The sign over the main doorway read "Happy Holidays and Farewell Laura." It was the night of the annual Christmas party combined with a farewell for Dad's private secretary, Laura Case. Laura had come to work for dad a few years before I finished college and after ten years was leaving to get married. I came to work for dad five years ago and after starting in accounting, worked my way up to marketing manager. With Laura's departure, there was a lot of office buzz about who would replace her. The private secretary position was a full vice presidency with Dad's construction company and came with a salary twice that of mine.
"It's probably not a good position for you, Angela," Dad was saying during the job interview. "Certainly, you are qualified, but you would have to be on the road with me all around the country and I just do not want to put you through that. How about I give you a raise and have you manage the home office?"
"No Dad. Thanks for that offer but I want that vice presidency and that job."
"Well, Angie, you are still on the list, but don't be too disappointed if you don't get it. You are my daughter and I love you, but I still have to run the business."
I left the interview knowing that it was unlikely I would be chosen.
Entering the building, I found the party in full swing. Dad was greeting each employee as they entered and giving them their annual bonus checks. It had been a good year and everyone was pleased with the bonus. He hugged me and I could tell he was in a good mood as well as being a little tipsy. He had a hint of bourbon on his breath and I expected him to be a little mushy later as he had a few more drinks. Something I personally enjoyed.
Scanning the room, I saw Laura and headed in her direction. "Congratulations again Laura and I am sure going to miss you," I smiled.
"Oh Angie, thank you. I am so excited about getting married, but I am really going to miss working so closely with your dad."
"You know, I replied, I really wish Dad would let me take your position when you leave, but he seems so against it."
"Angie, I have no doubts that you could do it, but there are certain aspects he probably wants to protect you from." You know how protective he is of you."
"Hmm, I don't really think that is the reason," I mused aloud. "Maybe he thinks I would spoil his fun. Perhaps he chases a lot of women on the road."
"No he doesn't," laughed Laura. "I have never seen him bring a strange woman back to his room while on the road. Of course, it is my job to keep secrets, but I will at least tell you that much. I am sure he has his reasons, but I cannot discuss what they might be. I hope you understand."
I liked Laura. We always got along well and often shopped together. We had the same tastes and wore the same sizes. She was like the older sister that I never had and I was going to miss her.
"Hey, want to try some Paco Rabanne I got as a Christmas gift from your dad?" whispered Laura as she leaned in toward me. "I think you will like it."
"Umm, you know me and French perfume," I laughed back at her. "I would love it."
Like two conspiring teenagers, we headed to the ladies room. Once inside, Laura suggested that I use it in intimate places in case I got lucky. Giggling, I did, while telling her that no man would likely come near me with the old man around.
Laura's fiancΓ© was at the table when we returned and after a few minutes, I excused myself to mingle with the other employees. I eventually rode the elevator to the executive offices to pick up what files I would need for the weekend before I forgot them. Leaving my office, I found myself directly in front of Laura's office. I was staring at the door and had the sudden impulse to sit at her desk. I opened the door to the dark office, worked my way to her desk, and sat in the chair behind it.
"My ass fits this chair and I fit this job," I thought to myself as I leaned back. I fought the tears welling in my eyes as I tried to understand Dad's reluctance to give me the opportunity. It was not fair to be rejected for the job just because I was his daughter when I was more qualified that anyone else there.
I heard the footsteps pause outside the door and I froze. As the door opened and closed, I got a glimpse of my father entering and I heard the soft click of the lock behind him. In the darkness, he approached and I knew that I was going to be caught sitting at Laura's desk. I stood and opened my mouth to try to explain but Dad began talking first.
"Damn Laura, I almost missed you until I noticed your perfume, he started. I really am pleased that you wanted to meet with me one last time before you leave."