Chapter 5: Asking a Favor

Zoe could feel her heart beating in her chest. Her old boss Monroe was not the forgiving type. Once you crossed him, he put you out of his mind.

Although she hadn't crossed him, she did quit her job.

She made sure to give them ample notice, but Monroe displayed his distaste for her decision for many weeks before she left. Monroe, like many others, disliked Kyle. He thought that Zoe was too good for him and that she was throwing her life away.

She had worked at this company for most of the time she had been with Kyle. Monroe was a mentor to her, and he had helped her grow and learn the world of sales.

Although Zoe had a Bachelor’s from University, she had never done anything with it. Instead, she started working with Monroe part-time, which eventually turned into full-time.

The job paid well, and she loved her co-workers, so she stayed.

As she looked back at that decision now, she knew she should have made a different choice. If Monroe was unable to offer her employment, she would have nothing but sales experience to offer another workplace. It could be hard to find another job like this one.

Now, she would need to grovel at Monroe’s feet in hopes that he had not yet hired someone else and would give her another chance. She knew this would be embarrassing, but she couldn’t fathom the idea of looking for a new job when she loved her old one.

Zoe had been working her way to Senior Sales Manager. She had so many plans for her life that now seemed so far away.

“You are deep in thought. I know it's none of my business to start questioning what your plans are, but if we are going to be living together, getting to know each other means asking questions” Dylan said honestly.

He was right. Zoe was not going to be able to keep everything hidden from her new roommate even if she wanted to. She was going to have to figure out how to be open with him without being completely wide open.

I want my old job back,” Zoe said. Straight to the point and honest. What else was there to say?

“What if speaking to your boss doesn’t work. What’s next?” Dylan asked.

Zoe knew the next logical step would be to look for another job. The problem with doing that was that she didn’t have a true career. She had been so busy supporting Kyle and his dreams that she hadn't ever focused on hers.

She loved her sales job. But, her mother and father repeatedly tried to tell her to attend specialized schooling after graduation and she never had. Now, she may live to regret that.

“Then I'm screwed,” Zoe said.

Dylan sighed.

It seemed like Dylan felt sympathy for Zoe and her situation. They hardly knew one another, but the look on his face when she said she wouldn’t know where to turn, or what to do if her job doesn’t take her back, showed care.

“Regardless of what happens, I’d like to have dinner together tonight. I’m a good cook” Dylan said, looking proud of himself.

There it was again. The feeling that Dylan wanted more than friendship, and she wasn’t going to give it to him.

“Uh, I don’t know Dylan. Dinner sounds a bit formal. Maybe a coffee?” Zoe asked politely.

As she looked over at him, Dylan rolled his eyes in return.

“It's just dinner, Zoe. There’s nothing formal about two people sitting down and eating together” Dylan reported.

Zoe sighed but said nothing. She shook her head in acceptance.

As they approached her work building, she wondered what would lie ahead for her. Would Monroe help her out? Or would she be left with no source of income?

“Looks like we’re here. I will wait downstairs in the car. I wish you the best of luck” Dylan said.

Zoe smiled and left the car.

As she approached the unmarked building on Yonge Street, she took in her surroundings.

Tall buildings, fast food, cars, and people walking on the sidewalk around her. She closed her eyes tightly and hoped that something could go right.

“Hello, Angie!” Zoe said to the front receptionist as she walked inside through the glass doors.

Angie had been working at LifeCall Sales for as long as Zoe had been there. Sometimes she would bring Angie a coffee, or Angie would make her lunch. They had become quite close over time, and Angie had even texted her to ask how she was settling in, in Manitoba. Of course, Zoe never replied.

“Zoe, what are you doing here? Not that I am not happy to see you, but I’m just surprised” Angie said in shock.

This was the beginning of Zoe having to air her dirty laundry out for everyone in the office to see and hear. She loved Angie, but once she told her, and then her boss, everyone would know. Everyone would feel bad for her, and everyone would want to ask her about it. The last thing in the world she wanted to do was talk about it.

“Long story… I broke up with Kyle. I need my job back. I know you probably have a million questions, but I can't talk about it now. Is Monroe in his office?” Zoe said, trying not to sound standoffish.

Angie nodded but was busy typing on her computer. Zoe was thankful for that because if Angie gave Zoe her full attention, she wouldn’t be able to get off this easily.

Zoe made her way over to Monroe’s office and found him sitting at his desk. He wasn’t on the phone and wasn’t typing on the computer, so he likely had time for her now.

As she knocked on the door, Monroe smiled and beckoned her in. Monroe was bald, tall, slim, and had the kindest smile.

As she walked in, she braced herself to beg for her job back.

“Monroe, it is wonderful to see you. Things didn’t work out between Kyle and I, which I am sure you were expecting. I need my job back. Please tell me you can help me out” Zoe said, sitting down in the chair opposite his desk.

She could see his face fall. This wasn’t going to end well for her.

“Zoe, I wish I could give you a job. Any job. But I can’t. I’ve hired someone to fill your position, and there are no openings. You know our business can be volatile, so I can’t afford to create a position for you at this time. I am very sorry” Monroe said, looking solemn.

Zoe frowned, showing her acceptance of Monroe’s news. She knew this would be the likely outcome, but she had hoped for something different. All she could do was hope, and now she was going to need a lot more of it.