Upwardly Mobile – Jenny 20

[For back story go here: Story so far at 27 July 2020 and subsequent Jenny episodes.]

[Click on in-text links for relevant back story]

Jenny was on her bike and it felt good. Or at least the physical sensation of moving smoothly through the crowds, swift, alone but with the others, was good. Unfortunately the reason for her speed was not so good.

She knew her line manager was just trying to be friendly. She knew he was being friendly and interested in her family situation. He knew she had kids and of course he knew she was with Izzy. That was, of course, why he had told her what he had told her. Why he had told her without really thinking that there might be a problem at all, because why would there have been a problem? Naturally they would have discussed it. They must have done – it was the kind of thing couples would discuss.

But there had been no discussion, just a casual mention of it, and certainly no talk of a promotion too – and now Jenny was wondering what else had not been discussed that she was yet to find out.

"It's a shame you want to leave us but I think what you're planning to do is great," said Linus.

"What I'm planning..?” started Jenny.

"The bike thing," said Linus plainly. "Izzy told me you wanted to take time out, reconnect as it were to things you enjoyed doing and…”

"Izzy's already discussed this with you?"

"Oh yeah, it's came up when we were talking about the restructuring and promotion."

Jenny managed a blank look. Just about.

Linus ploughed on assuming Jenny was up to speed.

"So the restructure means losing some of the workforce – mainly people like you who want to go, thankfully – and a couple of promotions. Lucky for you guys I think Izzy will come in as the head of department – a slimmed down department of course – but that should suit her fine and you know, to be honest either of you could have done it but..."

Jenny's blank look was beginning to crack under the weight of reality.

"As it is Izzy gets the job and you get..."

"On my bike?"

"I guess so. All works well really – are you going to try being competitive again? I hear you used to be part of a club – a team of some sort?"

 Jenny put up a hand to indicate that she needed the pace of this conversation to slow down some.

"When were you discussing this?" she asked.

"Oh maybe a week or so ago – not much more. I had a pretty severe meeting in the first week of the month with the boss to assess where we were. Not pretty I've got to say and there are going to be some disappointed and put out people. Quite literally,” Linus smiled, badly.

"A week ago..?"

"So I'm really pleased this could work out for you two. Otherwise there might have been a few difficult conversations to have – if you know what I mean."

Jenny knew exactly what he meant and she didn't like it. To have this pushed towards them as a problem to be solved would have been hard enough, but to have it presented to her as an already discussed and done deal – and that this would be a great outcome for her…

She peddled faster, even though she didn't really want to get back home, didn't really want to have the conversation that was coming. But something needed to be said, and she hoped it would be said rather than shouted.

Ultimately she decided there would be no point in rocking the boat at work. To turn round and start saying she wanted to change her mind and list the reasons why she would lead the department better than Izzy, it was all pointless, just create friction where at the moment none existed. Had they discussed it straight-forwarded they may well have reached the same outcome anyway, but Jenny didn't want to let go of the other possibilities just yet. And they should be hers to let go rather than just never even there in the first place.

She came to the end of their road and paused. Semi-detached housing stretching as far as she could see and the hills kicked in beyond that. She was breathless from the exertion, although it also suited her mood.

She's was about to restart and kick for home, when she decided to stick with the urge she had instead. She pedalled at half speed past the front garden, unhitching the panniers from the back of the bike as she did so. With one arm movement she flung the bags into the garden, landing safely behind the hedge. At the same speed she texted Izzy to say she'd be back late and then set her sights on those hills.