offer. He patiently waited until Giselle withdrew herself from stuttering continuously.

...

However, the ranting kept going on and on that made Shane restrain her.

"You easily get scared Ms. Giselle," Shane threw a glance at her.

His fierce look made her stop spouting nonsense and get back to reality. For the moment, Giselle looked around to make sure nobody saw her embarrassing herself in front of her new boss.

No one did notice her though still, she felt sick for ruining the occasion. Shane noticed her discomfort and was set to convince her to infinity.

...

"Indeed he is our top best author, but as an Editor, don't you think that it is a golden opportunity?" Shane asserted.

"I understand that but my situation right now... if I don't have…" Giselle fought within.

"Your daughter, Lia?" Shane asked.

Giselle looked at him with a gloomy face.

"Yes. We just moved back here. I need to send Lia to school and take care of her. She's just a kid."

As a mother, her priority is only for her child, Lia.

"And you are complaining like a child that you can't do multitasking?"

His point of the reference hit her in the bullseye. Nothing can make Giselle feel more pathetic than being challenged about her skills. She hesitated to speak anymore.

"I understand that you have a child under your care. However, I hope and truly value your skill. So make sure to use it wisely. Jayce is a human being and not a monster. I'm sure you can become his very best editor."

His words warmed Giselle.

"And one more thing, Jayce is very understanding, and I told him about your situation. He's chill."

Giselle being concerned, with her words is still hesitating.

"It seems that you still can't believe in yourself. Well, here an enhanced version of my offer that none of the editors ever received. You can work for him, and if you can't handle the workload, I swear I will switch you to another author. Can you consider once again?" Shane declared.

This offer looked legit and suitable for Giselle's situation. She also knew that KeyLine publications were strict with editors. Once an editor is assigned an author, they won't change them easily. So this was a pretty big deal. Additionally, she gets to work with one of the best-selling authors. Giselle began to consider deeply about this opportunity.

"How about I give you a day to decide?"

Without giving her chance to speculate, Shane continued talking.

"Let me know it finally before rejecting it straight away. Deal?"

Shane being so considerate made Giselle agree without further pondering.

"Reasonable." She sighed.

"Alright. I will think about it and give you a reply by tomorrow."

Giselle accepted.

"That's good to hear. Let me know if there's anything I can help you. Oh, regarding Lia's school, I can recommend you to a good school. One of my friend's buddy is the principal there. I can talk to him if you want to!"

Startled from his kind gesture, Giselle responded.

"That would be very helpful. Sure."

"Hmm... and just because I do this help, you shouldn't consider my offer. Think about it carefully. I agree that being Jayce's editor will be a huge responsibility. However, I never assign the job to the wrong person. I have my way of understanding. I think you will do a good job as his editor."

Shane explained Giselle about her importance and the reason why he trusted her with such a responsible position.

"I understand," Giselle admitted.

Shane spoke no more and invited Giselle to enjoy the dinner.

The food tasted delicious as they both enjoyed their first meeting.

Instead of work, Shane asked Giselle about her previous work experiences. The two spoke casually throughout the rest of the dinner.

***

The Dinner date went successful for Shane as he did his best to convince Giselle to accept his offer. As for Giselle, she did her best not to ruin her image but still maintain composure for most parts of the dinner. She felt grateful for the golden opportunity and the consideration Shane had shown her.

The night ended with both parting ways with each other, Giselle thanked Shane for his invitation and for trusting her.

"It is nothing, Giselle. I know you are talented, and I know you would be the right choice. So- think about it carefully."

Shane praised her.

"It's getting late. I'll take leave then, be careful on your way home, Mr. Ricardo."

After saying goodbyes, Giselle boarded the cab safely back home.

Shane was in his car back home when he receives a call.