Moving On Up

A woman gets a promotion when she moves out of province. Now if only she could focus...

I stared up at the office tower after checking the address for what felt like the millionth time. This was the right place. Was I ready for this? Did I have a choice? I'd already traveled across the country after I had accepted the position. My whole life had turned upside down and I had run as far away as I could to find some sense of myself again.

I mentally shook off the fear and stepped forward into the crowd that surged into the building. Once into the stream of people there was no turning back.

I entered the elevator and asked for the 12th floor.

Being packed in like sardines was a tad overwhelming and I closed my eyes to ease some of the excessive sensory experience. I pulled in a few shaky breaths to calm my racing heart.

I could feel the rumble of a chuckle against my arm and I cracked an eye open to peak up at the bluest eyes I'd even seen. The man winked at me and I swear, if I hadn't been held up by the onslaught of people, I would have swooned. He was gorgeous.

I closed my eye and willed myself to focus. I was not here to feel the tingles that pulsed through my body like fireworks. I was here to start a new job. To do my very best and maybe, if I was lucky, I'd get my own novel published.

When the elevator dinged announcing my floor I opened my eyes and tried to shift to the open doorway. I couldn't move.
"Hold up," The man beside me said, as he shifted to make room for me to make my way out.

"Thank you," I whispered as I passed him.

He smiled and gave me another heart stopping wink.

On the other side of the closed elevator door I found myself facing a reception desk. Willing myself to be as confident as I could, I stepped up to the desk and smiled over at the woman who glanced up at me.

"I have an appointment with Edward Ferguson."

"Oh, yes. The new hire. Just have a seat. Mr. Ferguson is finishing up a meeting."

I smiled and bit back my apology at being too early.

I needed to exude as much confidence as I could.

All my interviews had been over Zoom, so this would be the first time I would be meeting him in person.

I adjusted my skirt, then settled my hands in my lap to hold onto my briefcase. I willed myself to relax or at least look relaxed, but not too relaxed.

The stairwell door to the far side of the elevator banks opened and my eyes glanced over to see the gorgeous young man from the elevator emerge. My heart lurched, then sped as he smiled over at me before approaching the desk.

"Morning Angela. How's things?"

She looked up at him and smiled alluringly. "Good morning, Daniel."

I swear she fluttered her lashes at him. Fake lashes, too. I tapped down the swell of jealousy that rose like bile in my throat. I should not be one ounce of concerned about the attention she was getting from him. It was nothing to me.

I forced my gaze away and tried to focus on the painting and awards that graced the walls around me.

"Is my father in?"

"He's just finishing up with Royce, then he has to meet with a new hire... Miss Lawson."

At my name, my eyes swiveled back to the two of them. Both of them had glanced my way. The receptionist glanced back to him, but his eyes held mine as a smile deepened and spread across his face.

"Miss Lawson, I presume," he said. I swear my blood heated below his friendly gaze.

Before I had a chance to move, the intercom crackled and a booming voice said, "Ms. Anders has the Ms. Lawson arrived?"

"Yes, sir."

"Ah good. And my son?"

"Yes, he's here too."

"Good. Good. Send them both in."

I stood, trying to will my inner confidence in place, knowing I was not managing as well as I hoped. My palms were clammy and my heart was racing.

"After you," Daniel said with a disarming smile.

I sucked in a deep breath and moved ahead of him down the hall he gestured towards. He moved up to my side and I could feel the heat of him.

"So Miss Lawson do you have a first name?"

The question made me smile and I said, "Brynn."

"Oh, that is lovely."

"Thank you."

"And where are you from? You don't strike me as a city girl."

"I moved here from... Ontario."

"Oh, that is a jump. My father must be really impressed to pull you all the way from Ontario."

"Oh... I don't know about that. I was working with a small press, nothing big time."

"Don't sell yourself short. My father has great discernment and I am sure he saw something that caught his interest."

"Not sure what comes across in a Zoom interview or my portfolio, but...." I let the rest of my thought slip away. Daniel gave me an intrigued look, but was kind enough not to push. I did not need to be airing out dirty laundry to a man I'd just met.

We came to Mr. Ferguson's door and Daniel tapped, then opened it for me to enter first after hearing his father's voice.

We walked into a grand office. The dark wood tones were warmed by the huge floor to ceiling windows that ran the length of one wall. Mr. Ferguson stood and engulfed my hand in his. His smile was warm.

After a preamble, we sat and he said, "I've asked my son in here to show you the ropes. Get the lay of the land and show you your office. He'll get you step up. I expect you'll want to hit the ground running."

"Yes, sir."

"I've had Ms. Anders put your first assignment on your desk. Nothing too difficult, but I want to get a sense of your abilities first hand."

I nodded and avoided looking over at his son who had lounged himself into the side chair beside me.

"I expect you'll be up for this Daniel." It wasn't a question.

"Of course. Your wish is my command." The two looked at each other a beat longer than felt necessary.

I cleared my throat. "Is there anything else, sir?"

Both men looked at me and smiled.

"I think we are all done here," Mr. Ferguson said . "If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. Daniel and Ms. Anders are great resources."

"Thank you, sir."

I followed Daniel out into the hall and he proceeded to show me the highlights of the office. The last room was my own. The newness of the place kept my attraction to man from overtaking me.

I moved into my office and couldn't help the smile that bloomed on my face. I couldn't believe I had my own office and a window.

"you're impressed."

"I've never had my own office before. I figured I'd be out there working on the slush piles."

"You're a junior exec now. This office isn't big..."

"Oh, but it is wonderful." I moved over to my desk running my fingers along the smooth mahogany surface. I was not a large desk, but it was functional and lovely. My fingers touched the manuscript on the surface. I knew this author. Not a big name, but one that had a good debut novel. I could hardly wait to get started. I glanced over at Daniel, not wanting to kick him out, but eager to prove myself and get started.

Daniel gave a tipped up smile as if understanding. "You want me to get you a coffee?"

"Oh, no. I'm good. I'll grab one later."

Daniel shook his head as I sat down in my swivel chair and turned to the first page. I did not even look up as the door softly clicked closed.


Word Count = 1397 words.

Notes ▶︎

Written for "The Weekly Quickie Contest" 
Round 386 (Jan 12-18): A new job can bring about change for a person. This could be a positive or negative factor in a relationship. Or it could be what brings the person a chance for a relationship. How does the new job influence the character's romance life?
I finished it on Mon. January 19, 2026. Apparently it must be submitted Saturday night before 11:59 pm.... so not Sunday after all. Still I liked the prompt and the story it generated.