going. We’ve already bought the tickets, but Andrew unfortunately can’t
attend.”
“Oh.” Andrew was in marketing. Christina was still trying to learn all
the new faces and names, but she remembered Andrew as a burly, cheerful
man who usually bragged about his kids. He was likeable and kind.
“I was hoping that you’d attend in his place. The tickets were
expensive, but that isn’t the point. You’re one of our newest team members
and I know you’re new to the city. I think it would be a good opportunity to
network.”
Christina wanted to cringe. She hated that word. Network. People just
threw it around so casually. Michelle really meant what she was saying, but
usually it was code for sit there, look good, tow the line, and be bored to
freaking death all night so that we can look like we care about our
community.
Christina had little doubt that the evening would be no better than
listening to a group of thirty people scrape their nails down individual
chalkboards.
“Absolutely.” She gave Michelle the same winning smile she gave to
clients who she was going to deny for any sort of funding. “Sounds like it’ll
be amazing.”
“Great. I have a busy morning, but I’ll send you all the details this
afternoon.”
Christina nodded. Michelle left, and she even shut the door behind her.
Christina spun her chair around and stared at the back of her desk. It looped
around in a U shape. The back half had cabinets up top that locked and a
few shelves below where she liked to keep books and a couple potted
plants. Other people tacked photos of their kids or spouse up there, or other
far too personal things. Her space was decidedly empty.
She didn’t make a sound, but she did scrunch up her nose at the books
on the back of her desk. She made sure that she was out of sight from the