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“Well, I’m unavailable.” I stand firm, refusing to give in. “As of yesterday, Wescott International is officially a subsidiary of Sinclair Group. Whatever you need my help with can wait until the new year. I’m sorry my personal life is getting in the way of you doing business, but I haven’t taken a single day off since last December, all so that I could go home for Christmas, and you’re not taking that away from me. I’ve already missed my flight, and my poor mother will be in a frenzy when she finds out.”
“Where does your family live?”
“Aspen Grove, Maine?” I say it like a question, not sure why he cares.
I expect him to call me insubordinate and tell me to pack my things and never come back. Instead, Jack picks up his phone and begins furiously typing away, ignoring me again.
Just as I’m ready to walk out of his office, he glances up. “Finish whatever you’re working on. We’re leaving in ten minutes,” he instructs. “I’m assuming you have your suitcase here if you were planning to go straight to the airport?”
“Um…yes,” I say hesitantly. “I’m confused. Where are we going?”
“Aspen Grove. Clearly you weren’t taught how to compromise, so I’ll just have to come with you. We’ll work from the hotel.”
I burst into laughter, not able to stop myself. Just when I think Jack might have finally grown a sense of humor, the scowl on his face tells me that’s not the case.
He’s not kidding.
“You can’t be serious.” I begin nervously pacing.
“I don’t waste my time with jokes, Ms. Stafford. We’re at an impasse, and I’ve provided a viable solution. I fail to see the problem.”
“You can’t just invite yourself to come home with me.”
“Why not? I’ll stay at a hotel, and you can help me during the days and spend the evenings with your family. It’s only for a few days, and once I head back to the city, you can have until the new year to yourself.”
I guess that might work.
Wait… Why am I entertaining this idea? The last thing I want to do is to bring my overbearing boss back to Aspen Grove.
“What if I set up a conference call for us tomorrow? That way you can stay here.”
“No.”
“Why not?” I practically screech.
“You know how I feel about you working remotely. It’s not nearly as efficient as being in the same room together, and it’s far too distracting.”
I did know how he felt about remote work, but I hoped he’d cave because of the circumstances. If I can’t get out of this, I’m damn well going to make it work in my favor.
“I have conditions.”
“I’d expect nothing less.” Jack laces his hands behind his head, leaning back in his chair. “What are they?”
“I want a thirty-percent raise, effective immediately. I’ve more than earned it,” I state with more confidence than I feel. “And I don’t want my family to know you’re my boss; it’ll only complicate things.”
The last thing I need is for my mother to go postal on the man who makes my work life a living hell.
“You drive a hard bargain, Ms. Stafford. Anything else?”
I’m about to say no when a harebrained idea pops into my head.
“Yes. I want you to help me with my holiday wishlist.”
I’m going to regret this.
No, scratch that. I already do.
“I’m sorry, your what?” he asks, confusion written all over his face.
