How much can one woman take?
Celia loves her job, but she and her friend Addie have
become targets of their hostile manager and a conniving
colleague.
Fearful of speaking up and losing her job, Celia must decide
what's more important to her: her integrity and self-respect,
or a job that she loves. It's a choice that no one should
have to make in today's world, and yet it's a dilemma to which most people can relate.
The south-facing cafeteria, surrounded by windows, overlooked Boston harbor. Bright yellow chairs and freshly cleaned stark-white tables filled the sunlit room. Except for a couple laughing at a table close by, the large room was quiet.
Celia had ten minutes before her breakfast partner would arrive. Through the window she watched commuters disembark the ferry at the dock below—they scurried into cabs, cars, subway terminals, and office buildings on their way to whatever the day held in store for them.
Emma approached and sat opposite her breakfast date. “Have you met the new girl?” she asked immediately. Her discomfort apparent.
“Surprise! Surprise! I didn’t even know there WAS a new girl until this morning when Joanne told me five minutes before I left to come here.” Celia lifted her oversized coffee cup and took a sip. “I saw her in Joanne’s office, but I haven’t been officially introduced. She looks familiar—I think she was at a fundraiser sponsored by William’s company. When was she hired?”
“I have no idea when or how she was hired. I didn’t interview her—I met her this morning. Her name’s Violet. She seemed awkwardly quiet.” Emma squeezed lemon into her tea.
“You haven’t met her before today? That seems odd. Now I’m worried.” Maybe she’s here as my replacement. Celia’s heart skipped a beat. It feels as though I’m being left out of a lot of stuff around here. I thought we were supposed to be included in the interviews when someone new is hired for my team. Quite frankly, I’m confused—and concerned.” Celia leaned back in her chair and rapidly shook her leg.
“First of all, you’re not being left out of anything—I’m confused too. I heard the position was created for her. I think she’s the sister-in-law of Joanne’s cousin’s husband’s friend’s brother. Something like that.”
“Guess that’s what you call six degrees of nepotism.” Celia grimaced as she sipped her coffee.
“I’m kidding, I don’t think she has that kind of chain of reference. My point is that I’m almost certain she knows someone and got the job through a connection. You have to believe me, Celia, I didn’t know anything about a new hire for your team.” Emma looked toward the pastry cart. “I’m going to get a caramel-apple muffin. You’ll share it with me?” Emma stood and walked toward the muffin cart before Celia could respond.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.