The Decision That Could Not Be Purchased
Chapter 16 - The Decision That Could Not Be Purchased
The foundation board offered June a paid community advisory position. She was flattered, then wary. The position would give her a voice in decisions, but she worried it might look like compensation for her public role in the scandal. Helen assured her the appointment process would be open, with clear duties and a term limit.
June applied alongside other candidates. She was not selected. The board chose Tessa, whose experience as a resident and healthcare worker made her particularly qualified. June felt disappointed for one afternoon, then proud when Tessa called to tell her the news.
“You're not upset?” Tessa asked.
“A little. But you deserve it.”
Tessa laughed. “Then help me make sure I don't mess it up.”
June agreed to volunteer on the design committee. It was an arrangement that respected her growing professional skills without pretending she was owed a title.
Meanwhile, Adrian received an offer from investors to buy several hotels, including the Ashford Grand. The deal would make him richer and simplify his holdings. But the buyers intended to cut staffing and outsource services. His first instinct was to negotiate the price. Then he remembered June's first conversation with him.
He asked for a labor-impact review. He met employee representatives and listened to their concerns. Ultimately, he declined that offer and pursued a more responsible restructuring. It was expensive. His advisers disagreed. For once, he did not confuse the easiest financial choice with the best one.
June heard about the decision weeks later from a former coworker, not Adrian. She liked that he had not performed it for her approval.
When she told him so, he smiled. “I'm starting to understand what you meant when you said trying wasn't the same as finished.”
“It never is,” she answered.
May you like
“Will you keep reminding me?”
“Only if you keep listening.”
