Chapter 12 - THE COMPANY SHE BUILT
Claire's company opened six months later.
She called it Bennett Events.
The first office was small.
Two desks.
One conference table.
A coffee machine that made terrible coffee.
And a window overlooking an alley.
Claire loved it.
She hired three employees.
Then five.
Then twelve.
Within a year, Bennett Events was organizing corporate conferences, weddings, and charity fundraisers throughout Chicago.
Claire became known for her creativity.
Her calm under pressure.
And her refusal to tolerate disrespect.
One afternoon, Ryan appeared at her office.
Claire stared at him.
“Ryan?”
He smiled awkwardly.
“Hey.”
She folded her arms.
“What are you doing here?”
“I heard about your company.”
“Congratulations.”
He looked around.
“Impressive.”
“Thank you.”
He hesitated.
“I've been thinking about us.”
Claire stared.
Then laughed.
Ryan frowned.
“What's funny?”
She shook her head.
“Nothing.”
He stepped closer.
“I made mistakes.”
“Yes.”
“I was immature.”
“Yes.”
“I think we could try again.”
Claire looked at him.
Then smiled.
“No.”
He blinked.
“Just like that?”
“Just like that.”
Ryan's expression tightened.
“Is it because of Moretti?”
Claire shook her head.
“No.”
“Then why?”
She looked him directly in the eye.
“Because I finally learned that I don't have to become smaller to make someone else comfortable.”
Ryan said nothing.
Claire opened the door.
“Goodbye, Ryan.”
May you like
And this time, she didn't feel angry.
She felt free.
