Unexpected Interruptions Read Free

to be in the program? In the end he realized it was both. Her outstanding reviews, high praise from the executive team, and her record of achievement made her a prime candidate. And an added bonus was that he would finally be able to spend time with the woman he’d been thinking about and desiring from afar.
    â€œTed . . . again, I appreciate the consideration and vote of confidence. But as I said, it’s bad timing.”
    â€œI must say, I’m disappointed.” Ted leaned back in his chair, quickly plotting his next move. “The nominations won’t be finalized until next Friday. I’d like you to take a week and think it over,” he asked, masking his desperation. He stood and buttoned his suit jacket, signaling that he was about to leave.
    Victoria rose on cue. “All right, I’ll think about it,” she said, even though she knew her answer wouldn’t change.
    As she watched him walk out of her office, she could feel there was something arrestingly different about him. He wasn’t like most executive types she knew. He seemed familiar, almost like she knew him, even though this was only their third encounter.
    Just as she returned to her desk to finish her paperwork, Denise, her administrative assistant, walked through the door. She stood there, arms crossed and staring. “Girlfriend, what kind of excuse are you gonna come up with for not accepting that man’s EMP nomination? Telling him you can’t dedicate one-hundred percent is some bullshit that ain’t gonna fly.”
    â€œHave you been out there listening?”
    â€œAbsolutely. You know I gotta get the 411,” she grinned.
    Victoria pictured Denise standing outside her door with a glass cupped to her ear like a detective in a 1960’s spy movie. Denise called Victoria by her given name in the presence of their colleagues, but when they were alone she affectionately referred to her as “Girlfriend.”
    Denise was impeccably dressed, well-organized, and knew her job inside-out. She was an unabashed woman who could read you like last week’s news, yet be gentle as a lamb when the occasion warranted. There were three things about Denise that were constant: She always smelled of Chanel No. 5, her pretty, apple-shaped face always boasted a smile, and she always shot straight from the hip, never sugar coating anything. She had an Associate’s degree in Administrative Office Technology and a PhD in common sense. She was sharper than a J.A. Henckels carving knife, and Victoria relied heavily upon her insight.
    â€œDenise, why didn’t you tell me that Ted Thornton was coming to my office? I was completely caught off-guard.”
    â€œSorry. He must’ve come by my desk while I was in the copy room,” Denise said, handing Victoria a thick stack of papers. “When I came back your door was half-closed. I was going to come in and see what was going on, but then I heard you two talking, and well . . . I listened because Mr. Thornton never comes down to anyone’s office,” she said, placing her hands on her ample hips.
    â€œI’m shocked. I just knew that Patricia had the nomination in the bag, at least that’s what she’s been telling everyone. Can you imagine how embarrassing it’s going to be for her when she finds out that she’s not one of the ten nominees?”
    â€œThat’s her problem. This is one time she can’t throw her legs open to get what she wants. That woman is so shady, I wouldn’t trust her with the keys to the shit house.”
    â€œDamn!” Victoria laughed. “You’re right about that. But seriously, Ted Thornton can give me a week or even a month, I’m not going to change my mind.”
    â€œAnd you shouldn’t. You’ve put your dream on hold long enough. You have to make yourself happy, Girlfriend.”
    â€œTell me about it. I’m tired of running my business on the side and trying to