We get along well enough. When we disagree on something, we compromise because the clients and the company come first. Always. That’s her philosophy and I follow it as best as I can.

“Good morning, dear Claire,” she greets me. “I hope you had a nice weekend.”

“Thanks, it was good.”

“You worked,” she says with an accusatory voice. “What could possibly be so important you had to use your personal time?”

“I’m off this Friday,” I remind her. “My brother is coming to town. The Yankees are playing the Red Sox.”

“Of course, that’s on my calendar. Well, I want us to discuss our new plans. As you know, we’re expanding. You helped us with a few suggestions, and after researching every possible state in the western area.”

Their new plans have been in the works for the past six months. There are also rumors about them expanding. Others say they’ll be buying a few smaller agencies. And then, there’s the one where they plan on selling everything and retire.

I know the expansion is happening.

Am I worried about them merging with other companies or selling? No, I focus on the facts.

“You’re moving to Denver?” I guess, hopeful and a little excited we might get an office in my home state.

Also bummed because, well, that doesn’t do anything for me, does it?

“As lovely as it is, I’m staying here in New York. We’re reorganizing the company.”

I hold my breath because going from manager to vice president in two years has been not only my dream but also a lot of work. If this reorganization means ‘let’s put you back into the managerial position,’ I’m not sure what I’m going to do.

“As you know, Edith Endhal is retiring,” she mentions her business partner. They started this company in the early mid-eighties and made it a success during the ninety’s IT boom. “We need to hire a new partner to run that branch. If we’re starting the Denver branch, we have that position open too.”

“You chose it?”

She nods. “It’s in the middle of every state we want to reach. You’re right, it's perfect...which brings us to you.”

“With the right price, I might move,” I joke, relaxing a little.

“You’ve been a great asset to this company. Our clients love you. Everyone in the office has nothing but great things to say about your leadership and your persona.”

“But?”

“Not but, more like it’s going to be sad to see you move away from us,” she says, pulling out a folder and handing it to me. “We would like to offer you a junior partnership with our company. The two decisions you have to make are, one, would you accept it, and two, which branch would you like to run, London or Denver?”

“Excuse me?” I ask dumbfounded. “Did you just say, partner?”