Jane In New York Pt 10

"Can you believe it?"

"Believe what?"

"They're going to announce the promotion any day now." With a big smile, Jane admitted "I think you're going to get it."

Camilla returned the friendly smile, not wanting to get too excited. "We'll find out soon."

They sat together on the couch while sharing a bottle of champagne. It had been a rough month for both women with all the trips, projects, and the entire interview process.

"Be honest with me," Jane said, putting down her glass. "You're pretty confident you got the job, aren't you?"

"What makes you think that?"

"Come on, Camilla. You're the one they always wanted. And besides, you're the best candidate for the job!"

Camilla took a deep breath and tried to keep herself from smiling. "Look, Jane. I've always been honest with you. Just from talking to Miranda and some others, I think I most likely will get the job. However, I heard your presentation was great, and the board is impressed with everything you've accomplished in such a short amount of time."

Jane's smile only got bigger. It wasn't because the company appreciated her hard work. She was just happy to hear Camilla finally admit she expected to receive the promotion. "You really deserve it."

"I agree, but I don't want to get ahead of myself." Camilla then laid a hand on Jane's shoulder, the first time in a while that she had made any physical contact with her roommate. "If anyone else gets the job besides me, I really hope it's you."

A rush of adrenaline went through the small Asian woman. The compliment and the small touch on her shoulder meant so much. She found it strange that Camilla seemed so distant lately, but it eased her to know that they still shared such mutual respect.

Getting up to her feet, Jane faced the blonde Latina. "I know I don't have to say this, but I want to make sure you know something."

Camilla tilted her head, having no idea what her roomie was about to say. "Yeah?"

"No matter what happens with the Director position, you're still my best friend."

The blonde gasped. "Your best friend?"

"Well, yeah..." Jane said, nodding her head. "I've never spent as much time with anyone as I have with you. You helped me with so much and I wouldn't be where I am today without you."

Looking into the Asian woman's eyes, Camilla started to tear up. It meant a lot to her, knowing someone could appreciate her so much. She was also comforted by the support and encouragement her roommate provided.

Camilla got up to her feet and wrapped her arms around Jane for a tight embrace. "You're my best friend too."

Surprised by the sudden feeling of physical contact, Jane closed your eyes and rested her head against Camilla's shoulder. Knowing they had a tight bond, despite everything they had been through, brought a big smile to the young Asian's face.

After letting go, the blonde faced her roommate again. "I really enjoyed this but I need to finish some stuff for tomorrow."

"Already starting on your supervisor duties?" Jane asked with a wink.

With a small laugh Camilla answered, "Not exactly... but it is important."

"I understand," Jane responded with a nod. She had always looked up to Camilla as a worker, despite technically having the same title. But now, her view of the Latina had already changed into her supervisor position she was sure to get.

As Camilla walked to her room, she turned to make sure she was out of her roommate's site. Once she was clear, her smile quickly disappeared.

After closing the door behind her, she stood in her room silently, with her arms folded. "No, Camilla," whispered herself, shaking her head.

She took the clip out of her hair, letting her long blonde hair fall past her shoulders. She then took a seat at her vanity and stared deeply into the mirror.

--

The next day at work, Jane noticed Camilla was in a better mood than normal. There was a smile on the blonde's face, and she radiated with confidence. She hoped it was a sign that things were getting back to normal.

Towards the end of the day, Miranda stepped out and called for Camilla. "I need to talk with you privately."

Jane smiled at her coworker as she watched her walk into their supervisor's office.

I wonder if Miranda is going to tell her she got the job,

she thought to herself, smiling from ear to ear.

Camilla had the same hope in her mind as she walked into the office and closed the door. Taking a seat, she felt her heart racing with anticipation. "Yes, Ma'am?"

Miranda looked at her employee before moving her eyes to her computer. "I have some pretty big news."

"What is it?"

"This is going to be shocking, but I just got off the phone with the chairman of the board and..."

Camilla's knee started bouncing up and down. "And what?"

"And... I just wanted you to hear it from me first."

Camilla could hardly take any more. The adrenaline was getting to her. "Hear what from you?"

With a deep breath, Miranda finally responded, "They chose Jane..."

