“Gracie,” Adam read, “Gracie, Gracie, Gracie, and Faith. Okay, who voted Faith?”
“This is supposed to be anonymous, but let's use this opportunity to go over everything,” Caleb said calmly.
Bella, shrugged. “Let’s go over the facts. There are two candidates: Gracie and Faith. Gracie comes from a solid family and has lived her life in a good neighborhood. Gracie attended a great college and graduated a few years ago.
“Faith is from a poor family. One of her ancestors moved to America long ago for riches, yet no one ever got a good opportunity. She went to a small college-- only a few people know about it.”
“... We’re stuck trying to figure out who to hire in our company- and - there’s only one spot left. I think it’s pretty obvious to me. Gracie, the good student from Prestigious College, should work with us.” Adam concluded.
“But we need to be unanimous,” Caleb reminded. “So, I want to take you through some things. I have found that Faith also got into Prestigious College. But she declined the offer. That time she needed to stay close to home. She was working several part-time jobs to support her family, who was growing deeper into debts because of her brother who was battling cancer. She needed to be near her worried parents. Faith decided to attend a community college. She attended at night and worked during the day. Faith maintained this routine until she graduated from a state university.
“When I looked at Faith’s college essays, everything was sincere. I could hear her opening her heart and letting the words flow. Gracie’s essays were also impressive. However, I discovered plagiarism, sentences here and there from essays of other candidates.”
“So?” Adam asked, his voice prickly, worried that Caleb might be right. But he stubbornly refused to give in.
Caleb continued, “I went to the local cafe that Faith worked at, and they recommended her. The manager says Faith is a solid worker, and she created a new drink for the cafe, boosting their popularity. Faith is good with people, and cares for others.
“Gracie, on the other hand, worked at a design company. She always did the bare minimum, and gave off the vibe that she was too good for the others. She bragged that she would get into a prestigious job, and would leave everyone behind.”
“Whatever,” Adam grumbled. “Let’s vote again- none of the votes have changed.”
The black box was brought out, and Adam read the results. “Gracie,” he said, smiling. Then his happy expression crumpled as he read, “Faith, Faith, Faith, and Faith.”
“Just change your answer,” Daphne growled, “You know who the good candidate is- admit it.”
Fuming, Adam gave his consent.
Caleb smiled. “I’ll contact Faith immediately to tell her the good news.”