Page 104 of Reckless Kisses
“I just like to be in the know,” he said with a shrug.
“Well, then, let’s make the most out of this meeting,” Chase said.“As you’ve probably seen, there haven’t been too many changes on the stock market this week.”
“Actually,” Duncan said, “I just realized that our Monday morning meetings would make sense if we’re having a week that starts with a tumult.”
Chase seemed to consider this for a moment, then said, “I think we’re at the point where we don’t need to meet to make immediate decisions.We can wait it out for a week andthensee if we have to make any strategic decisions.Now, who’s got something that needs troubleshooting?”
No one said anything.
I laughed.“We’re all just too good at what we do.But I happen to have an idea.I’m thinking of us actually setting up an organization: the Sterling Foundation.”
Finn groaned.“Dude, you always say that would be a lot of work for no reason.You’re the one who said we should just donate and attend other people’s benefits instead of wasting time with organizing them ourselves.”
“I don’t mean an organization in the traditional sense of the word.”I looked around the table.“No throwing benefits and things like that.They’re a waste of money anyway.”
“Then what do you have in mind?”Duncan asked.
He’d been the one who’d brought up this idea years and years ago, but we had too much on our hands back then to seriously consider it.I wasn’t proud of myself, but I’d been very dismissive of the idea at the time.
“I mean, getting involved and giving back as much as we can.For example, organizing internships for high school students.We could place them in our companies but also reach out to other collaborators of ours.”
Chase whistled.“Amy’s getting to you, huh?”
She’d told them all about her idea at the pizza party.
I shrugged.“She hasn’t actually asked me for anything, but her relentless pursuit of these goals made me realize that it’s worthwhile.”
“So, this isn’t really charity work,” Duncan clarified.
“No, but I think it would be very helpful.Obviously, the internships would be paid.”
“Obviously,” Wyatt replied.“An unpaid internship is just unpaid work.”
“Right.Besides, they’ll be more responsible and eager to be part of the team.Plus, the team would be more accepting of them, too, the way I see it.”
They all nodded in agreement, so I went on.
“I’d like to set up a different organization, with a person who’s fully focused on that.”
“You think there’s that much demand?”Duncan asked.
“Demand will increase.And now with my involvement in the hotel business, I can’t give this the attention it needs.”
“Why not?”Chase said.“I’m all for it.If it doesn’t take up any time, that’s even better.And I like the idea of us actively contributing, not just writing checks.”
“Those come in handy, too, though,” Griffin said.“I wouldn’t stop the checks that we’re already sending to charities.”
“I wasn’t implying that.I plan to pay for the foundation myself,” I told them.
“No, that’s not how we do things.You know that,” Chase protested.
“I was just putting it out there.It’s my idea, and it’s not one that will ever be profitable because that’s not the point.I understand if anyone wants to opt out.”
“We don’t,” Griffin said.
The only one who hadn’t said much was Finn.
“You in or you out?”I asked him directly.
