Dating For Decades Read Free

and breathe this job. If he ever came into my office, he’d see the to-do list I keep at my desk. My laptop comes home with me every single night, and if I’m out and about, I always keep my iPad Mini with me in case I need to access the network.
    He waves his hand at me in opposition. “You’re a great worker and an even better manager. However, it’s important to recognize when to delegate.”
    Delegation. This may be the most obscene word in the English language. It’s not that I don’t delegate any tasks, but if something needs to be done right, I do it myself. Let’s be serious here. While a wonderful team supports me, almost all are new college graduates. Not brand-new graduates (those kids work like horses because they want to impress me), but the ones with about three years under their belts. They do enough but are finding ways to slack off. I’m well aware of who they are (Kimmy, Julian, and Trevor). They don’t fool me one bit. Every review I receive, Terrence and I discuss delegation. And every year we agree I will try my hardest to divide up projects so I’m not taking on everything. I delegate one to two projects a year, but a majority of the time I work my tail off to do everything myself.
    “I don’t think I need to give the team any of the work I’m doing.” I don’t want to, either. I have a routine and like to keep busy.  
    “We really need to push play on the Pilot Project. The Board of Directors has given November first as a deadline.”
    “I can do that.” At least I hope I can since I just committed to it. Quite a lot still needs to be done, including coming up with a plan.
    “Cassie, I’m sure you would find a way to make it work, but I need this to be a top-notch production. I’m bringing in another person to help you out with the job.”
    “Excuse me?” My voice squeaks like a teenager, and in my head, I’m already across the desk with my hands around his throat. This is my project. I suggested we do it, and I presented it to the board. I’ll be damned if Terrence is taking it away from me.
    He releases his hands and sets them gently on his desk. “His name is Lucas, and I think you two will get along fine.”
    I don’t really care if I mesh with this guy because I’m not looking for a friend. “You’ve already hired somebody?” Terrence went ahead and posted the position and interviewed people? Why did he keep me in the dark about this? He and I — we’re a team. We discuss these things and make decisions together.
    “He graduated last month, and I think he’ll be a great asset. He can take the lead on the project, and you can help out when needed.”
    “Wait. Just graduated? As in, he’s never even stepped foot into a real environment and you’re going to put him on the Pilot Project? What is he, like your nephew or something?”
    “Actually, he is.”
    What the hell? Right now I can’t decipher if I’m shaking from the lack of carbohydrates and sugar in my system or the bubbling anger building inside of me. His nephew? A family member? This is completely unfair.
    “Cassie, I didn’t hire him because he’s my nephew. He’s good and really knows his stuff.”
    “So do I. I can do this on my own.” I’m stern with him, holding onto any bit of confidence I have left. I’m not having some young kid come in and upstage me. Especially not someone who got the job because of blood. My blood runs through this company, too, and in my opinion, in a much more deserving way.
    He taps his fingers on the desk before standing and walking to the window. He puts his hands in his pockets and stares out onto the lake. “One of the reasons I think you’re such a great worker is your desire to succeed. You don’t let anything stand in your way and, most times, complete the job on your own.”
    “Thank you.” So far, completely true. I feel a but coming on.
    “But.” There it is. “Sometimes certain deadlines get in the way, and you need to ask for assistance.”