fwe about face feb 1/13

I had my presentation memorized and was confident that I had enough of the staff behind me on my bid for reinstatement to the board of directors. I spoke eloquently about my achievements during the past two years and my hopes for the future at Life.com.

I had awhile to wait before the votes were counted and my co-competitor Peter Morrissey sat silently in the anti-room. He was looking smug but I thought nothing of it at the time but that smirk would come to haunt me soon enough.

The chairman of the board called us both in after what seemed like an hour.

We followed him into the large and opulently furnished board room.

We sat down and I looked around the room at the people who I thought had my back but they all looked away. This was weird as there were no thumbs up signs or acknowledgements that this was going to be a cake walk.

It was like being the final two competitors of a reality show as I held my breath.

It's unanimous announced Rudy, the acting secretary.  Peter Morrissey 52 votes Lisa Sanchez 5 votes.

I was in shock and all I could do was thank them for their consideration and walk out with my head held high when my heart was in my throat. The urge to bawl was strong but I held it in and would until I reached home.

I walked back to my cubicle and collected my things. As I was walking out Peter Morrissey was approaching again with that smug look. I now knew why. He had bought his way in and was not ashamed to admit it.

"Congratulations Peter. I have to admit I have never met anyone with such deep pockets that you actually have room to scratch your butt. If I may make a suggestion for when you are rooting around down there to stick your thumb up your ass."

My boss was behind me. "Lisa, you're so fired!"

I swing around. "That's fine. I don't see myself surviving in a den of back-stabbing vipers." Then I walked out.