“Hello Ms. Sommers. You’re looking well.”
Sure. Just stressed and jet lag.Clara was always so polite and professional. “Thank you Clara. Is my father in?” She didn’t want to give him any advance warning on her visit. All he would’ve done was try to handle it over the phone.
“He is and just got off the phone,” Clara replied.
“Perfect. If you don’t mind, can you hold his calls? I have something important to discuss and you know how he can get.”
“Oh, I don’t think he’d be happy if I held his calls.”
“If he says anything, just tell him I insisted.” Kollette said, and then opened the door to her father’s office.
“Kollette, what are you doing here?” he asked, looking surprised.
“I thought maybe we could have lunch.”
“You should know I don’t eat lunch unless I have a business meeting,” he replied.
“Good thing I want to talk business,” she smiled.
He leaned back in his high back leather chair. “Please don’t tell me you’re here to talk about that property in West Virginia. I’ve made up my mind and you know I don’t change it for anyone.”
I know that all too well. “That’s not why I’m here.”
“Well then, sit. Tell me what’s on your mind.”
Kollette took the seat opposite from him. She couldn’t believe she was about to do this. What did she have to lose?
“Dad, you know that I’m a lot like you,” she said.
“You are. You’re driven and focused. When you want something, nothing stands in your way,” he smiled. “I’m very proud of the woman you have grown up to be.”
“And I’m here Dad, because I want my job back,” she said firmly. Her father hadn’t seen that one coming. His mouth gapped open and she continued. “I had earned that position, and I’m the best person for it.”
Her father sat up and said, “That position is filled.”
“I’m not saying John isn’t capable of managing a hotel, just not that one. Not one of yours.”
“Then he needs training,” he said.
“Dad, he will never be as good as me, and you know it,” she said confidently.
He nodded. “I know he won’t. Because you’re a Sommers, and this business is in our blood.”
That was all good to hear, but the one thing she missed, was him saying she had her job back. Was he really going to be that stubborn? “Since we are in agreement, does this mean”
“No. I’m keeping John as the manager.”
Damn it.She wasn’t going to beg for the job. It’s just one of those things. A regret I’ll have to learn to live with.
“Then I guess there’s no need for us to have lunch.”
“Actually I think there is,” he said. “I am still expanding the business.”
“So you have said. But I’m not interested in running the lodge on the Potters place.”
“Good, because I wasn’t offering it to you. What I need from you will require a lot of dedication and time. It won’t happen overnight, but I think you’re the right person for the job.”
“What job is that, Dad?” she asked.