The Unreimbursed Expense

The day of the client dinner, my boss insisted we go to The Sterling Steakhouse, a place where the tasting menu starts at $300 a head.

When the check came, he had me put the 0-0,250 on my personal card.

But when I submitted the receipt for reimbursement, the finance department told me the absolute maximum they could approve was $500.

I went back to my boss, Walter, to explain. He just glanced dismissively at the receipt in my hand.

That extra $750? Thats on you for being incompetent.

I didnt get angry. I smiled. Then I walked out of the office and called the client to split the remaining $750 with me.

Now, Jessica, I see your potential, I really do, Walter began, his tone dripping with condescension. But you know the companys expense policy. The limit is $500. Anything over that is a clear violation.

I stared at the 0-0,250 receipt in my hand and the notification on my phone confirming a $500 deposit from the company. Suddenly, the memory of myself in the restaurant bathroom last night, forcing myself to throw up so I could go back out and keep drinking for the deal, felt like a sick joke.

Mr. Davis, you were the one who insisted on The Sterling Steakhouse, I said, my voice dangerously calm. A place that costs $300 per person. There were three of us from the company. We were over the limit before we even ordered appetizers.

Youre also the one who told me to pay for it, who promised the company would reimburse me in full. Why the sudden change of heart? I clutched the receipt, my hand trembling with barely suppressed rage.

Walter just tapped his pen impatiently on the polished surface of his desk. You know the rules. If I make an exception for you, what kind of message does that send to the rest of the staff? Dont think that landing one big account puts you on my level.

He leaned forward, his voice turning sharp. Dont blame the system for your own incompetence. Now, its working hours. You should be at your desk, not wasting my time.

He buzzed his assistant to show me out. The heavy oak door clicked shut behind me, a final, unceremonious dismissal.

My mind was a whirlwind of fury, replaying the scene from the night before. Walter, expansive and magnanimous, slapping me on the back.

Jess, my girl! You landed us the biggest account of the year! As a reward, well take Mr. Grayson to The Sterling Steakhouse tonight! Time you saw how the big leagues operate.

Even then, I had tried to stop him.

Mr. Davis, that place is $300 a head. Even if were careful, well blow past the $500 reimbursement limit.

He acted as if he hadnt heard me. He was already on the phone with the client. Robert! All set for tonight. The Sterling yes, thats the one. See you at eight!

He hung up and immediately texted Mr. Grayson the location, following up with a string of voice notes confirming the restaurant, as if our most important client was incapable of reading a map.

I tried one last time. The reimbursement limit is $500. Will the company cover the overage? Besides, The Sterling is almost impossible to book on short notice

He cut me off, slamming his hand on the table. I already told the man where were going. Are you going to make me a liar? Make the reservation!

Im just an employee. I did what I was told.

The Sterling was impossible to book. I had to call in a massive favor, begging and pleading until a private room was miraculously made available.

And this was my reward.

A passing coworker saw me standing outside Walters closed door and sidled up to me, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. You know, your commission on that deal is over three grand, not to mention the bonus. The companys been good to you. Is it really worth fighting over a few hundred bucks? Youre starting to sound greedy.

Before I could even respond, the sharp voice of Linda from Finance cut through the air.

Jessica. We need to discuss your last expense report. There are some discrepancies.

Being summoned by Linda was never a good thing. My coworkers were already rubbernecking, sensing drama. I was about to follow her to her office, hoping to plead my case about the dinner again, when she stopped in the middle of the open-plan floor and decided to make it a public execution.

Jessica Pierce! she shrieked, her voice echoing off the cubicle walls. How dare you submit an expense report for 0-0,800 for a three-day trip! Who do you think you are, the CEO?

The entire office fell silent. Her voice was a drill in my ear.

So young, and already trying to cheat the company! You think this is your personal piggy bank? First, you try to expense a 0-0,250 dinner you knew was over the limit, and now I find this? An 0-0,800 travel bill? Youve got a lot of nerve!

A murmur rippled through the office.

Wow, she seems so innocent, but shes skimming off the expense reports?

I know, right? Tacky. And who spends 0-0,250 on one dinner?

Walter emerged from his office, a cigarette dangling from his lips, drawn by the commotion. He saw me, and his eyes narrowed in annoyance.

You again? Whats this about 0-0,800?

Linda seized her moment. Mr. Davis! Its her! Three days on the road! The train tickets for her and the client were $650! Shipping for the samples was another 0-050! And the hotel she submitted a bill for $750!

Her voice rose to a screech. Were you staying in a hotel made of solid gold?

At the mention of the hotel bill, Walters face darkened. He stalked over and flicked his cigarette onto my shoe, grinding the embers into the leather with a look of utter contempt.

