Chapter 14

I was a bundle of nerves on Monday morning. This was going to be the start of a massive few weeks. The drive to work was quiet, so quiet that I ended up 30 minutes early. As I entered the office, there were only a couple of other people there. The back-office light was also on, which meant Damian was already in as well.

“Good morning, Erin.” Damian’s voice was low as he walked past me.

I wasn’t aware he was there; his words made me jump. My heart pounded and I stumbled. He reached out a hand to catch me. That was the first time we touched each other. His touch was soft, gentle, and almost caring.

“My apologies, I didn’t mean to make you jump.” He spoke.

I paused; a mix of emotions ran through me. I wasn’t sure what to say. Our eyes were fixed on each other and I fell like I was frozen. I had to break away.

“Er, thank you. Good morning.” I fumbled with my words.

A small smile flashed across his face as he withdrew his hand and walked to his office. People filtered into the office, and we all started our day. Prue arrived shortly after and nudged me, seeing that I was distracted.

“Everything alright?” She asked.

I nodded, “all good.”

Cleo wasn’t convinced either; I could tell by the look on her face. Luckily, they both didn’t push the matter. Names started being called after the production meeting, one by one, once again people went in for their one to ones. Cleo was called a little before lunch. I decided to take my lunch break once Cleo was out of her meeting.

Cleo didn’t look happy as she walked over, “Kitchen, now!”

Prue stood to attention and followed. I was a few steps behind as I finished and sent the email; I was halfway through. Cleo was pacing as we entered.

“He is a total ass.” She grunted and flailed her arms around.

“What happened?” Prue asked.

“You’re going to find out this afternoon anyway in your one to one, but this is downright outrageous.” Cleo ranted.

Prue pushed again but something in my gut twisted. I had a feeling that I knew what was coming.

“He’s taking Dan’s account from you, Erin.”

“WHAT!” I spat.

“He wants Prue and I to work on the print run together.”

“What the FUCK! Are you serious?” I snapped.

“I told him we are a team. You’ve led us from day one, and you went out on a limb chasing this deal and secured it all on your own. It’s only right and fair that you follow this through and complete the job.” Cleo explained.

“What did he say?” Prue asked.

I looked at Prue, and she was suspiciously calm. I couldn’t help but wonder if she knew about this before we did.

“He said, it was the best way to progress Prue and me. If we succeed, then the client will come back for more. It would give us training, experience, and open potential progression roles for the future.”

“But where does that leave me?” I asked, shaken by the news.

“Oh, I asked that straight away. Apparently, he has plans for you.” Cleo stomped back and forth. “The way he said it, it was just creepy. Put me right on edge. I can’t take this account from you. We can’t take this account from you. You’ve put months into this, and not to mention Dan’s reaction.” Cleo rambled.

“Dan will be fine. He knows you both and I have full confidence that you will succeed with this. This is exactly what I've trained you for.” I conceded.

“How are you not angry about this?!” Cleo exclaimed.

“I am, trust me, I am. But he is the boss I cannot argue with him. If this is what he wants, then what can I do about it?”

“You could go to HR.” Cleo snapped. “Fight for yourself, the way you have fought for this contract.”

I knew she had a point, but was it really worth the hassle? I knew they were more than capable of finishing the job together, but where did that leave me? What plans did he have for me?