“That’s not to say we’re not going to give you an investment,” I add quickly. “We just think it would be helpful for you guys to get some real-world experience and then pitch to us again in six months to a year.”
“Okay.” Katherine looks down at her hands. “I guess we’ll go back to Whispering Haven.”
“No, we had some ideas,” I say. “In fact, we wanted to speak to you about the three main goals we thought you should concentrate on.”
“What’s that?” Katherine asks, looking up at me, her dark eyes sad.
I feel bad that we’ve taken the wind out of her sails.
“Well,” Levi says, “we think you need to really concentrate on marketing, how you’re going to get the word out there. You also need to figure out how to choose a location that’s going to be successful. And finally, you need to work on branding. So, we were thinking that you could work at our different organizations and figure out a plan. And then Brielle can work with Levi and Willow with Sebastian.”
“Okay,” Katherine says, nodding. “So, where are we going to work?”
“Well, I own an investment company,” I say, “and I do invest in hotels. I have several deals going on right now, and my corporation is extremely large. We’re looking for someone to work in the marketing department, someone who’s good at copywriting, maybe has some artistic skills.”
“Oh, well, that’s definitely Katherine,” Brielle says. “She’s really artsy.”
Katherine glares at her. “I mean, you’re artsy too, Brielle!”
“Yeah, but you’re also a good writer, and I’m not.”
“Fine,” she says. “I’ll take it.” Katherine looks over at me. “If that’s okay with you?”
I beam at her. “It’s absolutely fine with me,” I say, smiling. “I think you’re really going to enjoy working at my corporation.”
“I sure hope so,” she says, though her face screams torture.
As I stare at her, I’m not sure if this is the best idea I’ve ever had, but I know that the guys and I truly want to see them succeed. We’re just not ready to invest yet.
Chapter Seven
Dear Miss. Jenkins,
Welcome to Heathcliff Enterprises, Inc. We are pleased that you have accepted the junior marketing position in the hotel division. Please report to the office at eight a.m. on Monday, April 12. You will meet the team and undergo training for the first three weeks.
Compensation: $85,000 per annum
Paid Sick Days: 7
Vacation Days: 14
Benefits: Full health care, 401(k), and educational benefits start after the 30-day probationary period.
We look forward to your first day.
Yours sincerely,
Joanne Planford
Assistant to CEO Jack Heathcliff
Heathcliff Enterprises, Inc.
I stare at the official letter in my hand and try not to roll my eyes. There are a number of reasons why I’m peeved:
1.Why didn’t Jack sign the letter himself?
2.Why am I on probation when I’m only working there to gain experience for my own company?