A $750 hotel bill, you say? He smirked. Fine. Well approve a payment that starts with a seven.

Linda understood immediately. She scribbled on an approval form and handed it to me. The approved amount was $75.

Company policy is company policy, Walter said, his voice dripping with fake sincerity. Youre a smart girl, Jessica. Dont think landing one big deal means the rules dont apply to you. You need to learn to think before you act.

A bitter, hysterical laugh escaped my lips.

That one big deal was worth millions. Walters personal cut alone would exceed the companys profits from the previous year. My commission was a paltry $3,100the over three grand my coworker had mentioned.

To close that deal, I had pulled a month of all-nighters. Id lost count of the weekends Id worked. When the contract was finally signed, all Walter said was, Good job. This is what youre paid for.

He never saw the endless revisions, the canceled plans, the nights I spent sleeping at my desk. Id been to the doctor three times for a stress-induced stomach ulcer, but I still showed up to every client dinner, smiling and drinking until the deal was done.

Before that business trip, I had followed protocol. I had specifically requested approval for the higher hotel costs.

Mr. Davis, Id said, the client has very specific accommodation requirements. Its going to be more expensive than our usual rate

He had cut me off before I could finish. Rules are for schmucks, Jessica. People are what matter. You land this deal, and Ill approve whatever it takes. Just keep the client happy. Money is no object!

I had the entire conversation recorded, just in case. But it didn't matter. He was denying it anyway. Every single receipt was legitimate. Every expense was pre-approved, verbally at least.

0-0,800 was two months salary for me. After rent, my last paycheck was almost gone. Now, with the dinner bill added on top, my bank account was practically empty.

Just as I was about to argue, to play the recording, Linda slid my monthly pay slip onto my desk.

I looked at the number. $75. I felt my mind go blank.

Linda, is this a mistake?

She didnt even look at me, already moving on to the next person. The other employees shot me pitying, scornful looks. I was now officially the office pariah, the greedy grifter.

A mistake? she said without turning around. Dont you remember what you did last month? Or do I need to humiliate you in front of everyone again? Im doing you a favor by not making a scene. Dont push it.

I crumpled the pay slip in my fist, the last of my control snapping. I threw it at her head.

What did I do? I snarled, my voice shaking. I worked every single night for a month on that deal. I was on the road, visiting construction sites. I ended up in the emergency room with a bleeding ulcer! You told me yourself to take it easy! Did you forget? We can check the security footage if you need a reminder!

Linda was not one to back down. The sight of the pay slip fluttering to the floor sent her into a rage. She slapped me, hard, across the face.

Dont you dare, Jessica! Your monthly salary is $4,000! That includes a $500 attendance bonus and a 0-0,000 performance bonus!

Right. A $2,500 base salary. After taxes, it came to just over three thousand a month. I could accept losing the attendance bonus; I had been sick.

My head was ringing from the slap. I stared at the floor. What about my commission for closing the deal?

Linda snorted. Commission? Has the client even paid the first invoice? You dont get a bonus until the money is in our account. And since that deal was your only performance metric last month and it hasn't paid out yet, you get zero for your performance bonus. You were also absent, so thats another five hundred gone.

Oh, and you broke a printer. Thats a deduction for damaging company property. Youre lucky to be getting seventy-five bucks at all. I was being generous.

Her voice echoed in the silent office. My coworkers stared at their own pay slips, not daring to breathe, lest their own meager salaries be targeted next.

That printer was broken before I got there, I said, my voice dangerously low. I told you, it started smoking the second I walked near it. I never even touched it.

And my expense report every single item is within company guidelines. Every receipt is accounted for. Youre refusing to reimburse me?

My final question was so calm it seemed to unnerve her. She froze, at a loss for words.

But Walter stepped in from behind me with a cold laugh. Reimburse you? Youre lucky you still have a job.

I turned slowly to face him. Oh, Im not quitting. In fact, Mr. Grayson said he wants me to personally handle his next project. I wouldnt want to miss out on that bonus.

I gave him a smile that was all teeth.

It worked. He nodded, his mood instantly shifting. He even patted me on the shoulder. See? Thats the spirit. Look, Jess, dont take it personally. But rules are rules. I cant bend them, even for a star employee. You understand, right?

He shoved a copy of the companys official expense policy handbook into my hands.

I took it, my smile widening. Of course, Mr. Davis. I understand completely. Rules are rules.

The moment I stepped out of the building, I took the handbook, drove straight to Mr. Graysons office, and laid it on his desk.

Mr. Grayson, I said. About dinner last night. The bill came to 0-0,250. My companys policy only covers $500. I was hoping we could split the difference.