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“Tell you what?”
“I have a former colleague who told me they were making you an offer.”
I stifled a laugh. “That’s news to me since I haven’t had any contact with anyone from Star.”
Hassan’s voice softened. “So it’s just a rumor?”
“I told you I would come to you before I decided to leave Spotlight. I haven’t spoken to anyone about leaving. Is there a problem?”
He cleared his throat. “Why do you ask?”
I drummed my fingers on the desk. “Usually I don’t hear from you for weeks unless there’s some type of issue.”
“I might as well tell you. We’re considering a purchase.”
I sat up straight even though Hassan couldn’t see me. “Purchase of what?”
“Sunny Sky Studios. Of course, it has to be approved by the board, but it would help us branch out into animation.”
“I wasn’t aware.”
“It’s in the exploratory phase. I want to make sure that you’re set on sticking with Spotlight. If you leave during the middle of negotiations, it could blow the deal out of the water.”
Anger caused my features to tighten. “You should’ve told me that yesterday. I don’t like being kept in the dark.”
My tone was not only accusatory but hostile. I’m sure there were plenty of rumors going around, and I hadn’t been privy to any of them. I usually had my ear to the ground, but this one got ahead of me, more than likely because I spent the weekend with Austin. This was one of the reasons why I was reticent to start a relationship. It was a distraction, although a delicious one.
“As I said, we’re in the exploratory phase. We’re examining their finances before we move forward.”
“For now on, I would like to be included in all negotiations.”
“I’ll see to it moving forward.”
We hung up, and I was thoroughly annoyed. A knock on my door redirected my thoughts. “Come in,” I called.
Marina entered, looking like a beaten dog, her mouth turned down with worry. “Have I done something wrong? I was sick.”
“I’m sure you were. I need to discuss your role here. Please sit down.”
She quickly took the chair in front of my desk. “Am I being fired?” she said with alarm.
I put my hand up to stop her. “Absolutely not. Just the opposite. I would like to expand your role and give you a raise. I appreciate everything you’ve done over the past few years.”
Marina slumped in her chair and smiled. “I could use a raise.”
“I’m prepared to offer you a bonus as well. I might be spending less time in the office, and I need you to be more involved in things. You would be my eyes and ears, so to speak when I’m not here.”
She leaned forward, gripping the arms of the chair. “Is there something wrong? Are you sick?”
“No. Why would you think that?”
“You said you’ll be in the office less. Ever since I’ve worked for you, you’ve always been in at seven and worked until at least six.”
I shook my head. “I need a break. I can handle some of my duties from home. I’ll have HR draw up your new role and the increase in salary unless you have a figure in mind.”
I waited for her to speak. I knew she was underpaid for what she did, but I planned to make that right with this offer.
Her voice was confident, and she sat up straight. “I’d like to see what you expect of me before I comment.”
