“I’d like to extend my thanks for the good job you’ve been doing. You’re really showing what you’re capable of, and I feel lucky to have you on my team. Keep up the great work,” Marilyn said, smiling warmly.
I was in shock. She rarely gave out compliments of any kind. I had to switch gears from thinking I would get into trouble to feeling the magnitude of her praise.
“The more things I do, the more I learn. This is a wonderful place to work, and I’m enjoying my job,” I told her.
She nodded. “Yes, I like it here too. Sure, there are some people who make it more difficult, but you’ll find that anywhere. Speaking of which, the firm would like me to take you out for dinner on their dime. Are you free tonight?”
“As it happens, I am. Where should I meet you and when?” I wondered if it would just be Marilyn and me or if others from the company would be coming. I didn’t want to ask in case it was a surprise.
“No need to drive separate cars. Why don’t you meet me at my place at 6:30 p.m.?”
“That works for me,” I said, a little too excitedly.
“Great. Start thinking of what restaurant you want to go to. Make sure you pick your favorite, most expensive one,” she suggested.
I left her office feeling elated and thankful that I was being appreciated for my hard work. No sooner did I make it back to my desk than Laura called me.
“Mr. Farthington would like you in his office in five minutes, please,” she told me.
I tried not to be nervous as I made my way up, but it was a natural response to the big boss wanting to talk to you. I hoped the meeting would turn out as it had with Marilyn because I was still riding that happy trail and didn’t want my good mood deflated.
“Come in, Chris.” Mr. Farthington waved me to the chair opposite him. I’d respected this man a lot in the past few months. He was one of those employers that didn’t think of themself and was self-important. He knew every employee’s name and liked knowing your personal story. At no time did I feel like he looked down on me. He was just a nice guy in a high financial position. I heard he was a rags-to-riches kind of story, and that was likely why he was so genuine and friendly with everyone who worked for him.
I sat down and waited for him to tell me why I was there.
“Chris, you are my diamond in the rough. Everyone is singing your praises. How are you feeling about your work here?” He sat back in his black leather chair and smiled.
“I’m loving it here. I was actually just telling Marilyn earlier,” I told him.
“Wonderful. We’ve been hearing nothing but great things about you. Do you have any plans beyond being her personal assistant? Are you planning on getting your law degree?”
I sat for a moment, wondering how I should answer that. “I don’t see myself as becoming a lawyer, no, but I do want to continue to work alongside them. I would like to become a manager of some sort. Perhaps managing the office and other assistant managers.”
Mr. Farthington nodded. “I see. Wonderful. You like to remain behind the scenes and help elevate everyone around you to their highest level. That’s just as important in a law firm. Good to know.” He leaned forward and lowered his voice. “And how are we doing on Marilyn? Do you feel that she is becoming more of a team player?”
Not this again.I was hoping this had been forgotten. I didn’t like spying on her, but I didn’t want to ruin my chances at advancing in this company either. I felt like I was betraying her trust by keeping tabs on her. I was in a tough spot. “I feel that Marilyn is slowly learning that teamwork is better for her in the long run. I’m still working on it.”
“Good. Our goal is to advance her to partner. We just have to ensure she’s ready for what that will entail, and unfortunately, teamwork is a big one. Without teamwork, her ship will sink fast. She’s lucky she has you to help her.”
I left his office feeling conflicted. I was happy that they approved of the work I’ve been doing, but I was a little stressed that they still expected me to spy on Marilyn and try to work on her teamwork issues.
Marilyn and I had a great dinner, and we were just having an after-dinner liquor when she asked me a question that stunned me. She seemed really relaxed and at ease with me now, and we enjoyed getting to know each other better. I even think she was flirting with me.
“Do you want to come to my place after for a nightcap?” I swear I heard some nervousness in her voice, which caught me off-guard.
“Yes, sure. That would be great,” I agreed.Who is this woman, and where did the real Marilyn go?I certainly wasn’t going to complain.
Once we got into her house, she headed straight for the liquor cabinet and asked me what I’d like. I went for the vodka, and she went for the whiskey.
“I toast you to a job well done,” she said, and then we downed the shot. She refilled our shot glasses with another round. “This is just for fun.”
I think we had at least six or seven hots, but I may have lost count. We were both sitting on the floor.
“How did we end up here again? I’m having Deja vu,” Marilyn said, slurring her words.
“I don’t think I can stand up,” I told her, hoping she wasn’t going to send me home now.
“Here, let me help you,” she said, struggling to her feet.