***
Sophie eventually arrived at Clarks and almost immediately Bradley waved her into his office. As Bradley closed the door, leaving them alone, a nightmarish realisation swept over her. Something was wrong, very wrong.
His tall figure prowled, circling round the room. She felt like she’d walked into a lion’s den. His gaze flicked up and down until he stopped still. He stood close, too close. She felt goose bumps rushing up her arms as his mint breath touched her cheek; she could hear his breathing. This was one of his intimidation techniques. She’d learned it herself in a sales course he’d sent her on.
“You’re not on your game.” He rubbed the bottom of his chiselled face, a lazy grin appearing. “Kelly’s sealed a new deal. Joey’s Crisps. Signed for the entire chip range.”
She glanced from beneath her lashes. “That’s excellent news.”
“What’s happening with you? Tom Johnson from Barney’s Chocolate Bars. I thought they were practically in the bag?”
“We’ve a date set for a presentation.”
“I might have been wrong about you.”
Sophie shifted uncomfortably on her feet, folding her arms in front of her. “I don’t think that’s the case and I don’t see any reason for that remark.” Bradley’s comment kept revolving through her mind like she was stuck on a carousel. He might have been wrong about her. Might have been wrong? What did that mean? One thing was for sure, she needed to prove herself further. But how? She worked every spare moment she could. She was even attending the swimming lessons.
“You know you’re the same level as Kelly, a Junior Executive.”
“Oh,” she said, a pang hitting her guts as she processed the information. “I’ve increased my billing by fifty percent.”
He scowled and ran a hand through his hair. “The firm’s under immense pressure now. I’ve just agreed that Kelly….”
“Kelly?” Sophie shut her eyes, willing the words not to be true.
“Yes, Kelly, she’s got the killer instinct. She will give the pitch to Barney’s Chocolate Bars. Then maybe she’ll move onto the Silver account. We’ll reshuffle the management team around I think. It will be the best option for everyone.”
“What?” She flicked her eyes open. “You’re ripping me out at this stage? That’s insane. You know I have the relationship with Tom Johnson. We get along like a house on fire.” Sophie stepped back, her thoughts wild and unfocused.
“I’ve made my mind up. I’m sending an email out to the appropriate accounts people at Barney’s Chocolate Bars, letting them know Kelly’s going to lead the pitch. Then after her pitch to Tom Johnson, we’ll discuss how you will proceed in this firm, and on the Silver account.”
Sophie stared at him, speechless. He knew she’d put the hours in just for the chance of pitching to Barney’s Chocolate Bars. Now that she’d been given the go-ahead, he was taking it away from her.
“Please reconsider.” She pinched herself, feeling her nails dig deep into her thumbs. She needed to pull herself together, form an argument, and stop this from happening.
“It’s done. I just don’t know whether I can trust you with Barney’s.”
Sophie left Bradley’s office. An obstinate feeling surged through her body and she tried to push it down. She suddenly felt extremely hardly done by. She’d always put work in front of everything. How long would she keep doing that for? Especially since Bradley obviously didn’t appreciate her.
Her desk phone rang and she picked up the receiver, plastering a smile on her face.
“Hi Sophie, it’s your father. I’ve just got back from Beans and I’m at your place and wanted to ask you about your internet connection. Is that okay? I know you’re often very busy in the office….”
“Call me anytime dad, you know I’m always happy to help,” Sophie said. She explained all the intricacies of wifi. “I forgot to tell you that I’ve set up three recruitment interviews for you if you’re keen? If you can, one of the recruiters can see you this afternoon. Can you make it? I thought with Christmas nearing, it might be good to lock this one in?”
“Of course I can make it Sophie.”
She looked at the receiver. “Dad, do you want to go over the questions they might ask you? We can run through some answers over the phone.”
“If you have time. I know how busy you get there.”
“Of course I have time for you.”
For the first time in ages Sophie decided to prioritise her family. After all, her dad really needed her. He’d lost his job and the police officer had called him a possible jumper. The situation with her dad was serious. Her dad needed her now. Not later. Bradley obviously didn’t have difficulty finding people to support him.
Sophie exhaled, asking questions about Roger’s resume. Her dad wouldn’t turn on her, not like Bradley. Her dad was her priority now and she couldn’t believe he hadn’t been in the first place.
As she coached Roger, a question wound around the back of her brain. What would happen if, God forbid, she was made redundant too?
Chapter 13