Chapter Seventeen
CASEY
“Thanks for having lunch with me again,” Casey said.
“Anytime. I’m not a fan of packing a lunch.” Allison shrugged and munched on a fry.
“I didn’t have time to go grocery shopping, so there wasn’t anything to pack. But the good news is I’m all settled back into the house, and it’s even better with all the renovations. You need to stop in sometime and see it and meet my sister.”
“I definitely will,” Allison said. “So, have you thought any more about talking with Greg about your concerns?”
Casey shrugged. “I want to, but I’m also unsure if I’m ready to hear what he says. There’s been a lot to deal with lately.” Casey felt Allison’s gaze but didn’t look up. Casey stared at her salad as if choosing the next forkful was a life-and-death decision.
Allison laid her hand on Casey’s, and Casey glanced up at her.
“Casey, you’re worried that you’re not good enough. But I think, at some point, everyone feels that way, and the difference is how you respond and what you do with that feeling. Honestly, I think you need to look at this as a gift. You have this belief, contrary to all the feedback you’re getting from others, your job, and even Aunt Bebe. It’s that hurt child that is reacting.” Allison squeezed Casey’s hand and smiled. “I think it’s time to decide who you want to be as an adult. Do you want to believe something you were told as a child, or do you want to take stock of who you are now as an adult?”
Casey felt a glimmer of anticipation rising in her chest.
Allison continued, “I see an intelligent, capable, strong, beautiful woman who can accomplish anything she wants. If that’s the person you want to be, then I think you need to look back and review what you’re thinking and the decisions you’re making from that adult viewpoint. Start living the life you are capable of instead of living from your old fears.
Allison squeezed Casey’s hand again and smiled. “Okay. I’m done. Now, you can talk.”
Casey knew her tears were glistening. She blinked quickly, but a few still slid down her cheeks anyway.
“I’m sorry, Casey. I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
“It’s all good. These are happy tears. Thank you so much. I never thought of it that way. It’s exactly what I needed to hear. I think you are right. Oh, my gosh,” Casey said. “I will ask Greg if I can speak with him this afternoon. I want to be my best adult self and kick those fears.”
“It takes some time, but talking to Greg is a good start,” Allison said raising her iced tea, and Casey tapped her glass in a toast. “To being our best selves.”
“And then,” Casey continued, “no matter what Greg’s response is, I will tell him where and how he’s losing money.”
“Wait. What?” Allison stared, her mouth open. “Way to bury the lead. Tell me everything.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Casey fidgeted through the afternoon. They’d returned from lunch to discover that Greg was out of the office but was expected back before the end of the day. She was too hyped to settle into any serious paperwork, so she kept up with her emails and took care of light jobs that suited her mood.
Finally, she got a call from Greg’s assistant, who told her he was back and available if she still wanted to meet.
Casey knocked on Greg’s office door, even though it was open. “May I come in?”
Greg looked up from his laptop. “Of course. In fact, I was going to ask if you had time to talk this afternoon. You must be reading my mind.”
Casey laughed. “I’m not sure about that.” She began to shut his door but paused. “This is a closed-door conversation. Okay?”
“Sure,” Greg said.
Casey sat across from his desk, took a deep, calming breath, and faced him. “I have a couple of questions that may seem odd, but if you would please bear with me, I would deeply appreciate it.”
Greg reclined in his chair and nodded. “Proceed.”
“Thank you.” Casey cleared her throat. “Can you tell me how and why exactly I got this position?” She saw the surprised look that crossed his face but remained silent, waiting for his answer.
Greg cocked his head. “Okay. I was having dinner with Bebe Maguire and explained to her that I couldn’t find anyone I believed was qualified to do this job, let alone someone to do the job with the additional inquiry into the missing money. At that point, I’d already interviewed everyone the traditional search options had provided. Bebe said she knew someone who might be exactly what I needed, and I told her I’d be happy to interview the person.” Greg shrugged. “Of course, that person was you. Bebe was right, as usual. I knew during the interview that you were perfect for this.” Greg put his elbows on the desk and leaned forward. “Casey, I don’t know where these questions are coming from, but I hope my answers have allayed any concerns you might have about how you acquired this position.
