“—plus me andGrahamfor most of it.We’dlove to have you join us.”
Theshock madeParkerlean back in his chair. “Wow.That’sincredible.Really.”
“Isthat a yes?”Grahamasked.
Aweek-long vacation at a beach resort with a dozen coworkers, or home alone in his apartment with a foot or two of snow.Thetwo didn’t compare at all.Ifhe stayed here, he’d be surrounded by people who wanted to celebrateChristmas, when he just wanted to skip it this year.Ifhe was on a beach where there was no snow, it wouldn’t even feel likeChristmas.
Andif all the people going didn’t have anyone to spendChristmaswith, either, they likely were just as opposed to celebrating as he was.Itsounded like a perfect way to get away from it all and pretend like the holiday wasn’t even happening.
Buthow could he say yes toZentCubepaying to fly him across the country to a resort on the beach when he had a job offer on the table that he hadn’t decided about yet?Itwas a really good position with good pay.Howcould he accept this trip, and then quit the company right after?Theguilt was already creeping in.
Sure, he could decide to stay atZentCube, but there was no guarantee of that.Sayingyes would be a jerk move.Hewasn’t a jerk, so obviously he couldn’t accept.
“I’msorry.Ican’t.”
BothMerit’sandGraham’sfaces fell.
“Youreally can’t?”Grahamasked. “Why?”
Maybehe was a jerk after all—the guy looked crushed.Hetried to grasp a reason that wouldn’t be lying but would explain why he couldn’t go, but everything he came up with sounded flimsy.Anexcuse that would only add insult to their offer.Likehe was going to turn his nose up at their big plans because he needed to water his houseplants or something.
Heran his hands over his face.Therewas nothing he could say that wasn’t going to offend, so he might as well tell the entire truth.Thenhe could at least live with himself.
“Igot a job offer at another company.”
“Oh,”Meritsaid.
“NotthatIwas looking!Abuddy of mine just contacted me and said his company wants me as theirBrandManager.”
Merit’seyes were still on him. “Andyou told them yes?”
Parkershook his head. “Ihaven’t decided yet—they just asked yesterday.Ihave to let him know by the first of the year.”
Theroom was silent for several long, excruciating moments while the two leaders ofZentCubepondered and looked at each other, giving nothing away in their expressions.Didhe just commit career suicide with this company?Maybehe’d be walking out of this office with termination papers in hand.
ThenGrahamleaned forward, his forearms resting on his knees, hands clasped in front of him. “Comewith us overChristmas.”
Parker’seyebrows shot up.Butstill, he shook his head. “Ican’t.Becausethen ifIdecided to take the other job—well,Iwouldn’t be okay with the kind of person that would make me.”
“Thinkof it this way,”Meritsaid. “Didyou play any sports in high school?”
Parkernodded. “Baseball.”
“Anycolleges try to recruit you?”
“Two.”
“Therecruiters—did they wine and dine you to convince you to go to their school?”
Parkersmiled at the memory.Ithad felt pretty cool as a kid who had so little of life figured out. “Theydid.”
Meritleaned forward, nearly matchingGraham’spose. “Thenpretend this is the same thing.We’retrying to recruit you to stay on here.If, after the retreat’s over, you decide to leave, then no hard feelings.We’llrest easy knowing we tried our best, and you’ll know you made the decision that’s best for your career path.Deal?”
Beingable to spend the week ofChristmasaway fromChristmas.Notonly did that sound more heavenly than his younger self ever would’ve guessed, but it might also put him in a better mind frame to make the decision.AndifMeritandGrahamboth knew where he stood going into the trip, he wouldn’t have to feel guilty about it.
Helooked at both men for a long moment.Thenhe said, “Okay,I’min.”
MeritandGrahamboth grinned big, shook his hand, and gave him slaps on the back before sending him out toCarlato pick up a packet with the trip details.
