“Dax, it is time for your evaluation. The decision is to be made in the next couple of weeks and we need to know where you stand.”
Dax’s stomach sank at the sound of Alan’s voice and he turned away from his computer screen to study him. He had been dreading the evaluation. Nothing had changed since the first time Alan had spoken to him. He had hired a second babysitter who could fill in when the first wasn’t available, but that was about it. That had cut his budget for making payments on his debt in half, and he was really banking on the promotion to be able to make ends meet. There was no other job on Oak Mountain he would be better qualified for and the pay would be exactly what he needed to get out of the hole, once and for all.
“Come on back to the conference room,” Alan said.
Dax stood up numbly, glancing longingly at his computer screen. He wanted nothing more than to stay seated and continue working on his presentation but there was no other option. He was going to have to make an impression on the elders whether he was ready for it or not.
“Dax!”
He was greeted by the most powerful bear-shifter on the board, a man named Hugh Dresden. Hugh stood and greeted him with a very traditional bow, one that was followed by every other member of the board in order of age, until finally Alan did the same. Dax returned each bow and then turned his attention onto Hugh, who had settled back down at the table.
“Everyone please have a seat,” he said, shuffling a stack of papers in front of himself and scanning them thoughtfully. “Today we are reviewing Dax as a potential member of our board. It is a big decision, and since I am soon retiring and the position as Head of the board will be passed down to Mr. Higgins here, we’re short a seat and would love it if it was filled by a worthy man.”
Dax nodded. He would love for the seat to be taken by someone worthy, too. Even if it wasn’t himself taking the space, he would prefer anybody but Vince. Still, the elders had always made it clear how little tolerance they had for anybody to badmouth another bear-shifter, particularly those who were working on the same team toward the same ends. If he tried to tell them Vince wasn’t worthy of their consideration, it would only reflect poorly on himself.
“So tell us Dax, what makes you the best candidate for the position? Be specific. What is it that sets you apart from the competition?”
Other than not being a slimy piece of shit? Dax had to bite his tongue before he let the words slip out. It gave him a few moments to collect his thoughts. Finally, he sighed and began speaking.
“I’ve never lied to you about where I am in life, and what’s really going on. You guys know me better than anyone. All my dirty laundry, everything that makes me probably seem very unqualified for the position, actually. But that’s what sets me apart. I’m honest. I try to figure out where I’m at so I can do better, and I will never settle for less, even when it seems impossible. I always want to be the best version of myself.”
The board seemed to consider this briefly before Hugh asked his next question.
“And how do you currently feel about your home life? Is that state of affairs moving forward? Do you have a mate who is willing to look after your child?”
Dax grimaced as memories of Jennifer flew through his mind. He hadn’t even considered how great it would’ve been professionally if he pursued her. Everything with her had to go right, not be forced by his professional pressures, and things with her weren’t going at all right now.
“No,” Dax said finally. “There is a woman I’ve gone out with a few times, but I don’t think it’s a road that will lead anywhere, but you know that I’m a good dad. I can take care of my daughter. I haven’t missed work either, not for weeks. I have two babysitters now.”
Hugh sighed and tilted his head at Dax pityingly.
“We are all aware of the lengths you would go to for your child, but there comes a point in a man’s life when he needs to also go the same length for himself. That can be impossible without a mate. Were you to be married, you would be the exact fit for the board that we’re looking for. You are capable of so much more, were you able to carve the time out for yourself to do it… but I’m afraid the only way to do that would be to settle down with a woman who is willing to help take the pressures of parenthood off your shoulders, at least for a brief amount of time so you can advance professionally with the board.”
Dax looked down at the floor, hoping to keep the anger and disappointment in his eyes from piercing the elder. He knew it was true, though he wished otherwise. Being on the board was a huge responsibility and it was one he couldn’t fully accomplish without the help of someone to look after his daughter.
“I understand,” Dax said once he was able to calm himself down.
“Of course you do. That is why you are being considered for this position. Thank you for your time, Dax. You may get back to work now.”
Dax rose from his seat, offering the proper bow to each of the board members before turning his back on them and heading back to his cubicle. He felt like he had just been beaten up, though the only thing that had happened had been an impromptu meeting with the elders to reminded him of what a failure he was.
However, he had a little girl at home who thought the world of him. No matter what happened with this promotion, at least there would always be that.