AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Caden folded his hands on his desk. “We’ve decided to approach things differently. For the next year, we’re going to set performance-based benchmarks for every department.”
“Yes or no, Caden? It’s not that hard.”
He gave me a stern look. “I don’t like your tone, Shea.”
He didn’t like my tone? I wanted to burst into frustrated, angry laughter.
“Like you said, I’m very busy. I don’t have time to stand here and listen to your doublespeak. Raises—yes or no?”
“You are getting a raise, which I planned to discuss in your performance review next month.”
“And the kitchen staff?” I demanded.
“All non-department-head staff members are getting a performance gift and an opportunity to earn a bonus next year.”
I was on the edge of losing it. He had promised me. Raises were my only way of rewarding my people for long hours and a work environment that was, at times, stressful.
“What is the performance gift?”
Caden at least had the good sense to look sheepish. “It’s a very nice coffee mug.”
“Are you serious?” I roared. “After the year we’ve had”
My boss stood up, cutting me off. “Shea, you are not privy to all the financials of this business. This information can’t leave this room, but Mike and Angela plan to add on a huge indoor pool with waterslides and it’s going to cost a fortune. They can’t do that and hand out five percent raises to everyone.”
“Are you getting a raise?”
He scoffed, his eyes widening. “That’s none of your business.”
“Caden, I can go into my office and look at the budget anytime I want. Are you getting a raise?”
“I work harder than anyone here, Shea. And yes, I am getting a raise. Just like you are.”
I was seeing red at this point.
“Nina has four kids. My dishwasher left because he got a better-paying job at a gas station. I can’t ask people to bend over backward for a place that doesn’t value them.”
Caden shrugged. “The performance bonus opportunity will allow them to earn a bonus of up to two thousand dollars.”
I blew out a breath, my anger dissipating. He’d made this decision so easy for me.
“You can keep your raise and your shitty coffee mug and your bullshit performance bonus opportunity because I quit.”
He gaped at me.
“Do you want me to work out a two-week notice, or should I leave now?”
“I...Shea, I can’t possibly replace you in two weeks.”
I shrugged. “Either I leave now, or I work out the two weeks. Which do you want?”
His shoulders sagged as reality set in. “Work out the two weeks.”
I turned for the door, then spun around to face him. “You’re a shitty boss and a horrible leader. It’s gross to give yourself a raise when you already make so much and the people who scrub the toilets and wash the dishes here make so little. Do their jobs for one day and see how hard you think your job is then.”
“Are you done?” he asked, a bitter edge to his tone.
“I am so done.”