Everything went silent as the words rang through Camilla's ears. The world became blurry and she could barely focus on her supervisor sitting right in front of her.

She sat there silently, listening to her own heart beating louder and louder. Though a smile remained on her face, she was shaking as she did everything in her power to keep it together.

"Camilla?"

The blonde couldn't even talk. Even though she was staring at her boss, all she could see was her world collapsing in front of her.

"Camilla, are you okay?"

Still shaking, the blonde slowly nodded her head, fighting to keep the smile on her face.

Miranda tried to get her employee's attention, though she understood there was no way of comforting her. "Camilla... I really wanted you to get the position. I put in a strong recommendation for you but they still went with..."

Camilla suddenly got to her feet, interrupting Miranda's speech. Without a word, she walked away and grabbed the doorknob, attempting to leave.

"Camilla!" the supervisor called out, stopping her employee from walking out. As she noticed the hurt in Camilla's eyes, all she could say was, "I'm sorry! I tried my best."

Doing everything in her power not to cry, Camilla took a deep breath and responded, "So did I..."

The door opened and Jane looked up, eager to find out what happened. She felt uneasy watching her roommate walking towards her. She tried to talk but the blonde ignored her, blowing right past her before walking straight out of the office.

Completely confused, Jane looked back at Miranda, who was standing at the entrance of her office. "What's wrong with Camilla? Why did she look so upset?"

"Come into my office, Jane. We need to talk..."

Jane walked in, eager to find out what happened. "Is Camilla okay?" she asked, closing the door.

For some reason, Miranda was just as nervous to break the news to Jane as she was Camilla. "Have a seat, please..."

"I've never seen Camilla make that face before," the small Asian woman replied as she sat down.

"She's... very upset..."

Jane's eyes became big, now worried about her friend. "Why?! What happened?!"

With a deep breath, Miranda responded, "She's upset because... she didn't get the promotion..."

Jane jumped out of her chair, filled with shock and adrenaline. "What?! Why?!"

Still unable to believe it herself, the supervisor responded. "The board chose... someone else..."

"What? Who?" Jane couldn't figure out who the board could possibly choose over Camilla.

Miranda stood there silently, staring at the young woman.

A moment went by as the two women stared at each other. Then, as Jane noticed her boss's awkward silence, the truth started to creep in. "Oh, shit..." she said as she sat down and sank into the chair.

"I know this isn't the way you wanted to find out but... congratulations, Jane."

"This is a huge honor... but I feel terrible. She really deserved it! And that face she made... She really looked... hurt..."

"I understand your concern," Miranda said with a deep breath. "This is something that Camilla has wanted for a very long time. Of course, I think she deserved it, but you are very deserving of it too."

"I know I should be happy," Jane responded, shaking her head as she looked at the ground. "I just feel so guilty for some reason. I mean, she's the one that came up with that whole plan to hire me. Now I'm the one who got the promotion she always wanted. She's going to hate me..."

With a smile, the supervisor responded, "That's Camilla for you. She lives by her own rules. And even when her plans backfire, she always finds a way to recover. I've seen her go through so much. I just hope this isn't the straw that breaks the camel's back."

Quickly jumping out of her chair, Jane declared, "I have to go talk to her!"

"Go ahead," Miranda responded. "I'm sure both of you need some time to process this. Take the rest of the day off but we will need to go over the logistics in a couple days."

After thanking her supervisor, Jane ran out and looked everywhere for her coworker. Eventually, she went out to the parking lot where she found the Latina sitting in her car.

Jane tapped on the window, trying to get her attention. "Camilla, can we please talk?"

The blonde stared forward, never making eye contact with Jane. She then rolled the window down and nodded her head.

"Miranda told me I got the position, but I was really hoping you would get it. I'm so sorry if..."

"Congratulations..." Camilla interrupted with a soft and flat voice.

Jane started to twiddle her fingers, feeling uncomfortable because she knew there was nothing she could say to make Camilla feel better. "Miranda said we're dismissed for the day. Do you want to go home?"

After several seconds of awkward silence Camilla looked over at Jane and said, "My laptop and my tote bag are at my desk. Can you get them for me?"

