Chapter 5

"So when were you going to break the news to me?" Tina asked at the end of that day.

Briana stopped short. "How did you…." she began. "Did you talk to Jean?"

"Actually, I had a long conversation with your new special friend," Tina replied with an approving grin. "And if you're concerned with what I think, Bree, I say you should grab the opportunity while it presents itself."

"Perhaps, but I feel so terrible about leaving, especially when you were the one that gave me my start in this business when no one else would even give me a chance. You know I'll always be grateful for that."

"Don't," Tina shook her head. "Be assured if–and that is a big if, because I think things are going to turn out brilliantly–there is a small chance things don't work out with Brian, you will always have a job here to come back to."

"Really?"

"Absolutely. He's really pushing for you, lady, so I have a feeling this is going to be one great career move for you."

"Well, I will admit it may beat doing perms and rinses on seventy year old ladies for the most part."

Tina laughed. "Too true. The only difference you'll only have one client to worry about and you'll have better pay and less bullshit. Plus you'll travel. Can't beat that, honey."

"Meanwhile, I'm sure Phyllis, Jill and Ray will be clawing each other for the customers I have already," Briana chuckled. "The more you talk about this, the more I'm leaning toward taking it."

"Good, because I told Brian I'd strong-arm you," Tina grinned. "As for your current clients, I've already divided them among the other three so I won't have a war on my hands."

"Why do I have a feeling you're trying to get rid of me?" Briana teased.

"Any other circumstances, I'd fight to the death to keep you, but this? If it were dangling before me, I'd grab on in a second. Bree, these kind of chances rarely come along and God knows what you've been through since Gary died, you could use a break in life. Someone's trying to give you a nudge in another direction by doing this. There's the brass ring, lady. Why not grab it?"

Briana thought a moment. "You know what? I should! There's really nothing here for me anymore. Gary's parents retired to Florida, the house has been sold, my investments are just sitting there, all I have to go to is an empty apartment at night, and no kids to worry about. Yes, why not? I should do this! Everyone is right; it's time for me to start living."

Tina grinned again. "Now you're talking. Now, for just formalities, I need a two week notice just for your employment file."

"Hand me a pen and paper and consider it done," Briana smiled back.

An hour later:

"How did it go?" Brian asked.

"Fantastic," Tina replied. "It took a little nudging, but she finally agreed that your offer is an outstanding one. As of right now, I have her two week notice in her file."

"Really? Tina, you are a true genius."

"Let's not go overboard. I think Bree was more concerned I was going to be upset she had gotten this offer and was considering leaving. If anyone should be getting ahead in life, it is she."

"You know I owe you big for this, right?" he said gratefully.

"Just doing my end," Tina chuckled. "But in any case, I'm sure you and Bree are going to have a wonderful working relationship."

"You know, Tina, I think you are absolutely right. It's going to be a long two week wait, but I think I can manage that long."