Chapter 7. The Talk
"Hope, Hope, Hope."
Why does everyone have to say my name three times? she thought.
"What a surprise," he said. "I didn't think I'd see you for another 45 minutes."
"Very funny, Dan."
"I'm not being funny," he said, staring at her. "I'm dead serious. You know this is a very critical time for me and our company. I have to get this bus moving in the right direction, and I need to know if you are on it."
"Of course I'm on it. I just don't know if I can figure out the answers to our problems right now. I'm not in the best state of mind and my life. . . ."
"Listen, Hope. I know you have had a tough year ever since your husband left. I know it's not easy raising two teenagers all by yourself. You know I've been there for you, but I've realized there comes a point when my kindness is detrimental to all of us. If I don't challenge you you're not going to grow, and if you don't grow you can't help us grow."
"But what about Jim? Wouldn't he be better suited for this right now? He's itching to make something happen. I just don't know if I'm the best person for this and. . . ."
"Jim has his strengths, and you have yours. People are most energized when they are using their strengths toward a bigger purpose and there's no bigger purpose than saving our company. This job is not for Jim. I know your strengths, and this job is for you."
"I just need some more time to get my life together," ...
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