“So make sure you have it,” says Graeme. Pride shines from the depths of his gaze. “Establish your boundaries going into this job negotiation. You’re the one with the power right now. They want you. Make sure you’re coming at this thing from a position of strength. Ask for what you want and don’t budge on the nonnegotiables.”

I gaze up at him. “If I take the job, I guess this means we won’t be working together. Not in the same department, anyway.”

“No issues with human resources then.” He wraps his arms around my waist and hauls me close. “Hold up—‘if’?”

“I told them I’d think about it. I’m meeting with Marlen on Monday to discuss the details.”

Christina pats Graeme’s forearm. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure she takes it.”

I bump her with my hip. “I told them I want you on my team. You interested?”

“In working for you?” She nods so fast her hair bounces around her shoulders. “Um, yes. Definitely. But don’t think I’m going to call you ma’am. I prefer Badass Boss Lady.”

I can’t hold back a burst of laughter. “Works for me.”

“Is it time to celebrate yet?” Walsh chimes in.

“Abso-freakin-lutely,” says Christina. But then she catches sight of the clock above the front desk and groans. “Ugh, it’s only four thirty. I have another half an hour on the clock.”

“Dinner and drinks at my apartment tonight?”

“And dancing,” adds Walsh.

“And dancing,” I echo.

Christina grins. “Sounds perfect. I’ll tell Tory. Catch you at your place at six?”

“See you then.”

Ten minutes later, Walsh, Graeme, and I are in the back of another Uber—an impeccably maintained Prius. Energetic house music filters through the back seat, and the driver’s head bobs to the rhythm.

My phone dings with a new email—it’s an all-company notice announcing James’s unexpected departure. I’m about to pocket my phone when the subject line of a different email catches my eye:

Launch of the Kodiak scheduled for April.

The Kodiak is a new ship currently being built that’s set to double our offerings in my region, North and Central America. I smile to myself. My former region, if I take this promotion.

I skim the email out of sheer force of habit. It’s mostly logistical details, but at the bottom there’s a list of positions the company will need to fill. A new ship requires all new crew and staff. I forward the email to Walsh.

I nudge her with my elbow. “Hey, check your email.”

Frowning, she pulls out her phone and opens it. “I don’t get it.”

“Keep scrolling… farther… there, the job listings.”

“Sanitation expert?”