The only person who’s been on the team as long as I have is Carmen. We both started a few months before everyone else, and I carried this company for the first few months because Carmen, my arch nemesis, didn’t and still doesn’t pull her weight.
She may be athletic and fits the social standard for beauty, whereas I am curvier and fuller-figured, but I have the brains, and my bosses know that.
First, though, I should stop and get Rosa a coffee like I usually do.
As I walk toward the coffee spot, I chat with Asher, my best friend, on the phone.
“I hope they announce it early,” I say breathlessly. “That way, I can start getting my stuff ready straight away. I wonder if I have to make my manager’s sign for my desk or if they give me that.”
“Penny, you’re overexcited. Catch your breath.” Asher giggles. “We know that you’re a shoo-in for the manager's position. There’s no one better.”
“I know, it’s basically in the bag. Today is my day to shine. I’ve bought a whole new outfit and shoes and even done my makeup.”
“Did you wear your grandmother's necklace?” Asher asks curiously.
“No, I didn’t want to lose it. It’s all I have left of her. It’s still tucked safely away.” I smile and mouth, “Thank you,” as I take the coffee and hurry out.
“Are you going to make it in time?” Asher asks.
“Of course. I’m five blocks from work, and I have the coffee already. This is it, Asher. I can feel it. This is my day.”
“Well, go get ‘em, tiger.” My friend laughs. “And tell me later how it went. Maybe we can celebrate over drinks.”
“You bet I will. Later.” I hang up and hurry to the counter to place my order. As I’m about to open my mouth, a woman pushes in front of me and snaps her fingers to get the young girl's attention.
“Excuse me, yes you. I want four tall lattes in the next five minutes, I’m in a hurry.” She takes out her wallet as the girl hurries to ring her up. She pays and then moves away.
I move forward and the girl looks at me sullenly, “How can I help you today?”
I give her a kind smile and ask, “How are you?”
She gives me a strange look and then shakes her head. “Sorry ma’am it’s a long line, can I get your order please?”
I blush crimson as I hear a grumble of agreement behind me. “Yes, sorry. Can I get three tall black coffees and one green tea?” I wait for her to ring me up.
She talks to her coworker about the tea and then sighs and rings me up. “Okay, you can swipe your card.”
I swipe my card and put it back in my wallet. She hands me a receipt and I give her my name to write on the cups before I make my way to where we collect the coffee.
I notice the woman from earlier. She’s on the phone, loudly demanding someone do something for her before she gets to her office.
“Penny.” The guy calls as he places the four drinks on the counter.
The woman, with her phone cradled between her ear and shoulder, walks up and grabs the drinks.
“Excuse me,” I call. She doesn’t turn around, trying to nudge her way out of the store. “Excuse me,” I say it louder and tap her.
“Don’t you touch me,” she shrieks as she turns around. “What kind of freak are you?”
“You took my drinks.” I point to the drinks in her hands.
“I ordered before you.” She turns around again, and I tap her again, and she glares at me.
“They aren’t lattes. That’s three black coffees and a green tea.” I try not to raise my voice though the shop is quite busy.
“Oh, fuck off,” she snaps.
“Maria.” The guy calls, and the woman looks up. Without apologizing, she shoves the drinks into my hands and pushes past me. The hot coffee spills on my hands and I hiss.
“Thanks for nothing,” I mutter.
I hurry out of the store and make my way down to the office as quickly as I can while balancing the coffee.
I nudge my way into the elevator even though people don’t seem too happy with being squashed up a little. Nothing can get me down today, not my curves or what anyone else thinks of me.
It’s a shaky confidence, but I have to put my best foot forward to show everyone that I’m best suited for the job. They need to respect me from the word go.
When I walk into our offices, everyone is bustling and talking about the promotion announcement. I cannot believe it’s happening soon. I feel a bit shaky and sip my green tea to ease my nerves. I’ll have a granola bar once I’m at my desk.
I head straight toward Rosa’s office, but I stop short when I hear her talking to her manager, Michael. “She just doesn’t represent what the company stands for. If Penny can’t watch her weight and take care of herself, how does that reflect on us as a company.”
“She is the best candidate, but I have to agree, the clients have a certain taste, and Penny just isn’t it. She’s sweet and good at her job, but she’ll need to focus more on her image if she wants the position of manager.” Rosa says while clicking her pen.
I step back, trying to fight back the tears.
They’re not choosing me.
Because of me.