Casey nodded. “Yes. They have. I just needed to ensure I was hired on my own merits, not because of Mrs. Maguire. Thank you.”
Greg smiled. “Now, I believe the conversation I planned to have with you today will also answer that question. I am very pleased with your abilities, your knowledge, your work ethic, how you handle difficult situations, and your overall performance.”
Casey felt warmth rising in her chest, and she clasped her hands together in her lap.
“I know the ninety-day trial period isn’t over, but I would love to have you continue as our business manager with a twenty-thousand-dollar raise and an additional week of paid vacation. And, of course, the original bonus still stands if you can determine the cause of the money loss. What do you say?”
Casey released the breath she had been holding and beamed at him. She extended her hand across the desk. “That sounds wonderful. Thank you, Greg.”
“You don’t have to thank me. You earned it. I’ll have the updated contract ready to be signed in the morning.”
Casey grinned at him. “You’ve just made my day. I have something that I think will make yours.”
Greg grinned in response. “I’m listening.”
“I know how you’re losing money and who’s responsible.” Casey handed him a folder. “This is the full report. I will also send it to your private email, but the bottom line is that the packaging vendor is double billing for their supplies, and Ms. Amesthol, in accounts payable, is paying the inflated price. Since the invoice and the payments match, the regular system wasn’t flagging it. Then, after the check is cut, she changes the information back to the actual cost of the supplies so that all the paperwork tallies when it’s delivered and inventoried. My guess would be that they’re splitting the profits.”
“Wow. That’s quite the setup they’ve got going.” Greg’s eyes widened, and he shook his head. “I’m guessing there is enough evidence in this folder to take it straight to my lawyer, correct?”
“Yes. It should be everything he needs to decide what agency would be best to involve.”
Greg stood. “Casey, I don’t know how to thank you for this. I want to hear all the details on how you were able to catch them. But I must get this to my lawyer right now.”
Casey stood and floated back to her office.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Casey read Emily’s text as she wheeled her cart into the grocery store. Perfect timing. Rachel’s bringing her famous lasagna and buttery garlic bread for supper. I don’t have to mess with groceries. I’m just going to get a bottle of champagne to celebrate my news and a bottle of Merlot for the meal.
Casey arrived home to find Rachel and Emily in the kitchen, prepping a salad and Maribeth setting the dining room table.
“I don’t know why we’re getting the benefits of your cooking skills instead of Colin, but I appreciate it,” Casey said. “It smells amazing in here. And I bought wine for dinner and champagne to celebrate.”
“You got champagne to celebrate my lasagna?” Rachel tilted her head at Casey.
“As much as I like your lasagna, the champagne is because I spoke with Greg today, and not only did he answer my question about why I got the job, but he ended my probationary period early, and I got a raise.” Casey pumped her fists in the air.
Rachel was the first to hug her, followed by Emily and Maribeth. Emily set four champagne glasses on the counter, and Maribeth poured.
Maribeth raised her glass. “To Casey, and hopefully, now, you’ll believe us when we tell you how amazing you are.”
Casey laughed as they tapped glasses. “I promise to get better.”
Rachel pulled the lasagna out of the oven, put it on the stovetop, and then slid the garlic bread in. “We’re about ready to eat. Let’s move some of this to the dining room.”
Maribeth took the salad while Casey brought the champagne. Emily opened the Merlot and set it on the table.
“I think you all can help yourselves to the pasta, and I’ll take the bread to the table.”
Casey smiled at her sisters as they and Maribeth gathered around the table, the spicy garlic and buttery scents filling the air and the warmth of happiness filling her. “I’d like to make another toast.” She raised her glass, and the others followed suit. “To all of you, the most incredible best friends anyone could have. I love you guys.”
Emily gazed at Casey. “I’m so glad you’re in a better mood. We all talked and decided to have dinner because you’ve been so down since the whole mess with Dylan. We were starting to worry about you.”
Casey frowned. “Wait. Rachel, is that why you’re here?”
Rachel nodded. “Sorry, sis, but yes. Think of this as a lasagna intervention.”
Casey put her fork down and glared at Emily and Rachel.
