“So, in conclusion, I think our team has the experience and skill to take over the Raven Lake Development Project.”
Seri finished speaking and thumped back down into his seat. Richard stood on the other side of Seri’s desk and clapped enthusiastically.
“That was your best run-through yet, sir! I liked the bit you added about Mika and Ken’s experience from last year’s project. I think it shows you really know all the details of what your team does. They’ll say yes, no doubt about it!”
Seri fanned himself with a battered copy of his script. He normally felt confident giving presentations, but the stakes for this particular talk were high enough to rattle his nerves. If he could secure this project for the team, it would mean sizable bonuses for everyone.
“Really? You think it sounded okay? Be honest.”
Richard handed him a glass of water. “It sounded perfect. Even better than usual.”
Seri got up to nervously pace behind his desk. “It’s just… I don’t want to let everyone down with this one. You all deserve to handle this project. Plus, the extra pay…” Seri glanced at the clock. Maybe I have time to practice one more time…
Richard stepped backward to flip the lock on Seri’s office door, then went to intercept Seri mid-pace.
“Seri. It’s perfect. You’ll do wonderfully, like you always do. I know it.”
Seri brushed a hand through his hair. “Okay, okay, you’re right. I don’t know why I’m so nervous this time.”
“Ah, a case of the butterflies is it? Luckily for you, I know the remedy for that.”
“One more practice session?”
Richard shook his head, then guided Seri back down to sit in his chair. “First, we need to agitate the butterflies.”
He started shaking Seri gently by the shoulders, first front-to-back, then side-to-side.
Seri had to laugh. “C’mon Richard, stop messing around. There’s just enough time to-”
“Next! We locate the butterflies,” Richard proclaimed, over Seri’s protests. “Normally, they’re here.” Richard poked fingers into Seri’s sides. Seri laughed and tried to swat Richard’s hands away.
“Dammit Richard, c’mon, you know that tickl-”
“Butterflies located! Now we chase them out!” Richard fluttered fingers on Seri’s neck, making him laugh harder. Richard leaned down and placed a quick kiss on Seri’s lips. “There. You’re all cured. How do you feel?”
Seri looked up, surprised. “Actually, that did help. I do feel better.”
Richard smiled. “See? I knew it would work. Just as I know you’ll give a great presentation.”
Seri stood up. “Thanks Richard. Walk me over there?”
“It would be my pleasure sir!”
--
Two days later, Seri sat in the president’s office. Relief washed over him as he and the president shook hands.
“Congratulations Seri! We know you and your team will be the best people to put on the Raven Lake project.”
“Thank you, sir! We look forward to starting. Shall I let my team know immediately?”
“Of course, of course! We’d like you all to get started as soon as possible.”
Seri stood. “I’ll tell them right now.”
The director stood too and walked with him towards the door. “Oh, and one more thing. It seems I have an opening on my executive administration team, and I’d prefer to hire from within. I’ve been hearing good things about Richard for years now. What would you say to sending him over to work in our office?”
Seri’s heart plummeted to the floor and soared to the ceiling simultaneously. He’d gotten so used to seeing Richard every day, even if they did need to keep their relationship a secret during work hours. Seri swallowed. Stop being so selfish! Working on the president’s administration team would be a major step up for Richard, and Seri knew he’d shine in a role like that.
The president was watching Seri’s face. He laughed. “Not wanting to give him up, huh? Makes me want him even more now!”
Seri smiled. “Actually, no sir, I don’t want to give him up. He’s a huge benefit to our team. But I also can’t recommend anymore more strongly than Richard to work with you and your people. His talents far exceed the position he’s in now, if I’m being honest.”
The president shook Seri’s hand again as he opened the office door. “Thank you for the honest opinion. Why don’t you let Richard know? We can give him a few days to think it over.”
Seri nodded, “I’m sure he’ll be overjoyed at the offer, sir. And thank you again.”
