Page 26 of Defending A Promise
I can feel the blush on my cheeks warm my face. It’s always wonderful to hear clients tell you how great you are – it doesn’t get old at all. “Thank you. Working with your mother and Mia was wonderful. Now, what are you looking to do here?”
His executive chair creaks a little as he leans back, “Well, I’m hoping to hire you full time. Are you interested?”
I’ve been my own boss ever since I graduated college, and I have no intention of changing that set up. “Sorry, no. I’m looking to build my portfolio as a business owner.”
He nods, “I figured as much, but you can’t blame a guy for trying, right? So, I’ll settle for the next best thing. An exclusive contract between you and Hibiscus Island Country Club.”
“What does that look like to you, Mr. Gallo? Exclusive how?”
“Ian. Please call me Ian. Mr. Gallo is my father.”
“Okay, Ian.”
“Well, exclusive as in you plan and orchestrate all Hibiscus Island Country Club events – weddings, dinners, the annual regatta, parties, reunions, et cetera.”
“And what about my other clients? I have other obligations and clients. I can’t work exclusively for you, Ian.”
“I understand that, and respect that, but when I say exclusive, I mean you would be our only event planner.” This takes me by surprise, and I struggle to school my facial expression unsuccessfully. “Riley, I believe in working with local talent and supporting our small community. That means bringing in local business owners. Now, if you plan on staying in Hibiscus Harbor, then that means you. Do you plan on staying?”
Dinner last night with Declan and talking about recreating roots for both Nicholas and I comes flooding back. “Yes, Ian. I have moved back to Hibiscus Harbor for good. I have no plans on leaving. This is home and this is where we belong.”
“Good. There’s one other caveat.”
“What’s that?”
“This would include being the event planner, exclusively, for Magical Moments as well.”
“So, let me make sure I’ve got this right. You want to hire me as your exclusive event planner for both the country club andMia’s bridal shop and I would still be able to have other clients. Do I have that right?”
“Yes, but I’d expect our contract to take precedence over your other clients insomuch that there would be no lack in service or performance. I’m sure you’ll have to hire staff or subcontract out services, I just want to make sure our members here at the country club and Mia’s customers get that service and attention they’ve come to expect.”
I nod, “That’s a lot to think about.”
He pulls out a manila folder from the credenza behind him. “I’ve taken the liberty of drawing up a contract, including the pricing that I think is more than generous, to have you on retainer.”
I take the contract and place it in my lap under my day planner. Everything in my being wants me to open it up and see what this pricing is listed as, but the professional in me holds me back. “Thank you for this opportunity, Ian. I’ll have my attorney review the contract and get it back to you quickly.” Note to self – get an attorney.
He stands indicating that our meeting is over and I’m good with that as I want to look at this contract. It could mean that I could buy a place for Nicholas and me to live on our own again one day. “Thank you, Riley. You’ve been a godsend for both Mia and me and I’m looking forward to working with you.”
I stand with my contract held tight against my chest. “It’s been my pleasure, Ian. We’ll talk soon.” As if she was listening in, Mrs. Wilcox opens the door for me to exit and quietly walks me to the front lobby.
“Have a nice day, Riley.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Wilcox.” I walk out into the heat and beeline it across the hot parking to Declan’s truck. Cranking up the air conditioning as soon as I climb in, I open the contract Ian gave me and almost have a heart attack. With this rate forjust one client, I could retire. He’s crazy to offer this much, but then again, I don’t know exactly how many events he plans on hosting. One thing is for sure – I’m going to need to hire staff if I have any chance of staying afloat.
Chapter 12
Declan
As soon as roll call is over, I go directly to the detective bureau and for Detective Smith and Detective Kowalski’s desks.
“Morning Hayes. What’s got you slumming it over here in the DB office?” Smith asks as he sips bad coffee from a tiny paper cup.
“I talked with Riley yesterday and got more of the story of what’s been going on. Thought we could talk? She gave me copies of everything, too. I think you may want those as well.”
Kowalski picks up her notepad, “Great. Let’s go into the conference room.” She leads the way. “Want any coffee?”
“That swill? Never. Thanks anyway.”