"Of course," Jane responded before rushing back into the building.

The blonde closed the window, watching every step the future Director took. As soon as she saw the door close behind Jane, she grabbed the steering wheel and screamed at the top of her lungs.

Jane grabbed the items and quickly rush back to the car. As she opened the door, she noticed the same painful look on Camilla's face.

This is going to be a long and awkward ride home,

she thought.

About ten minutes into the silent drive, Jane decided she couldn't stay quiet any longer.

I just told her she was my best friend. I have to say something!

"Camilla... Are you okay?"

Stopping at a red light, Camilla turned towards Jane and smiled. The young Asian could sense the sadness coming out of the broken woman's eyes.

"I'm sorry, that was a stupid question. Is there anything I can do to make you feel better? Maybe we can get a drink and talk about it?"

Camilla just put her eyes back on the road. "I'll be okay," she said as the car started moving forward.

"Look, I'm so sorry!" the Asian woman exclaimed, feeling a tremendous amount of guilt in her heart. "I still think you were the better candidate. You're so smart and you..."

"Just stop!" the Latina interrupted, unable to handle anymore. She started breathing heavily. "Please... just stop talking..."

Noticing Camilla was doing everything she could not to cry, Jane just put her head down and sat silently.

When they got home, Camilla went straight for her bedroom and slammed the door. Jane stood there quietly, hoping she would come back out. After several minutes, she gave up and went into her own room.

She just needs some time,

Jane thought to herself.

Camilla is one of the most mature women I've ever met. I'm sure if I just give her some time she'll start to feel better. And hopefully, I will stop feeling so guilty...

Jane's mind was so preoccupied with her emotional roommate that she couldn't even grasp the fact that she was now the Director of a new branch. It was a dream come true, everything she ever wanted. But for some reason, she was left with an empty feeling inside her.

An hour went by and Jane couldn't handle it any longer.

I have to say something to her,

she thought.

I have to at least try!

She walked slowly to her roommate's door, nervous about speaking to her in such a fragile state. "Camilla?" she called out in a soft tone.

Unfortunately, no matter how many times she called, there was no response from the other side. Curiosity got the best of her, leading her to slowly open the door.

Her eyes widened once she noticed the mess in the room.

What happened?

she wondered. There were notebooks and papers scattered all over the room.

She's never messy.

Being as respectful as she could, Jane walked through but couldn't find her roommate anywhere. She checked the bathroom, the living room, and the kitchen, but Camilla was nowhere to be found. She even checked her car, but she wasn't there either.

Where could she possibly be?

Jane wondered.

She waited patiently, hoping that Camilla had just stepped out for a breath of fresh air. After a few hours, she grew even more worried, leading her to pace back in forth in the apartment.

Her car is still here, so she can't be too far. She hasn't returned any of my calls or messages, but that's pretty typical of her lately.

The only place she could think of within walking distance was the bar down the street. It was the same bar she and Camilla frequented several times in the past. Though she knew it was a shot in the dark, it was the only idea she could come up with.

When the young Asian walked into the bar, she looked around but didn't see her friend.

I guess not,

Jane thought to herself as she started to leave.

Just before she reached the door, a hostess stopped her and asked, "Can I help you?"

"No, it's okay," Jane answered. "I was just looking for someone, but I don't see her."

"Maybe I can help you. What does she look like?"

"She's blonde and Hispanic; A couple inches taller than me."

"I think I know who you're talking about," the hostess replied. "You come here with her a lot, right?"

"Yes!" Jane exclaimed.

"I think she's outside on the balcony."

Jane was anxious to go and see if her roommate was truly outside. After following the hostess out, her heart jumped as she saw Camilla sitting at a table, smoking a cigarette.

"Camilla!"

After ashing her cigarette, the blonde looked up at the happy woman. "Hello, Jane."

"I... didn't know you smoke... but I'm really happy to see you!"

"I smoke when I'm really stressed," Camilla responded, taking a big puff.

"Oh... right..." Jane looked down uncomfortably, remembering she was the source of the pain. "Do you mind if I sit with you?"

Camilla used her foot to push one of the chairs out for the cute Asian. As she watched Jane take her seat, she asked, "So, what do you want to talk about?"

