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Hope bit her bottom lip, stopping the tears in their tracks. Then she leaned back in her chair, a hot furnace kindling in her gut at the sight of her motivational poster, which now looked pathetic. The threat of tears was gone, but her anger was increasing like a steam engine building speed.
Those bastards. I’m sure they think I’ll meekly accept this and go on being dull, predictable Hope. How could they have selected Greg over me?
Only one way to find out . . .
Hope marched toward the executive wing. Seeing Terrance’s door open, she walked straight into his office before she could second-guess herself.
“Do you have a few minutes? I’d like to discuss the promotion with you.” She worked to keep the edge out of her voice.
“I’m sure you’re not thrilled right now. I’m sorry.” He leaned back in his chair, wearing a charcoal-gray suit and blue tie today. Still right out of Inc. Magazine.
A flush rose up her neck and face. “Could you please tell me how you believed that a man ten years younger than me, with much less experience and from an outside company, was more qualified for this position?”
Terrance sighed and shifted in his chair. “This was one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever had to make. It was really close between you two. We simply felt Greg’s long-term prospects were a better fit for this hotel.” He leaned forward, one finger pressing into his blotter. “This does not mean we don’t appreciate you or the excellent work you do. You’re a key part of this operation, and your experience here isn’t lost on any of us.”
Hope fought to hide her anger. “Oh yes, experience. This position last opened up four years ago. It was you, Terrance, who told me I didn’t have enough experience to apply. And so I waited and got that experience, yet here we are. You still gave the position to someone much less qualified.”
Terrance narrowed his eyes. “No, he is not less qualified than you. We simply thought he was a better fit for this position.”
Oh, bullshit.
He leaned back in his chair. “Look, you still have a very promising future here.”
“Oh, do I? It doesn’t seem so from where I’m sitting. In fact, it seems like the handwriting on the wall is pretty clear right now. The only future I have here is as front-desk manager, and I’m ready for more.” She was breathing hard now and inhaled deeply as she came to a decision. “If I can’t get that experience here, I’ll look for opportunities elsewhere. It’s not like there aren’t any other hotels near one of the biggest airports in the country. There’s plenty of competition around here. And you’ve proven that outside candidates are extremely valuable.”
Nope, not letting a man push me around. Never again.
“So, I am officially giving my notice of resignation. I’ll write it up and give you a formal letter on Monday.” She started to walk out, a wave of pride sweeping through her gut.
“Hope!” Terrance’s voice radiated alarm, much to her satisfaction. “Don’t do this. Today is Friday—take the rest of the afternoon off. You’ll feel better by Monday.”
She stopped and looked back at him. “I doubt that, Terrance.”
* * *
Hope pulled her stocking cap down, ducking her head from the wind as she rushed back to her car with a bottle of wine. Her triumph of pride after leaving Terrance’s office had turned into a morass of anxiety. Her apartment was only a few miles from the Rosemont Inn, which meant it was also only a few miles from countless other hotels surrounding O’Hare Airport. That made her feel a little better about her prospects for a new job.
Entering her apartment, she opened the wine and poured a healthy glass, taking a sip as she turned on the fireplace. She slumped onto her couch before opening her laptop and bringing up a job search site. Let’s see . . . lots of openings at hotels in the area. Plenty of entry-level jobs, but I want something more challenging than what I do now.
She tipped her head back and rubbed her temples.
Is this really what I want to keep doing? I have a business degree, for God’s sake. That should apply to lots of positions.
She shut the laptop and took another drink of wine. She was dizzy, and it wasn’t from the alcohol. It was hard to believe how much her life had been turned upside down in a few weeks.
Hope was equally elated at and terrified by her present situation. Elated at herself for standing up to Terrance and terrified at having no safety net now. Safety had always been her top priority. She watched the sliding-glass door as the wind blew sleet against it, the needles leaving dots of water on the glass.
This isn’t the first time you’ve had to start over, and it’s certainly not the first time you’ve faced a difficult situation.
Hope snorted and lifted her glass in an imaginary toast. “Dad, you might have been a Class-A asshole, but you taught me how to survive without you. I’ll survive this too.”
CHAPTER 6
As Hope took a sip of wine after her toast, her phone rang. Sara’s name flashed on the screen. Hope thought about not answering, but Sara could be like a terrier chasing a rabbit when she was determined. She swiped to answer the call.
“Happy Birthday, big sis!”
Hope laughed and threw an arm over her eyes. “Thanks. Would you believe I completely forgot it’s my birthday?”
