Page 59 of Hired By the Enemy
You don’t have to put up with that kind of shit in your working life.
He’s right. I don’t.
I own the company, for god’s sake.
“You’re right, Paul. I am young. But youth has never been a limiting factor in this company. I was nineteen when I came up with the idea for ParkLink. Sometimes, the benefit of youth means we have the power to imagine things that people with experience would dismiss.”
“But—” Paul starts to speak, but I don’t let him finish.
“I started ParkLink because I wanted to solve what seemed like an easily fixable problem. Some people owned available parking spots. Other people needed them. Technology lets us now solve problems like this in a way we were never able to in the past.
“And part of the problem our world is facing is environmental. So I want ParkLink to be part of the solution for that too.”
“Matthew’s right. We need to change with the times,” Henrietta says.
I look Paul straight in the eyes. “I respect your experience, Paul, but I built this company on innovation. If that isn’t a concept you embrace, perhaps this isn’t the right place for you.”
Paul splutters. “That’s not what I’m saying.”
“Good. Because I would hate to lose you if you’re not on board with the direction I want to take the company.”
I glance away from him to the rest of my management team, who stare at me, astonishment written all over their faces.
“Are we ready to hear the details of my proposal?” I ask.
“Definitely,” Henriettasays.
I should be triumphant.
But when I get back to my office, all I can think about is Liam. I wish I could talk to him about what happened with Paul.
I think he’d be proud of me. The thought of making Liam proud ignites a strange feeling inside of me.
I’m going home for Christmas. If he also decides to go home, there’s a good chance I’ll at least glimpse him over the holiday.
What will it be like to see him? What will I say?
Before I went to Hawaii, I didn’t think anything was missing from my life. Now, I have a giant Liam-shaped hole that I have no idea how to fill.
I rub my jaw and let out a huge sigh.
I try to focus back on work, but around four-thirty, I give up. There’s no point pretending anymore. My mind isn’t going to go back to work today.
One benefit of being the boss is I can sneak home early and no one will question me.
I’m just leaving my office when Henrietta intercepts me.
“I’m really excited about your eco-rewards idea,” she says.
I shuffle my laptop bag from one hand to the other.
“Thanks. I appreciate your support.”
She nods at my bag. “You’re leaving early. Hot date with Liam?” She wriggles her eyebrows suggestively.
I swallow hard. “No. We…uh…broke up.”
Henrietta tilts her head, disbelief running rampant on her face. “You broke up with him? Why?”