Jane looked at the table and noticed several empty glasses. "How much have you had to drink?"

"They haven't taken any of my empty glasses, so you can count them up if you want."

After counting in her head, Jane reacted, "Eight drinks is kind of a lot, don't you think?"

The blonde stared off into the distance, continuing to smoke her cigarette. "It should be, but I don't feel anything..."

Jane's eyes began to water, feeling even more guilty than before. It tore her up seeing her best friend like this. "I understand..."

"So, why did you come looking for me?"

"I just... I feel so bad!" the young Asian said, pouring her heart out. "You've done so much for me and I really don't want you to regret finding me."

After blowing smoke with a long exhale, Camilla finally responded, "I don't."

"You don't?"

"It's easy for me to question my own motives when things don't work out the way I want. At the time, I felt I was making the right decision. I'm not going to go back on it now."

Feeling a little relieved, Jane stared down at the table, afraid to make eye contact. "I can refuse to take the job. That way, you can have it."

"Don't be silly," Camilla responded with a glare.

"I'm not being silly. I thought about it and I want you to have the position. I think you are more deserving of it than I am."

Camilla shook her head, looking annoyed. "Don't let my sadness guilt you out of what you earned. If I find out you refused the position, I'll just do the same thing."

With a half-hearted smile, Jane asked, "Is there anything I can do? Anything at all? All I want to do is make you feel better."

"Yes..."

"Well, what is it?"

After a deep breath, Camilla explained, "I'm taking some time off from work. I need time to reevaluate... some things in my life. Can you find your own way to the office for a few days?"

Jane nodded her head, feeling emotional.

"You can take my car if you want. I trust you with it."

"That's nice of you but I'll just take a taxi."

"Thank you..." the blonde said as she pulled out another cigarette.

"I'll leave you alone now," the Asian replied, getting up from the table. After taking the step, she turned back around and asked, "Camilla... would it help if I moved out?"

"You'll have to, eventually," the blonde answered, taking a moment to gather herself. "Your new office is on the other side of the city."

Though Jane knew Camilla's intentions weren't meant to be harsh, those words brought sadness to her heart, leaving her on the edge of tears. "I understand..."

"I'll see you later." As the Asian woman walked away, Camilla sat there by herself, smoking her cigarette.

Oh, sweet Jane... Yes, I smoke when I'm stressed, but I've been smoking a lot lately. Today was just the icing on the cake...

--

"Well Jane, now that it has been formally announced, we can proceed with your initial responsibilities."

With a deep breath, the new Branch Director responded, "Okay... What do I need to do first?"

After pulling out several documents, Miranda answered, "You're going to need some time to hire your staff."

Jane sat back nervously. She was having a hard time dealing with the pressure of learning all the new responsibilities. "I don't have the slightest clue how to do that."

"You're not allowed to approach employees from any Sunshine Industries branches unless they approach you first," Cynthia explained. "I'll find as many qualified applicants as I can, but ultimately, it's up to you."

I'm going to be terrible at this!

Jane thought to herself.

I don't know how to tell if someone is going to be good or not!

"Jane?" Miranda called, snapping the young woman out of the trance.

"Oh, sorry..."

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah... I'm just getting nervous..."

"Trust me, I understand what you're going through," her current supervisor sympathized. "But making big decisions is a part of being a Branch Director. It's all on you now."

Jane sat quietly, looking down at her own feet. "I understand. I just wish I had someone who could help me make hiring decisions."

Seeing how nervous the young woman was, Miranda decided to change the subject. "Jane... How is Camilla doing?"

With an empty frown, the young woman answered, "I don't know... She hasn't been home in a while."

"Did she tell you where she was going?"

"No," Jane answered in a defeated voice. "She doesn't even answer my phone calls."

Suddenly, the conversation was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. As all three women looked over, they gasped once they noticed who it was.

"Camilla!" Jane yelled, jumping out of her seat.

There she stood, the blonde Latina. Much to everyone's surprise, she was wearing sunglasses inside the office. "Excuse me. Am I interrupting something?"

Not knowing what to make of the situation, Miranda nervously responded, "We were just talking to Jane about putting a staff together."