Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 107262 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 429(@250wpm)___ 358(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107262 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 429(@250wpm)___ 358(@300wpm)
And yet, where and how this woman gets her personal itches scratched has certain people ready to declare that a five-generations-old conglomerate is going to go belly up.
But I was able to jump in, grabbing three hundred shares of the stock for my own portfolio on the dip and another five thousand for my professional account before watching in anticipation for the bounce, which came in mere hours when the family put out an official press release addressing the rumors. I submitted the sale on my professional account first, and then, mere moments later, on my personal account, losing only a quarter point in the difference. In both portfolios, I made a tidy profit, so I’m calling this morning a resounding win.
There’s a knock on my cubicle wall, and I look over to see Hector Williams, one of my new co-workers, sticking his head around the corner. “Hey, Heck. How was your morning? You rake it in with the European market?”
“Not too shabby,” Hector says, tossing his trademark locked hair from side to side. I’m actually not sure he’s able to talk without his head moving. “I’m getting the numbers down for tonight’s get-together. You’re coming, right?”
“Where is it again?” I ask.
“McGinty’s,” he answers, then gives me the breakdown that I already read in the company email. “We all get together at the end of every month, usually on a Friday like today. This will be a bigger one than most, because we’ll be welcoming the new hires, like you, Shanna, and Mitchell. Boss Man will come by and press palms, rally the troops, and then we're free to celebrate our wins and losses as we see fit.”
“That sounds like code for hazing,” I tease with a pointed look, and he shakes his head with a laugh. I didn’t think that was the case, but still, it’s good to confirm I’m not walking into a trap. Wait… “Who’s pressing palms?”
“Boss Man. Mr. Sharpe. Just for a minute, though,” he says, holding his hands up like people usually run away from the terrifying Dylan Sharpe. Luckily, Hector doesn’t know that I’m the type that runs to him, literally at the drop of a text. “Six thirty? I’ll put you down?” he asks, pointing at his phone where it seems he’s keeping a running tally of attendees.
I nod. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
As Hector walks off and I hear him knocking on the next cubicle, I reach for my phone.
I hear you’re making an appearance at McGinty’s tonight.
Dylan’s busy so I don’t expect him to answer right away, but within minutes, I see the three dots and then his reply.
Monthly tradition, though I hate that it takes priority over our after hours work.
Honestly, I’m a bit disappointed to miss them too.
But getting together with the people from work is important. Especially with the rumors. I feel like I’m finding my place here and getting to know everyone, so being invited to go out with them is a must-do, even if it’s still a bit of a work function, not a friendly outing. I was initially worried the news of mine and Dylan’s behavior at the fundraiser would’ve preemptively poisoned people against me, but for the most part, it seems people at this level don’t know about it. Or they simply don’t care. Whatever the case, I’m thankful for it because I think I could really be good friends with some of my coworkers, and tonight is another step in the right direction.
Me too. I was excited to tell you about my morning.
Our after-work meetings always end in toe-curling orgasms, but they start with Dylan and me talking through my investments. He says I’m doing an even better job than he’d hoped, but he’s also guiding me as I learn more. I thought my success this morning would be worth a ‘great work’, at least, or an orgasmic bonus at most, so I’m disappointed to not get to share it with him.
European markets?
Yes! It was amazing!
He goes quiet for a moment, and I think he’s gotten caught up in something else, but then he says, Checked your numbers. Great work, Raven.
There it is—the warm, bubbly feeling in my chest when he praises me like that. I can’t help the smile that slips onto my lips.
Thank you. See you tonight.
I do a happy spin in my chair before grabbing my lunch from my locker. I go back to my desk to eat while I see what else is happening on the markets this afternoon. And before I know it, the bells are ringing across the globe to close out another day. I do some recording and analysis of my various portfolios and wrap up.
Before long, thoughts about the day get tucked away as I step into McGinty’s, heels clicking on the concrete sidewalk, then dulled on the wooden floor. It’s an institution in the Financial District, an authentic Irish pub that traces its roots all the way to 1847, when Sheamus McGinty brought his family to the USA from County Cork.