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presenting my ideas, taking credit for my hard work, gobbling up the attention like Garfield with his lasagna. I shouldn’t be shocked—he’s been after partner since starting at White, Ogden, and Morris a year ago. With my sudden departure, he’ll do anything to secure the promotion I’ve rightfully earned. I’m the one who arrives early and stays late, the one who works most Saturdays, who accepts the tedious, mundane assignments no one wants while seeking out new opportunities to develop my skill set. That position will be mine.
    As suspected, several emails are from Ben gushing over himself, bragging to the team about what a stellar job he did at the meeting. How the executive board ooh ed and ahh ed over his extensive research and creative solutions— my extensive research, my creative solutions. But it’s his last email, written in his normal condescending tone, that makes me want to tie him down and force him to lick mold off cheese. I’m the senior consultant on the account, and yet he’s taken it upon himself to dictate duties to the team. Next to my name he’s indicated I’m responsible for an updated report on market demographics, the newest financial projections for the first-quarter sales, and a detailed roll-out schedule. He’s also added this gem:
    Lillie, while you have chosen to go on an impromptu vacation, these items must take priority, and I believe a week is an appropriate time frame for you to accomplish them.
    The nerve of this guy. I chose an impromptu vacation? If only that was the case. Maybe he’ll finally die from a paper cut or choke on a pen cap. Ordinarily I’d tell Ben where to shove his undermining attitude, but he’s copied Thomas Brandon, our boss and the head of the committee that decides who makes partner. I don’t want to further jeopardize my chances of a promotion, so I need to be a team player.
    I take a sip of chai, allowing the earthy clove and cinnamon flavors to calm me, and settle in for a long evening.
    Hours later, my back aches from hunching over the computer and my stomach is grumbling from skipping dinner, but I’ve finished Ben’s tasks. As I send off the documents, I can’t help but feel vindicated and a tad smug. Ben underestimated how much I like a challenge.
    As I am packing up my things, a buzzing noise comes from my purse. Digging out my phone, I glance at the caller ID—Thomas Brandon. I sit up straighter, pull my shoulders back, and answer.
    “I assume your emergency’s been handled?” his stern voice barks into my ear, skipping all pleasantries.
    Cringing, I say, “Not quite. I need to stay in Dallas a little while longer. No more than a few weeks.”
    “A few weeks ?” The way he says “weeks” sounds like he thinks I’m a sleazy car salesman selling him a lemon.
    “But not to worry,” I say quickly. “I’ll be working from Dallas until I return. In fact, I’ve already submitted several documents for your review. They should be in your inbox as we speak.”
    “Good. I expect nothing less from you.” Thomas Brandon hates excuses and doesn’t tolerate apologies. Do it right the first time, every time, no exceptions. “I’ll permit you to remain in Dallas as long as you’re back in the office by early November, ready to hit the ground running. We can’t afford a slow ramp-up period.”
    “Why? What’s happening?” I ask, hoping it’s not a demotion.
    “Despite the unprofessional way you left Benjamin to cover today’s presentation, Kingsbury Enterprises is quite impressed with the effort you’ve put forth into their product launch thus far. They’ve asked for you personally to lead the next phase.”
    “That’s excellent, sir. Thank you.”
    “This is the firm’s biggest account, so I shouldn’t have to remind you what’s at stake if our client’s expectations aren’t met.”
    “Absolutely. You won’t be sorry,” I say, an idea forming in my mind. The diner already runs itself. All that’s needed is someone