Page 100 of Only for the Season

“Who else agrees with him?” I scan the faces of the other board members. Chuck and Jennifer are the only ones nodding.

“There’s a simple solution here. Anyone who doesn’t want to relocate to Smuggler’s Hideaway can remain in California.” Chuck begins to smile. “You’ll receive a generous compensation package.”

Chuck scowls. “You’re firing us for not wanting to relocate?”

“You can’t do this,” Jennifer claims.

“I can and you know it.”

I didn’t trust Jennifer with the news about the relocation – she’s good at her job but she also enjoys gossiping in the break room entirely too much – so I hired an outside firm to handle the legalities of relocating the hundred employees atApparooheadquarters to Smuggler’s Hideaway.

I phoned the firm while on my way to California. Nothing is delaying this move.

I fling a file across the table toward Chuck. “The details of your severance package.”

I had the package prepared in the hopes he wouldn’t want to move. Chuck has never been my favorite person but when he claimed he had an emergency and forced me to fly across the country at a moment’s notice for nothing, I was done.

Anyone who gets between me and Parker will find themselves on my bad side. She’s my priority. Everyone else is in the backseat. If they’re even in the car at all.

“Relocating is a good move for the company,” Eli says. He’s had my back since I made the announcement an hour ago, despite my not warning him in advance.

“You would say that,” Chuck sneers. “You live on the tiny island.”

“Which is why I know the operating costs will be significantly lower and there will be less competition for talent. I already have a meeting set up with the mayor to discuss tax incentives.”

When did Eli manage to set up a meeting with Lana?

“The quality of life is higher as well. No traffic, no smog,” I add. “Plus, this gives us a chance to shape a healthier, less toxic company culture.” I meet Jennifer’s gaze. “I’d think you’d be happy about these changes.”

She sighs. “My kids are in high school. I can’t afford to give up in-state tuition rates.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” I pass her a package. “You’ll find the severance pay is more than reasonable.”

She flips open the folder and her eyes widen. “This is acceptable.”

I made sure it would be. I’m not messing around. I own the majority shares inApparooand Eli has a significant amount of shares as well. Together, we could push this relocation through without the support of the rest of the board, but I have no desire to get caught up in litigation or delays.

I will not be away from Parker any longer than necessary. She’s worried enough about us being in a long-distance relationship. She has enough worries in her life. I will not be one of them. My job is to alleviate her worries. Not add to them.

“Anyone else have any objections?”

When no one responds, I nod. “This meeting is adjourned.”

Eli and I slip out of the boardroom before Chuck can corner us.

“The jet is fueled and ready to go. Are you ready?” Eli asks.

“Hell, yeah. I’ve been gone too long as it is.” It’s only been a few days but it’s been a few days too many.

He claps me on the back. “Happy for you. Parker is a good woman.”

“I love her.”

He chuckles. “I assumed as much since you’re spending several million dollars relocating the business to the island.”

“With the lower operating costs and tax incentives, we’ll earn the money back in less than two years.”

I’ve done the calculations since Parker is going to lose her mind when she finds out about the move. Yes, I’m doing this for her.