Page 109 of Hooked
“And I also realized something.” She lifted her head to meet his eyes. “Working for a company like SOKA is my dream job. But it’s notreallymy dream job if it forces me to leave people I love. I love living in Metlin. I love you. I love Emmie, and Ox, and Daisy, and Spider and Ethan. I love trivia night and book club and I even love hikes in the mountains.”
His smile was slow and sexy. “Look at you.”
“I know. My life has actually turned into a fucking Hallmark movie.” She kissed him. “But this is my home. I’m gonna figure out a way to make it work.”
OceanofPDF.com
Chapter Twenty-Four
“What I’m proposing would bea departure for your company”—Tayla leaned forward—“but it completely fits with your model of employees finding their personal inspiration and drawing from that to contribute creative solutions. I am willing to compromise on this, and I really think this plan creates the most dynamic environment for my creative work.”
She handed them one last chart. Kabisa, Azim, and Rudy were in on the meeting this time. Rudy had been called in when Tayla brought up telecommuting.
“As you can see, my overall input in social media went down when I moved to Metlin. But the quality and focus of my posts went up. My engagement went up. Interaction went way up. In short, my posts became fewer in number but better quality and more focused. And in the past month and a half—”
“Since you’ve incorporated more outdoor content?”
“Exactly. My network has grown considerably. Metlin’s proximity to public lands and outdoor recreation activities has created an entirely new market that I think is full of SOKA’s target buyers. Money to spare for outdoor recreation, globally minded, and environmentally conscious.”
Rudy nodded. “And I want to second what Tayla was saying about midsized cities and ex-urban areas. If you look at demographic trends, more and more affluent retirees from major metropolitan areas and younger telecommuters are moving to midsized cities like Metlin. The cost of living is more affordable, and people surveyed say they prefer the pace of life in smaller cities.”
“So my staying in Metlin would allow SOKA to keep their finger on the pulse not only of large cities but also smaller communities. We might even find craftspeople in those areas we want to work with. After all, SOKA consumers are everywhere. What is local to us is global to them.”
“Good point.” Azim tapped his chin. “Kabisa?”
She sighed. “I’m still struggling with the idea of Tayla only being in the office a quarter of the month. It’s what we’ve consciously tried to steer away from. We want to provide that connection, that community. I still believe it’s part of what makes us so strong as a company.”
Azim nodded slowly. “We’re going to have to think about this, Tayla.”
“I completely understand, and I respect the culture you’re trying to create. I still hope you’ll consider my offer.”
“We will.” Kabisa stood and held her arms open. “Maybe I’m being selfish. I like you and I want you around all the time!”
Tayla gave her a hug. Hugs were coming easier and easier every day. “I appreciate that. But I can’t ignore my family either. The people I love are in Metlin. And I just wouldn’t be the person you need me to be if I left them.”
Azim’s eyes were warm. “We’re a family business,” he said. “And we respect that. Thanks, Tayla. We’ll talk it over and let you know in a few days. Does that work for you?”
“Absolutely.”
She left Azim and Kabisa in the garden while Rudy walked her to the door.
“So,” she said. “What do you think my chances are?”
“The telecommuting?” He shrugged. “It’s a hard sell for them, but they really like you. I give it fifty-fifty.”
She nodded. “I’ll take those odds.”
Rudy opened the door, and Tayla saw Jeremy waiting for her at the curb, watching the traffic speed by.
“So is that your boyfriend?”
Tayla smiled. “Yep. That’s Jeremy.”
“What happened to the arm?”
“Rock climbing accident.”
The young man looked impressed. “Sick.”
