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Maybe it was nice to come to Chile, after all.
Maybe it’s time to start seriously thinking about looking for someone who has relationship potential.
Tonight, I saw firsthand how in sync Kari and Luca are—they’re a team. I’ve never dreamed of getting married or having kids, but things can change.
Maybethey already are.
I make a mental note to start looking at dating apps. That for sure ranks in the top three of shit I never thought I would do in my life.
Thinking about relationships makes me reflect on Gio—my friend and Karina’s brother-in-law. I thought he would end up being a bachelor like me. But he went and fell in love with one of his students. Now, after she recovered her memories following a horrible car accident, they’re happily living together in the North Carolina mountains.
Imagine a fucking billionaire. Teaching at a community college. Living in a small town.
Not me. No thanks.
The first thing I check is my voicemail, since no one usually leaves me messages. As soon as I press play, the sweet and bright voice I’m getting used to fills my ears.
“Hi, Mr. Godoy. I canceled all meetings as you requested.” There’s a pause, but when I check my phone, there’s still a minute left in the message. “I’m not sure what caused you to make this decision, but I think no matter how hard, you should go through with the meetings and learn how you can become a more approachable boss. I know you’re used to being an all-powerful being, but I can tell you from experience, people work better and harder when they feel seen. Have a good day, Mr. Godoy. I’ll speak with you in the morning.”
The line goes silent, and I stay frozen, replaying her words over and over in my head:
You could become a more approachable boss.People work harder when they feel seen.
Why is Camila so invested in this? She’s only been working for me for little over a week. Why does she want me to succeed?
There’s definitely more to her than what I’ve picked up from our interactions.
Maybe I should listen to her.
She’s invested in this—inmesucceeding.
Maybe I should be too.
Since Camila didn’t schedule anything for me this morning, I decide to take her advice and head toward the employees quarters. A typical day in the vineyard starts even before the sun rises, so we have a gourmet lounge hall where the vineyard workers can eat.
I remember spending my high school summers helping with the grape harvest. They were long days, but sharing meals with the viticulturist made it worthwhile. They never treated me like the boss’s son—they made me feel like one of them.
Since we provide three meals a day along with plenty of refreshments, there’s no need for anyone to bring food.
When I enter the hall, everyone is talking animatedly and having breakfast. But the moment I’m noticed, a crippling silence spreads throughout the room.
“Oh please, don’t stop on my account. I simply figured I would join you for breakfast this morning,” I say, feeling the heat rising through my neck. I’m usually the most powerful person in any boardroom, but these people are intimidating. The success of our vineyard depends on their labor. They are the base of our pyramid.
No one moves—I think they’re all in shock.
“Here, Mr. Godoy, take a seat.”
Juan Carlos is the first to come out of the collective stupor, and I smile, grateful for the gesture.
After grabbing a plate full of food, I take a seat next to Juan Carlos who is sitting beside two gorgeous women—they’re twins.
I clear my throat, glancing around the table. “Listen, I’m going to be an obnoxious boss and ask for everyone’s names and roles here at the vineyard. You know, just so I can put names to faces.”
There’s a collective chuckle, and I see relief spreading through everyone’s faces. One by one, they introduce themselves, and I feel a little lighter after their warm welcome.
When it’s the twins’ turn to speak, I pay a little extra attention.
“So, hi, Mr. Godoy. My name is Sara, and this is my sister Alicia,” Sara says with a little wave, pointing her fork at her sister, who sits next to Juan Carlos and avoids meeting my eyes.