Massachusetts courts have, in some very limited circumstances, recognized oral employment contracts or implied contracts based such things as an employee handbook.  As to your specific circumstances, assuming you are able to establish an oral agreement existed, you may run into issues with the statute of frauds.  Generally, if a contract cannot be performed within one year, the Massachusetts statute of frauds may require that it be in writing to be enforceable.  On the other hand, you may be able to make an equitable argument, that you relied on the owner's promise to your detriment and that he should now be prohibited from letting you go before the year is over.  If you really want to pursue this matter, then, clearly, your first step must be to talk to a Massachusetts employment law attorney.   She can go over the details of your situation and try to give you a more meaningful answer.  Good luck.