Macy made her way down 2nd Street against a stiff wind. It was colder than usual for mid-October. If she weren’t so needy to have everyone like her, she would have said no to this meeting and hung up the phone.
The last few weeks blurred together. A few months ago, she thought she could do it all. Get a promotion at English, help her brother with college expenses, fall in love. None of those things had happened.
Outside of the café, she wiped her hands against her jeans. She could control this meeting. The minute she’d had enough she could walk out. She didn’t owe anyone anything.
She opened the door and stepped inside. The heat warmed her face. She spotted Roxy at a high-top table and made her way across the room.
Roxy jumped up the moment she saw Macy. “I’m so glad you agreed to meet with me.”
Macy nodded.
“Please sit down.” Roxy pointed at the chair opposite her.
Macy slid into the seat and unbuttoned her jacket.
“Would you like to order something, coffee or a muffin. They have the best in the city. My treat.” For once Roxy wasn’t bubbling over with enthusiasm.
“No, I’m fine.” Macy sat back in the chair.
The smile on Roxy’s face disappeared. “Okay. Well. First, I want to apologize. I was wrong in thinking you would steal from the company. You were a loyal employee and a benefit to the organization. I was under a lot of stress. I know that’s not an excuse,’ she paused. “I’d like to offer your job back, with the promotion of course. You’d be a member of the leadership team and it comes with a twenty percent pay increase We’d like to have you back at English.”
Macy leaned toward Roxy. Her former manager didn’t seem as intimidating as before. Now it was impossible to remember why she thought Roxy held so much power over her.
“Celeste told me the whole story,” Roxy blurted. “I had no idea my sister was capable of that kind of behavior. It won’t make you feel any better, but she was skimming from several accounts, not just yours. We’re getting her some help.”
“You know, Roxy,” Macy started. “what Celeste did was awful, But, she’s not the reason I’m not coming back to English.” Macy swung her leg back and forth. “I gave English everything I had. I put my life on hold, to make sure I was giving more than one-hundred percent to the company and in the end, it didn’t matter. Nothing mattered. I was escorted out of the building like a criminal. Maybe all businesses would have treated me the same way, but what I learned was, if I don’t put myself first, no one else will.”
The color disappeared from Roxy’s face. “Macy, please reconsider. I’m sure we can find a balance.”
Macy pushed her chair back and stood. “I already have. I wish the best for you and Celeste.” She placed her hand on Roxy’s shoulder before walking out.
On the street, Macy didn’t bother buttoning her coat. The chill felt good. She walked several blocks, organizing her thoughts along the way. Out of all the commuters she passed on the street none of them seemed as happy as she felt. The opportunity to talk with Roxy was cleansing. Now she could let go of all the English anger.
Her cell phone rang. She pulled it from the outside pocket of her purse. After making sure it wasn’t her father, she accepted the call.
“Macy, this is Lou, from Epson Model and Talent Agency. I have what I think is good news for you.”