Total pages in book: 181
Estimated words: 171979 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 860(@200wpm)___ 688(@250wpm)___ 573(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 171979 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 860(@200wpm)___ 688(@250wpm)___ 573(@300wpm)
Quickly getting to her feet when Bree came within sight, Sage spoke before she could disappear into her office and be forced to wait until Bree was ready to call her into her office.
“When we spoke Friday, I forgot to ask if I should report to work this morning.”
Stiffly, Bree brushed past her to open the door. “You may report to Mrs. Parsons. I’ll send the rest of the required paperwork over. Make sure you send it back by the end of the day.”
Handing her the yellow envelope that Bree had given her Friday, Sage nodded. “I’ll make sure I get it completed and returned. Thank you.”
Sage thought she heard Bree mutter something under her breath as she was walking away, but she didn’t turn back around. The woman’s dislike of her was becoming worse each time they came in contact with each other. Sage couldn’t understand why Bree disliked her so much. She had always been nice and respectful to her.
Putting it out of her mind, she headed to the file office. It was a good thing she hadn’t been hired permanently in the file division. There was no way she would have been able to continue having to work with Livvy and Bree. Both women were determined to make her work life as miserable as possible. Hopefully, the location where she would be working would put her out of sight, out of mind.
Glenda’s cheerful enthusiasm when she presented herself more than made up for Bree’s unprofessional behavior.
“I almost kissed Mr. Hollingsworth when he came by Friday to tell me who my replacement was going to be.”
Sage laughed. “I’m glad I have your approval.”
Despite her laughter, something in her tone must have alerted Glenda that not everyone was overjoyed with the good news.
Glenda frowned. “Have you been given a hard time?”
“Put it this way, I plan to stay far from that part of the building,” she said wryly.
“I don’t think it’s going to make a difference.” Sadness filled Glenda’s face. “I’ve noticed since those women banded together, they managed to get rid of anyone they consider competition.”
Glenda’s choice of words had her looking questioningly at her. “Competition?”
Scowling, she nodded toward the pictures of the lawyers who worked on the top floor. “Unless you are over forty-five, wear a wedding ring, or pitch for the other team, no one outside of their group of homewreckers gets past Livvy, Bree, Susan, or Nancy. Those three are cutthroat, which is why I was so shocked when you got the job. I’m warning you now: they aren’t going to give up until you get fired. They’re going to get worse.”
Becoming deflated, she twisted the watch on her wrist. “I hope you’re wrong. I don’t understand. I’m not any competition for them.”
Sitting down on her chair, Glenda gave her a kind gaze. “Then let me explain it for you. I’ve worked here since before they started. When people don’t like you, you become invisible to them, which I never let get to me. My Jack is all I ever needed. This place is just what makes for us to have the life we want. The great part about being invisible is you see and hear things no one else does.
“Each of those women have become involved in relationships with the managing partner, senior partners, and the head of the department. Susan is trying her best to get with Graham, the chief legal officer, but the last I heard, he hasn’t taken what she has been offering. The three other women are getting anything they want from those men. To be frank, they don’t want you to upset the balance.
“You have to watch yourself and not step on any of their toes,” Glenda advised kindly. “I can see you’re a good person, and if I can see it, then they can, too. The worst mistake you could have made was to get friendly with someone they had their sights on. Keep to yourself, and whatever you do, don’t get drawn into their drama. You do that, you’ll do well. Then, one day, before you know it, you’ll be here giving someone else the same pep talk.”
“You consider this a pep talk? I’m considering quitting.”
“No, you’re not.” Glenda’s eyes filled with mirth. “You’re no quitter.”
No, she wasn’t. She was going to stick this job out no matter how difficult others made it for her. She wasn’t stupid enough to go against Glenda’s advice, either.
“I have a quick question: have you heard if any of them are involved with Kent Bryant?”
“No. I think where he’s concerned, it’s more of a case of wishful thinking.”
With Glenda’s version of a pep talk finished, she set about showing her the duties she would be responsible for throughout the morning. Glenda told her that she would just be shadowing her the first couple of days. Then, on Wednesday, she would start taking over the duties with Glenda watching.