Page 27 of Every Breath

“And since you’re here, I’m guessing he didn’t.”

“That’s right, but I have the figures with me. If you take a look at them he’s made a steady improvement. The kid is working really hard.” Bill pointed to some numbers.

“I see the marked improvement, but he didn’t make the quota, right?”

“No, but I’ve told you already that the quota you set is a little on the high side. Dylan isn’t the only one struggling, you know.”

“When someone continually doesn’t make the quota, what happens?”

“You know what I’m getting at. I’m asking you to give the kid a break. I’ve seen his type before. If you give him a chance, he blossoms, becomes more confident, and you get better result, not to mention company loyalty. He tried so hard and he only missed this month’s quota by a very slim margin.”

“It seems to me that action should be taken.”

Bill went white. “The kid needs the job. You know he’s his family’s only means of support.”

“How about listening to what I have to say before you jump to conclusions?”

“All right.” Bill sighed, looking very bleak.

“I think we should lower the quota.”

Bill gave him an astonished look. “What? Are you serious?”

“Of course, I am.”

“But you’ve been adamant about not lowering the quota. I don’t understand.”

“Don’t try and understand, Bill. If I tried to explain it, you wouldn’t believe it.” Mason chuckled at his employee’s stunned expression.

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Oh, come on. Tell me the truth, I’ve been an asshole to work for, haven’t I?”

“Well—I don’t think I would use that word exactly.”

“Be honest with me. I promise you won’t get in trouble for speaking your mind.”

Bill hesitated before he finally spoke. “You can be difficult at times.”

“Bill, I apologize for being such a jerk to work for, and I hope I will be able to make things easier for you,” Mason said sincerely. He had a pretty good idea how things had been and he hated to see such low morale whenever he was around.

The sales manager looked surprised. “I think I must be dreaming,” he muttered.

“No, it’s not a dream. Also, we need to start talking about hiring some more help around here and a promotion for you.”

The man looked faint.

Mason hoped he was taking the right steps toward redemption because he didn’t want to go anywhere without winning Brandi back.

CHAPTER EIGHT

“Mom, you’re not listening to me”

“What did you say, sweetie?” Brandi looked up from her plate. Her daughter’s lips were pursed.

“I said, I wanted to spend the night with Missy this weekend.”

“Oh, what night?”

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