Tom stood up, and looked over the crowd of new people at the table.
“Need I remind you all what this deal is for?” Tom started. “We’re here to change the lives of so many people.” He walked down the line of chairs while he spoke. “This is to secure the land rights for the park. Are you really trying to profit off the backs of subjugated minorities? I know I’m not. That’s why I’m waiving my usual fees to make this deal happen.” He stopped and leaned against Mr. Dibney’s chair, which continued to fluster the old man.
“You might be waiving your fee, but you stand to make a lot of money from this deal, hiring people from your own company to build a project that the city is commissioning from you.” Mr. Riley leaned back in his chair. “You also will own the land rights for any businesses that build on the site meaning that we couldn’t go near it with any franchise we own. You’re asking a lot, even though you know we need to sell, the deal is still raw.”
“I’ll not have any franchises mucking up this community center, nor will they tarnish the parks. This is to be a place for small local business to thrive and build up. The only way for people to care about their community is to be active members of it. I’ll build the buildings, I’ll handle the rent check, but you’ll still get paid a fair share, and more than a fair share. I could give you less than twenty percent, but instead I’m giving you more than eighty.”
Tom was right and they knew it.
The group of men talked amongst themselves for a moment and returned. “We’ll sign and we hope you might reconsider the option at a later date.”
Tom had received his increase in price, which was great for him and great for the people. Hands were shaken, papers were signed, and I couldn’t help but respect him just a little more.
The room cleared quickly, and Tom stared out the 60th floor window looking out at the expanse of the city. He may like to keep his feet on the ground, but it was obvious that he loved surveying his domain.
“Did I make a change, today?” he asked suddenly.
It took me a moment to piece together an answer. “You are improving the lives of a community in which I used to live. Of course you made a change today.”
I cleaned the space a bit, replacing water glasses and readying papers to be filed or shredded.
“Really, Nia, I made a promise to improve lives and create jobs for as many as I could. I feel like it takes so long to make things happen that I won’t have really done a thing by the end.”
“Nonsense, sir. You are young and bold. Rocks are only hard to drag when going up a hill, not down one. I think you’ve carried this rock to the top of the mountain, and all it needs to do now is roll down into place.”
He laughed and sighed.
“Thank you, Nia. I’ll be sure to add your provision to the document when legal is done going over the final particulars.”
The way he stood seemed so introspective and lonely. I wanted to give him a hug and assure him it would be alright. I wanted to give him the strength to continue with the fight that I knew he would win. Then I stymied the thought, knowing that I shouldn’t be thinking of my boss that way.
He handed me his now empty glass and walked out. The rest of the day continued as usual, but it would be shorter than normal as he had to leave for his game today.
****
I took the opportunity to make some time for myself that I hadn’t had in quite a while. I invited my friend Denise out to drinks and to catch up, and she was more than willing. It wasn’t long until we were more than a couple drinks into our evening and chatting like we were schoolgirls again.
“Okay, okay, tell me. Is he cute?” she said through slurs.
“I don’t want to think like that. He’s my boss!” I replied.
“Yeah, but he’s gotta be cute, otherwise you wouldn’t still be working there, right?”
“I can’t confirm nor deny his cuteness.”
“Spoken like a businessman. I want details, details!” she replied.
She wouldn’t let me go until I said something.
“He’s cute for a white guy; I can’t say I haven’t thought about it. But, he’s my boss!” I said for what felt like the millionth time.
“Nia, you are barely out of college and this gorgeous rich boy picks you up and makes you his assistant? Sure, you might be some smarty businesswoman, but deep down he’s gotta be thinkin’ about that sweet backside you know you like showin’ off.”
She was half-right. It came off as odd now that I spent time thinking about it. He hired me, from thousands of candidates, to handle his personal affairs.