Chapter 32 #2
“Multiple conflicts of interest,” I respond, not giving her any details. “We have since ended our business relationship with him.”
Something passes across Mandy’s face that I can’t quite read, but it’s quickly gone with a sugary smile.
“Okay, I understand, it is best kept between us anyway, your favorite girls … and Lucinda, of course.” Mandy preens, looking around for support.
My jaw tightens as those words hit the air. Words I’d once said without thinking and have regretted ever since.
“Let’s be clear,” I enunciate, voice low but firm. “The only woman who has ever held that place in my life is my wife. Period. That ‘favorite girls’ shit? I wish I’d never said it. Becca is my priority. Always was. Always will be.”
Mandy flinches at my statement. I’ve never stood up for Becca so viscerally to her, and it is past time I did. Before she can dig a bigger hole, Holly jumps in.
“I also needed to speak with you about your role.” She takes a breath to center herself.
I look over at her and give her an encouraging nod.
“Mandy, you have been my best friend since I was fifteen years old. However, this is business. I realize now that I’m in over my head.
I need to bring in an industry expert. With her background, I’m fortunate to have Lucinda.
That is why she is being added on as a partner. ”
She pauses, collecting herself before continuing. “With that, I’ve realized that our years of friendship don’t warrant a business partnership. With no monetary investment from you and no business experience, I cannot have you as a partner. Here is your employee contract.”
Holly hands over the employment agreement detailing her compensation package, which is more than fair. It’s by far the best offer Mandy would receive, given her experience. While it’s against my and Dad’s recommendation, it is Holly’s business.
“You’re cutting me out?” Mandy asks, looking hurt.
“No,” Holly jumps in, walks over to Mandy, puts her arm around her, and consoles her.
“Absolutely not. If you look, you have an excellent offer of employment. Financially speaking, this is the best move for the business.”
I am so damn proud of Holly right now. It is one thing to stand up for yourself, but to stand up to your best friend whom you have idolized for years? That takes real growth. Mandy’s face transforms into a scowl.
“Oh, as your little assistant? No. I deserve more than this. I brought Rick into this deal, I convinced Sam to invest the upfront capital, I deserve more,” she lashes out.
There’s something in her tone, sharp, almost frantic, not just angry. Desperate. Holly looks taken aback by the venom in Mandy’s voice.
"Yes, you did. And I've had to live with what that cost my family,” affirms Holly.
“Psh, like they would’ve lasted anyway,” Mandy spits out.
“Watch your mouth,” I say, standing up, glaring daggers at Mandy.
“You are not even an employee here yet until you sign the contract. We will not tolerate you bad-mouthing my wife.”
Mandy acts like I struck her, which pisses me off even more. How many times did I let this type of behavior slide before? Holly jumps in, moving the conversation forward.
“Mandy, please look over the employment agreement and get back to me with any questions you may have.”
Mandy smiles sweetly. “Sure, I’ll just review for my counteroffer.” She grabs the letter and walks out.
Holly lets out a sigh of relief. “That was rough, but necessary.”
She pauses, faces me, looking directly into my eyes. "I owe you an apology, I haven't said clearly enough. I knew she was pushing me toward you. I told myself I needed the help. But I should have pushed back on her a long time ago."
I think about the times I overextended myself helping Holly, driving her to appointments, and giving her money. I thought I was being a good brother, but it turns out I was also being an easy mark.
"You're pushing back now," I tell her, meaning it.
Holly brightens, then claps her hands like something has been decided.
“Now, let’s get this place ready for our opening!” She squeals with excitement as she moves on to the stock room.
I smile, so damn proud of her. I move to walk around the salon, double-checking the inspector's checklist, when I realize he is late. I grab my phone and call the city planning office.
“Cascadia city planning, this is Janice. How can I help you?” A kind older voice appears on the other end.
“Hey Janice, it’s me, Sam Hughes. Calling to see if there is an update on when the inspector will be out today?”
“Hello, my dear Sam, so nice to hear from you,” she purrs back on the line. I am not too proud to admit that I have had to sweet-talk this woman several times to rush some of my jobs.
“Hmmm … that’s strange. I don’t see you booked anywhere in the system for any project site. Which one is this for?” she asks, uncertain.
“That’s odd. I have a confirmation email. It’s at Soluna Atelier.”
“No, dear, I don’t see that. Must have been a system glitch. And funnily enough, I am now booked up for the next 7 months,” Janice supplies with clear surprise in her voice.
7 months? That doesn’t make sense; it doesn’t happen like that here in Cascadia.
“What? Janice, that has never happened. We don’t even have enough jobs happening in all of Cascadia to be that big. We are growing, but we aren’t anywhere close to that.”
“I know, dear, this is very strange. I’ll look into it.
But you know how it is these days, the computer runs everything.
” Janice sighs as she reminisces about the simpler times of pencil and a calendar book.
“I will put you on the wait list and make sure to fit you in as soon as something comes up.”
I thank her and hang up. What the hell is going on? I try to shake off the feeling of something bigger happening. Hoping it’s just a computer glitch and I can follow up again tomorrow. Before I can move on to my next task, I get a notification on my phone.
Rick
Having inspector issues? Too bad. I can make those go away
.
How does Rick have access to the inspector's office? Then it hits me, he doesn’t.
But I bet Yarrows, Inc. does. I can’t get us any more involved in this.
I will call the inspector’s office every hour, or hell, deliver chocolates and roses to Janice daily, but I won’t get myself further involved with this man.
I can’t put Becca or Holly at any more risk than I already have.
Not interested
Rick
Prime real estate like that cabin property doesn't stay overlooked for long. Make sure it's being looked after.
I stare at Rick’s message, the blood in my veins running cold. He’s not threatening me and my business; he’s threatening her property, her dream she built herself. That’s worse.