Page 84 of Enchanting the CEO

"Oh, yeah. That's going to be another tough one. I'm thinking of opening my own touring company."

Celia bit into a muffin, nodding thoughtfully. "I didn't see this coming."

"I only thought about it recently, but I like the idea of doing this on my own terms. "

"I think that's super brave and very, very smart. But health insurance and all that stuff will be a hassle.”

“Yeah, I thought about that too. I’ll manage somehow.” I grinned at her. "I could use a partner in crime, if you want in further down the road."

"I'll think about it. Do you think your boss will be annoyed?"

"I'm not sure how he'll take it, honestly. I don't have any noncompete clause or anything, so that should help."

"And the muffins," Celia said.

"And the muffins."

“You’ll do great, Diane.”

We chatted for a bit longer, and then it was time to continue on with my day. After I left my sister’s house, I went to see my boss before my tour started. I didn’t want to carry the muffins around for a few more hours because they’d get all squishy, so I thought it best to see him first.

He greeted me with a smile. "Sit down, Diane. What brings you here? Ah, muffins. Must be a special occasion."

I usually used my baking skills for bribing. "So, listen, George. You know I love working as a tour guide."

"You're one of our best."

My chest filled with pride. There was no way to soften the blow. It was on the tip of my tongue to ask him, "Why did you cut my hours, then?" But it was none of my business.

"I want to do this on my own," I said.

He frowned at the muffin he'd just taken out. It was filled with blueberries, which he loved. "What do you mean?"

Come on, take a bite. Maybe that will soften the blow.

He didn't take a bite. Instead, he stared me down.

"I want to start my own touring company."

He jerked his head back. "Your own company? But why?"

"I’d like a bit more autonomy in my tours, and I need more hours."

"We can talk about that."

"And more money," I continued, and he pressed his lips together. "You probably figured out I'd be gone sooner or later after you cut my hours."

"I figured you were going to go back to one of those fancy hotels, not be my competition," he said, obviously hurt by my decision.

"Look, it really wouldn't be competition." I talked very fast so he wouldn't get any weird ideas. "My tours will be structured very differently, and they’d follow a theme. Most of your tours are general ones showcasing the top attractions."

"I don't feel good about this," he grumbled. "You're still doing your tour today, aren't you?" George said rather briskly.

"Yes, of course. I wouldn't bail like that."

"Hm," he said.

"And I'm going to honor all the tours I've already booked, of course."

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