Chapter 4
Something happened at work on Friday.
Summit Dynamics added a last-minute requirement, cut the original two-month timeline down to just six weeks, and bumped the budget up by another one million dollars.
David walked in with the news, looking seriously stressed.
"Claire, Richard says we have to add this requirement, or the whole partnership could be at risk. What's your take?" he asked.
I skimmed through the new requirements.
"We can do it, but we'll need more people. Six people won't cut it, and I need at least three more on the team," I said.
"I'll talk to HR," David replied.
"Also, since the client's adding one million dollars to the budget, if we keep the same split, the bonus should get bumped up too," I added.
David shot me a look. "Don't worry, you won't get shortchanged."
That night, I worked overtime until 10 p.m. When I finally left the office, my car was the only one left in the parking lot.
Sitting in my car, I checked my phone and saw that Eric had posted a selfie on his feed, captioned: [Barbecue for one.]
Diane had commented: [Is this how you're getting by now that your wife's not home?]
I locked my phone and started the car, heading home.
On the way, I passed by the neighborhood where we used to live. The whole place was brightly lit, and the window on the third floor was glowing, Diane was probably watching TV.
I didn't stop.
When I got home, I fired up my laptop and kept working on the proposal.
At 1 a.m., I got an email from Richard's assistant.
[Ms. Sutton, Mr. Grant would like to have dinner with you on Monday to discuss future collaboration opportunities. Would that work for you?]
I replied: [That works for me. Just let me know the time and place.]
*****
On Monday at noon, I met Richard at a Japanese restaurant in the CBD.
Richard was forty-five, wore gold-rimmed glasses, and was pretty straightforward.
"Ms. Sutton, let me be honest with you, when it comes to this partnership, you're the only person I trust at your company. Word in the industry is, every project you've handled has gone above and beyond," he said.
"You're too kind, Richard," I replied.
"I'm not just being nice, I'm here to recruit you," Richard said.
My fork stopped halfway to my mouth.
"Two hundred thousand dollars a year, stock options, VP title, and you'll answer straight to me," he added.
Two hundred thousand dollars a year?
My salary and bonus together came to about 150 thousand dollars a year.
"Richard, let me think it over," I said.
"No rush. You can let me know after this project wraps up. I can wait," he replied.
Back at the office, I didn't mention a word to anyone.
After the afternoon meeting, Sophie asked me out for drinks that night.
"Wait, what? They're trying to poach you for 200 thousand dollars?" Sophie blurted out.
"Plus stock options," I added.
"Then what are you waiting for? Go for it!" Sophie said.
"I still have a project to finish," I replied.
"You can always jump ship after you finish up. They said they'll wait for you anyway," Sophie said, taking a sip of her drink. "By the way, how's it going with your husband? Still at a standoff?"
"He texts me every day, literally, all he ever says is, 'When are you coming back?'" I replied.
"That's it? He hasn't even brought up the whole salary card thing?" Sophie asked.
"Nope. He doesn't think that's an issue at all," I said.
Sophie shook her head. "Claire, let me be honest with you, your husband doesn't love you. He just needs you to cook, clean, and keep the house together."
I took a sip of my sparkling water and didn't say anything.
But deep down, I knew she was right.