Chapter 9 - The Badge
The next morning, Taryn received three phone calls.
She ignored the first two.
The third came from the hotel group's regional office.
“We heard about what happened.”
Taryn closed her eyes.
“Of course you did.”
“We need to know whether you're resigning.”
Taryn looked at the company badge sitting on her desk.
“I don't know.”
There was a pause.
Then the executive said something unexpected.
“We don't want you to resign.”
Taryn opened her eyes.
“Why?”
“Because you're one of the reasons several of our properties are profitable.”
Taryn laughed quietly.
Her mother had spent years telling her that everything she had came from the family.
Maybe that wasn't true.
Maybe she had built more than she realized.
After the call ended, Taryn sat alone for several minutes.
Then Lula came into the room.
“Mommy?”
Taryn turned.
“What's wrong?”
“Can we have my birthday again?”
Taryn smiled.
“Yes.”
“Just us?”
“Just us.”
Lula grinned.
“And can we have cake?”
“Absolutely.”
“What kind?”
May you like
Taryn thought for a moment.
“Whatever kind you want.”
