Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 85484 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 427(@200wpm)___ 342(@250wpm)___ 285(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85484 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 427(@200wpm)___ 342(@250wpm)___ 285(@300wpm)
My brain scrambles, trying to wrap itself around the implications of Bridgit’s words. Head of the expansion team. Department lead.
One of us, Chuck or me, will get a big freaking promotion that doesn’t happen often at Bloom Match. It’s like the Supreme Court, in a way—once you’re in, you never want to leave.
And to have that type of job security and perks—and pay—would be phenomenal.
Chuck holds up his hand. “Ms. French,” he says to Bridgit. “I’d like to say something, if I may.”
I roll my eyes, earning a giggle from Shelly.
He stands, smoothing his green and brown tie down his belly like he’s some kind of power player.
“I just want to take a moment and thank you, Ms. French, for the chance to work for such a fantastic company,” he says.
I can’t help it. All I hear is hyena now.
“My proposal, for couples workshops, is based on a need I see in every neighborhood in Florida,” he continues.
“What’s he doing?” Shelly mouths.
I shrug.
He clears his throat. “I know this idea seems rather basic on the surface. But statistics prove that when couples attend workshops together, they walk away happier and more equipped to tackle their issues. Further, happy clients are the best form of marketing. All of this is not to mention that the cost Bloom Match would undergo to get this process on its feet is extremely minimal compared to other proposals.”
Oh, please.
Chuck looks around the room, his smile wavering, before he sits again.
My coworkers glance around at one another. Are we supposed to clap? Say thanks? Give counterpoints?
Bridgit smiles, clearly confused at Chuck’s impromptu lobby for the job. “Um, thank you, Chuck. I suppose I should offer you a moment to speak, if you’d like, Pippa?”
Fuck.
“Yes, of course,” I say, standing because Chuck did.
What the hell am I supposed to say? I can’t pass up the chance to speak since Chuck did. Ugh.
Bridgit’s decision has already been made, and I know damn good and well that my coworkers don’t want to sit and listen to us debate like we’re running for office.
No one likes politicians.
Chuck smirks at me. I lift my chin and do the only helpful thing my parents ever taught me—put on a face and then put on a show.
“I will keep this short because we all have jobs we need to get back to,” I say, fortified by the nods and mumbles of agreement from my tablemates. “Thank you, Ms. French, for the opportunity to play a part in Bloom Match’s growth.”
“You’re welcome,” Bridgit says.
“I believe in my proposal,” I say, clearly and confidently. “From a purely business perspective, couples retreats can easily be expanded across the country—across the world, if we choose. The vertical growth is endless. Further, retreats are customizable for each couple and will be designed to enhance communication, strengthen problem-solving skills, and afford them an opportunity to have a few days of fun, laughter, and deep conversation in a neutral setting.” I pause and give everyone a moment to absorb my words. “It would be an absolute honor to be trusted to bring my vision not only to Bloom and our community, but also to the infinite number of couples out there that we can touch.”
I smooth down my skirt and take my seat.
My heart pounds a mile a minute. A bead of sweat trickles down my spine. I force a swallow down my throat and steady my breathing.
“May I make a point?” Chuck asks.
Keep your emotions in check.
“Um, sure, Chuck. Go ahead,” Bridgit says, her brows pulled together.
He looks at me. “You can’t realistically expect to send two people off into the wild and expect it to make them fall in love.”
What the fuck?
“Actually, you can. Sometimes, getting away from the rigors of life—dirty dishes, kids’ schedules, the neighbors who squeak in your ear about this or that—can be enough to remind you of who you fell in love with in the first place.”
“Statistically speaking, eighty-five percent of couples that participate in workshops save their marriages,” he says.
“It’s funny you bring up statistics because I did a little digging,” I say, proud of myself for taking the time last night to research instead of scrolling Social. “Thirty percent of couples that participated only in workshops felt their marriages were worse two years later.” I glance at Bridgit. “I’ll concede that workshops may be a better solution for relationships with a specific pain point or issue. But Bloom Match already offers couples counseling. With couples retreats, we’re able to offer couples with no specific problem—couples that may be looking for an opportunity to grow closer with one another—a solution. We can’t do that now.”
It's as if a mic dropped. And Chuck hears it louder than everyone.
He stands. “Hiking isn’t going to fix a marriage, and it isn’t going to make Bloom any money either. My proposal will.”