As he took the steps back down to his office, Seri couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed. Richard would take the offer, of course – it was a major promotion. Seri smiled despite himself, thinking of how impressed everyone on the executive team would be at how well Richard could manage people. Why are you moping? Richard deserves this more than anyone. Seri lifted his head. He knew Richard would be overjoyed at the news, and he wasn’t going to ruin Richard’s happy moment.
Seri stepped back into his department. No one made a sound, but all eyes looked up expectantly. Seri waited a few seconds, then broke out into an enormous smile. Gasps echoed across the office.
“Really?!” said Mika.
“Really,” Seri confirmed. “Congratulations everyone. We’ll be taking over the Raven Lake project.”
Cheers erupted, and Seri was quickly surrounded by his ecstatic team.
Finally, Seri managed to find Richard in the crowd and beckon him back towards his office.
“Congratulations sir! I knew you’d do it!”
“Thanks Richard. I actually have some even better news for you.”
Richard cocked his head to the side. “Even better news?”
“I know this is sudden, but the president is offering you a position on his executive administration team. Congratulations!”
Richard’s mouth opened and closed in shock.
Seri rushed to explain. “I know this is a bit sudden, but like I told the president, I just know you’ll really shine in that role. This office is much too small for your talents.”
“You don’t…want me here?”
“No! I mean, of course I want you here. But this promotion… Well, you’ll have the chance to manage all kinds of new people, maybe even help scout new locations. It’ll be a position where you can really show off your talents, and make new ones too. You’re far beyond bringing me coffee, I promise you.”
Richard sighed and lowered his head. Seri was at a complete loss for words. He wondered how he’d been so completely wrong about Richard’s reaction.
“I… I need some time to think.” Richard abruptly turned and threaded his way back through the crowd before slipping out the exit.
Seri struggled after him. He didn’t want to leave Richard alone before he could explain himself further. Now you’ve done it. Dammit, how did I bungle that so much?
Just when he finally made it to the door, it reopened. Seri looked up in relief, expecting to see Richard’s face. Instead, the president entered.
“Ah, Seri. Given out the good news, I see? I wanted to stop by to congratulate everyone personally.”
Seri snatched a quick glance out the hallway, but couldn’t see Richard. He promised himself he'd go after Richard as soon as the president left. I’m sure he just needs a few minutes to process the news, just like I did. He’ll be back soon.
But thirty minutes later, as the president took his leave and his team made plans to go drinking in celebration, Richard still hadn’t come back. And more worryingly, wasn’t picking up his cell phone either. Seri cursed to himself as the third call went to voicemail.
“Seri, you coming?” Ken called.
Seri waved back. “Sorry, I can’t make it this time. But congratulations everyone, you deserve this.”
“C’mon everyone, let’s drink until it’s Saturday!” Ken called, to another round of cheers.
Seri waited until they’d gone, then set out to search for Richard.
--
An hour later, Seri stood in front of Richard’s apartment door in frustration. He couldn’t find Richard anywhere at the office, and he wasn’t at his home. Seri lightly thumped his head against the door. Not here either. If only I’d explained things better…
Seri scrolled through his phone until he found Taichi’s number. Taichi picked up on the second ring.
“Seri?” Taichi asked in a low voice. “What’s going on?”
“Taichi, sorry to bother you. I’m looking for Richard…”
“He was just here at the bar. He seemed down, but didn’t want to talk about it. Is everything okay?”
Seri sighed. “Well, there was just some unexpected news at work. Good news, though!” he added hastily.
Taichi laughed. “Oh, I see now. Something Richard wasn’t expecting, I’m guessing?”
“That’s right. I think I didn’t explain things very well, and now I can’t find him. I’m at his apartment, but-”
“Seri? Stay there. Richard was headed home about 15 minutes before you called. He should almost be there now.”
Seri heard the ding of the elevator opening down the hall. “Thanks Taichi! I’ll call later.”
“Good luck!”
Comments (1)
See all