“So I’ve decided to promote Rupert instead of Johanna.” Aaron wound up with a plastic smile.
Lee didn’t smile back. They sat, stone-faced, as the silence stretched and Aaron began to squirm.
Then they said. “You decided. Perhaps you’d like to begin with explaining how that is your decision to make.”
Aaron spluttered, but Lee went on before he could reply. “And then you can follow that up with your reasoning behind favouring your old school buddy’s son over a more experienced, more qualified and significantly more competent candidate.”
“It’s just that, well, she’s a woman. And she’s at that age…”
“What age would that be?”
“You know, the whole finding a husband, fussing over the big white wedding, then decorating the house and popping out a few kids. She’s not going to be committed to the role.”
“She’s told you this, has she?”
Aaron looked confused. “No, but that’s what all girls are focused on.”
“Except the ones who aren’t. And what about your protégé? I hear he’s ‘looking for a nice little lady to settle down with’. Are you suggesting he won’t pull his weight then the children arrive?” Lee sat back. “On second thought, since he’s incapable of pulling his weight in the office, I’m sure his future wife is going to have an adult child to manage in addition to the small ones.”
Aaron spluttered again. “Well, I’d hardly think–“
“And that’s the problem. You hardly think. Which is why I had to be brought in to keep this place afloat. I suggest you toddle off before I decide you need a month back on the shop floor to remind you of the priorities of the business. And send Johanna in.”
The DNA of Stories 