A new month, and a new life.

At the end of the last sales day of the month, the dealership was putting together a small cocktail reception for a few dozen people to wish Greg well on his retirement and announce the new sales manager. Most of the staff had gone home to change into something more dressy for the occasion, and Mina was no different. She pulled into the parking lot and stepped out of her car, wearing a tight, sleeveless, knee length black dress, her hair stylishly pulled back into loose curls. Greg had asked both her and Brett to step on stage when he announced the winner, and she had dressed knowing she would be present when he announced her as the new manager, and if he didn't, well, she didn't want to think about that. The competition with Brett had gone down to the wire, with both staying until the close of business on the last day. Neither could be sure who won, but Mina was confident. She had strong sales days every day of the month. There was no way that Brett could have kept up, or could he have? Mina grabbed herself a drink and tried to wash the ruminations from her mind by mingling with other guests until it was time for the announcement. Brett was nowhere to be seen.

Eventually the program got started. The majority of the evening was filled with slightly drunken tributes to and stories about Greg. Touching, if a tad mundane. Finally, the owner of the dealership got up to wrap up and give Greg a moment to speak. Mina, taking this as her cue, made her way to the area just off stage, where she encountered Brett for the first time.

He smiled as he took in her figure. "Looking good, Alvarez. Can't wait to see what you have hiding under that dress."

"Very funny, almost as funny as it'll be watching you pack your shit."

"Guess we'll see," Brett replied as he made his way onto the stage. Greg had wrapped up his thank-yous and was moving onto what would happen to his old position. By this point, word had spread that the position would go to the top salesperson of the month.

"It was a tight race, and it lead to the best sales month this dealership has had in years!" Greg exclaimed to applause from his well-wishers. "So close, in fact, it came down to the value of one of our high end models!" Gasps this time. Mina did the math in her head, and thought about the coupe she had sold, and the price she had paid to sell it. Looked like it was going to be worth it.

"Welcome your new sales manager..."

Mina closed her eyes

And felt a pair of hands around her neck.

"Brett Cannonier!"

The pink collar he had shown her earlier in the month clicked into place as Mina's heart sank. Brett left her side to take the podium. She didn't even hear his speech. She was too busy trying to figure out what she had done wrong. She came up empty. She had done everything right, and, as she put her hands to her neck for the first time, she realized it had been for nothing. Brett turned toward her, beckoning, and her attention snapped back.

"I'd like to thank you, Mr. Williams, for your mentorship over the years," Brett said, gratitude dripping from his voice. "As a token of my appreciation, I have a gift."