Page 43 of Through You
I turn to look at Alex, my best friend, who currently occupies the position of chief financial officer. “How much would we save if we worked with out-of-state contractors?”
Alex takes a quick glance at his meeting notes. He understands exactly what I’m asking without me having to go into details.
“Not much. We’re talking about contractors bringing in out-of-town workers who will have to travel and will need room and board for the duration of the project. We also have to factor in the level of motivation of a crew of workers who won’t be well-fed and may feel homesick.”
“Exactly.” I put down my pen. “We have an efficient local workforce. I believe we’ll achieve optimal performance by creating work opportunities in our own community. Moreover, we’ll be fostering a sense of ownership among the crew since they’ll play an integral part in the further development of their home-town by putting up buildings and houses where they live.”
Ryan lowers his head. “Understood. I was simply trying to save the company some money.”
“I know. But as Alex pointed out, it’s not much. And I believe we’ll get better results if we generate new employment opportunities where we live.”
Sasha, our chief of human resources, interjects. “I only want to add that we’ve worked with local contractors before, and they’ve been incredible.”
“Well, then, it’s settled,” I conclude.
The door to the boardroom opens and everyone but me stands up when my father makes his entrance. Everybody here has great respect for Juan Hidalgo. He’s a role model to many who choose to follow in his footsteps. He built this great corporation from the ground up and established an empire that comprises six branches nationwide, overseeing a multitude of projects in many states. I admire him too, although maybe not for the same reasons held by those present in this room. I know how much my father has sacrificed to accomplish all this. I know how hard it was at the beginning—all the sweat, tears, and what he had to endure to get here.
“Good morning. Please sit down,” my father instructs everyone with a smile. “I’ve told you before this formality isn’t necessary.” He jokes with them while lightly slapping the shoulder of a department head. “Forgive me for interrupting.”
Alex speaks to him in a friendly tone. “We were finishing up.”
“Oh.” His eyes finally land on me. “Then would you mind giving me and your CEO a few moments alone?”
The team promptly vacates the boardroom and my dad takes the seat at the other end of table, straight across from mine.
“I thought you were going to be away for a few weeks,” I inquire, getting comfortable in my chair.
“I leave this afternoon,” he answers, tapping his fingers impatiently on the table. I know why he’s here, but I want to hear him say it. “Let me get to the point to save us both precious time.” I gesture for him to go on. “I got a call from Jaysen this morning.
He told me that he’s reconsidering renewing their contract with us.”
“Okay.”
“Artemis, I don’t like surprises. Particularly those with repercussions for our company. We had a deal. I let you choose which girl, and today I’m informed that you broke up with her.”
I let out a deep sigh. “I don’t think it’s wise to mix business with my personal life.”
“That’s not what you told me a year ago when we spoke about this. You agreed, and have been involved with her ever since. And now you’re changing your mind as if there are no consequences?
In business, acting impulsively can be damaging.”
The protruding vein on his forehead has become very visible.
He’s angry, so I choose my words carefully. “We can merge with another furnishing firm to fulfill the needs of our development projects. For instance—”
“Enough!” He raises his voice and cuts me off. “It is absurd to change suppliers in the middle of our projects. Do you have any idea how much that will cost us? We’re not talking about hundreds. It will be millions. Jaysen & Associates is the best and most prestigious furnishing firm in the nation. The quality they offer is unmatchable in the industry. There is a long line of companies waiting and eager to partner with them. Hasn’t it become crystal clear to you that we need them more than they need us?”
I run my hands over my face. “Father . . .”
“No. I’m not talking as your father now. I’m speaking to you as the president of Hidalgo Enterprises. You made a deal. You need to keep your word and avoid causing problems for this company. You are the CEO, and the well-being of the company needs to be your first priority.”
My lips curve into a sarcastic smirk. “You haven’t even asked why I did it.”
My father scowls. “What are you talking about?”
“You haven’t asked why I changed my mind. Is that not relevant?”
“It’s completely irrelevant. The company always comes first.”
