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“Remember that big promotion I was up for?”
“Of course. You were going to become head of the entire art department.”
He’d been gunning for that promotion ever since he left Morgan’s Bay behind. His boss had promised him in due time, when the current head retired, Nolan was the only candidate. He started off in the art department, creating promotional images that were used in global campaigns, and moved on to product development where he found his real calling. From there he oversaw a small team. He loved being part of the process from start to finish. He threw his entire life into his work, rising through the ranks, and proving to be an important asset to the company by winning countless accolades within the industry. His boss, the CEO of Wallace Enterprises, the leading global provider of housewares, loved him and promised if he stuck around, he wouldn’t be disappointed.
“They gave my promotion to the CEO’s nephew.”
Milo’s eyes shot wide. “What? The bastard promised you. That’s why you turned down that other offer.”
Nolan shoved a brownie in his mouth as if the sweetness would somehow counteract the bitterness in his mind. “Yeah well,” he said around the brownie. “Turns out blood is more important, or in George’s case, avoiding a fight with his wife.”
“Unbelievable.”
“That’s not even the worst part.”
“It gets worse?”
“They expected me to train the guy. No promotion, no raise, but here I was, training the guy who stole the position I earned because he was born into the right family.”
“Please tell me you quit before you taught him anything useful.”
“I made it two days before I snapped.”
“Good!” Milo declared. “Serves them right.”
“The guy didn’t even know basic graphic design. How the hell was he going to oversee an entire department that revolved around that very concept? Taking a couple graphic design and business classes in college was not enough. He had no experience in the field. Department budgets, which he was so keen on, aren’t even a tenth of what his role entails. How was he going to answer one of the designer’s questions, or offer any input in meetings about new products, or promotional artwork? I wasn’t going to sit around and watch that ship sink.”
“You made the right choice, but it still sucks. You gave them so much of your time.”
“First and only internship when I was nineteen.”
“They offered you a full-time job shortly after that and paid for half your schooling.”
Nolan deepened his voice to mimic George. “They were investing in my future at the company.” He crumpled up a napkin and tossed it onto the table. “If I’d known they were going to screw me, I might not have been so excited for the opportunity.”
“Don’t waste your time on regrets. It’s a dark road that’ll get you nowhere. Time to look forward. Figure out your next moves. Any ideas?”
“Not a single one. I quit out of anger and frustration. You know me, I always have a damn plan, and for the first time in my life, I have no idea what the hell I’m going to do.”
“With your resume and qualifications, I’m sure you’ll find something in no time.”
“I have enough money in the bank to keep me afloat for a while. I think… I don’t want to think. I want to have a real summer, something I haven’t done in a very long time. No work, no stress, just me and the beach. Maybe a few barbeques.”
“I think I can help with that.”
“If Harper lets me on the property.”
“I told you, one night of bitchfest, and all will be forgotten.”
Nolan raised his eyebrow. “You and I both know that is a damn lie.”
Milo looked down at his phone. “Sorry to cut this short, but duty calls,” he said. “Have to go pick up a group of four at McConnell’s.” Milo owned his own rideshare company, and the summer was his busiest time.
“I need to stop in and see Connor, grab a burger.”
“If you’re free tomorrow at noon, I’ll be in there for lunch. We can catch up some more.”
“I’ll be there.”
