Bennett took a printed promotion letter from her folder and handed it across the counter to me.

“Your salary is fifty-two thousand dollars a year, starting right now,” Dr.

Bennett said.

She took a polished brass plaque out of the wooden box and turned toward my desk.

“This practice belongs to people who show up with skill, commitment, and complete honesty,” Dr.

Bennett said.

She set the solid brass plaque engraved with my name and the words Office Manager squarely in the middle of the wooden desk while everyone cheered.

Paige clapped from the back of the break room while Dr.