Chapter Three

I smirked at the glowing reflection in the tall mirror.

Why?

Because I had to remind myself that I was a winner despite any defeat. That I was successful even without the title I craved for. No. I did not get the denied notice for the position, however a part of me knew there was no chance for me.

I watched as my hope plummeted. I watched as my nemesis woe the current boss and the CEO's, hoping to bribe her way into the spotlight. I watched as she showered them with praise, gifts, and her stories of her travels and success. Me? I had nothing much to offer but a smile to go with my winning attitude, which seemed to be beaten to nothing.

As I dressed, I prepared myself for another day. I just hope it’s the day they break the ice, letting me know that Emilia had won the position....

“Hello?” I put the phone to my ear, my lips narrowed as I listened to the caller yell into the phone.

“May I speak to someone regarding my account?”

“Yes, hold on one moment please.”

I transferred the call to accounting support before I placed the phone onto the receiver. My presence was almost useless. Answering calls and transferring to correct operators was all I did here and I had to admit, it was deadening.

“Any word?” Lulu stumbled over to my desk, her laptop in one hand and a cup of her normal coffee in the other.

“Nope.” I fiddled with a number two pencil that was on my desk.

“Oh.”

Oh? What happened to her words of wisdom? Her high hopes? Where are her words of endearment that hyped up my feelings? I guess they died with my hopes. She leaned against my desk, her long silken hair brushed against my pen holder.

“No need to pout Karina. You are great at what you do.”

“But this is not all I want to do.” I reminded her of my current situation. How I was left to sit at a desk most of the day, answering and directing phone calls to desired lines, faxing and filing paperwork for the top executive. “Five years Lulu.”

I have been with this company since I was about nineteen. I grew with the company. I learned from all who came and left through the front door of this building. I knew just as much as others who were ranked.

I guess I just wanted my time to show my skill.

“Don’t doubt yourself, you still have time.” Lulu sipped her coffee, winking as she walked away from my desk.

“I guess.” I twirled the sharpened pencil between my fingers.....

I slipped out of my comfortable UGG slippers and into my pumps. I pushed away from desk, not before I grabbed my electronic planner and my cellular phone. The corridor was at its busiest so I knew I had to be on my toes today.

I slipped pass busy messengers and employees who seemed to be in an immediate rush just like I was. I said my greetings, smiled, expressing my bubbly personality despite my need to get where I needed to be.

Reaching the large glass door, I knocked to alert him of my presence. He commanded for me to come in. I opened the door, closing the door behind me to create a wall of privacy for him to speak. Finally, he looked up from his paper work, his eyes quickly scanned over my appearance before he proceeded to speak.

“Ah Ms. Allen, how are you this evening?”

“I'm doing well Mr. Lynch.” I bit my tongue, ignoring his eyes that seemed to burn through the buttons of my silk blouse. I had half a mind to speak out on it; however my words would only leave me on the streets or back at my grandmother's house.

“That is great.” He shot me a quick wink before he began to shuffle through his cluttered desk. “Well, I have a bit of news for you.”

News? Oh no. My fingers clutched onto my electronic devices as my mouth suddenly dried up. This was not the time to share some news.

“News?” I searched my mouth for even a droplet of saliva.

“Yes.” Even when giving bad news, Mr. Lynch was known for being optimistic about it. He was one to tell they diagnosed you with a fatal illness with a grin stretched across his face.

“Oh.”

“So just as Emilia, you gave your presentation regarding the open position as lead manager in financing and communication.”

“Y-yes.” Beads of sweat began to form on the back of my neck.

“The CEO's enjoyed the presentations that you both presented earlier this week.” His fingers locked. “This Friday, they are meeting with Emilia to give her the news.”

Emilia. Just as I thought, she became the lead manager. She won them over. With her alluring smile and fancy attire and jewels, she could woe them into accepting her ass their new manager. I guess I should congratulate her.

If I could muster up the energy to do so.

“Oh. Thank you for letting me know.” I felt ill suddenly. My stomach began to clinch along with my fast beating heart. I knew my defeat would take a toll on me however I did not know it would be so heart breaking.

“Congratulations.” Mr. Lynch smiled.

“Hmm?”

“Congratulations.” He repeated.

“I-I don't understand.”

“Well, the CEO’s enjoyed the interesting presentation that Ms. Filter put together, however they seemed to be drawn to yours. They said it held facts rather than opinions created by one's mind. It had doable objectives and seemed to be created by someone who wanted a change rather than financial gain. They said someone who would be great for the position created it.”

My body was as still as stone. Unable to move a muscle to even use my body, let alone speak, I just stared into the eyes of my messenger. Congratulations? My hands by my side, I slid my hands across my mid-thigh, taking a piece of skin between my fingers before I squeezed. Pinching myself, I had to make sure that the news that I was receiving was real.

My skin sizzling from the pinch, I snapped back into reality. This was real. I, Karina, have taken on the title of Lead manager of the financing and communication department of Megatone.

“Wow.” Seemed to be the only words I could use to express my inner emotions.

“I see that it still surprises you.” He reached into his desk, pulling a yellow envelope from his drawer. “As tradition, The CEO's have to enforce a meeting with the ranked manager, inviting them for a weekend to enjoy and also discuss a few things with them.”

Unable to use words, I nodded. He handed me the envelope. Regaining my strength, I reached, snatching it from his grasp. I have become accustom to the ritual of sending the new managers away upon their promotion. I just wondered where. A spa? A night getaway?

“Inside should be all the information regarding where you will be staying. Hotel information, tickets. Anything they believe you would need.”

I opened the envelope, my cheeks burning because of my immobility to destroy the smile painted onto my face. I pulled the material from the pouch. My smile fell. Inside, was a hotel brochure for the city of Venice?

“Europe?” I pulled a few more things that settled at the bottom of the envelope. There was a key and also a map of the city with a marked off location on it. Alongside the marking was side note.

Your Villa awaits.

Also in the envelope was a round trip boarding pass and a few pamphlets about the city. Tourist spots and need-to-see destination booklets.

“Europe sounds fun.” I glanced up at him, watching as his eyes looked at the pamphlet that was clutched in my shaky hands.

“Europe?” I asked again. No. This has to be a dream.

“Congratulations Ms. Allen.” He said once again....