“Don’t look at me like that.” Rachel waved her glass at Casey. “Do I need to remind you of when Colin and I broke up and you and Emily took me to Mom and Dad’s for dinner ?” She asked, using air quotes around the word dinner. “That was a total ambush. At least this is a nice meal with three of your incredible best friends. Aren’t those the words you just said?” Rachel put her index finger to her lips, tilted her head, and looked up at the ceiling. “Or was that my imagination?” She fluttered her lashes innocently.
Casey rolled her eyes. “Okay. I said it, but that was before I knew of this plot the three of you dreamed up. Although, I must say I approve of the menu.”
“Thank you.” Rachel smiled and bowed her head. “Now, what’s the latest? My source isn’t providing any real news. He’s only saying Dylan’s acting like someone died. Which is good as far as I’m concerned.” Rachel broke off a chunk of garlic bread and pointed it at the others.
Maribeth held up her finger and took a drink of Merlot. “I can confirm that report. On my way home from here Saturday night, I saw Dylan standing in his driveway, just staring at your old townhouse. I was so angry that I stopped and gave him a piece of my mind. But what was significant was he didn’t even argue with me. He admitted that he still loves you and is miserable. It’s like he doesn’t know how to handle his feelings. I don’t know.” Maribeth shrugged. “And he looked awful, like he hasn’t slept in a month.” Maribeth grinned. “I left feeling much better.”
Casey laid her fork down and stared at her plate. “So, what? I’m just supposed to wait for him to get his feelings straightened out?” Casey took a sip of wine and sighed.
“No.” Emily reached out and rubbed Casey’s arm. “No. While he tries to figure things out, maybe you should think about things, too.”
“Emily’s right, Case,” Rachel said. “From Colin’s view of what happened, Dylan has a good reason to be concerned for your safety.”
Casey raised one brow and glared at her sister.
“I’m your older sister. Your stink eye doesn’t work on me.” Rachel laughed and took another bite of lasagna. “This came out perfect. Be warned, I promised Colin I’d bring home leftovers, so we can’t finish it all.”
“But what about tomorrow’s lunches?” Emily pouted.
“Bologna sandwiches,” Rachel said.
Casey shook her loaded fork at Rachel. “It doesn’t matter if Dylan was right or not. For me, the case is closed. I turned all my information over to Greg this afternoon, and he took it to his lawyer. I’m out of it.” Casey ate the bite off her fork. “So, no more being worried about things. Now, I get to be a normal business manager.” She sipped her wine. “The merlot tastes so good with this.”
Emily nodded. “I agree with the wine choice. And I’m glad your investigation is settled. Congrats on that. But that doesn’t do anything to help so far as you and Dylan are concerned.” Emily shrugged.
“You need to decide if you want to let the relationship end or you want to fight for it.” Maribeth cocked her head at Casey and popped a piece of garlic bread in her mouth. “Personally, I think it’s worth fighting for. I’ve never seen you happier than when you’re with him.”
“Or more miserable,” Casey said.
“True. Because that’s part of loving someone so intensely—it just is,” Maribeth said.
Casey leaned against her chair. “You know, Allison said something to me today that struck home. She said I need to begin living the life I want and am capable of and to think about what I’m doing from the viewpoint of that adult life instead of from old childhood insecurities.”
“I like this, Allison. We should all get together sometime to meet her,” Maribeth said.
“Definitely,” Casey said. “You know, I already accomplished some major things today. Can I wait at least until tomorrow before I need to start figuring all this out?” Casey pleaded.
“Absolutely, Sis.” Emily grinned.
“Why are you grinning at me?” Casey narrowed her eyes at her twin.
“Because I know you.” Emily tipped her glass at Casey. “It doesn’t matter how much you protest. You’re going to lay awake half the night thinking about everything.”
“Casey, admit it, she’s right.” Rachel giggled.
Casey rolled her eyes. “I’m not saying anything. I’m going to relax and enjoy the rest of my wine.”
“Well, I, for one, need to get ready to go,” Rachel said as she stood up. “I’m going to start packing the leftovers to take home.”
Maribeth pushed her chair back. “I’ll help clean up, then I’ll head out, too.”
Emily and Casey carried dishes into the kitchen. Emily began loading the dishwasher while Maribeth and Casey continued to clear the table.
“I wish the kitchen had been redone while I still lived here,” Rachel said. “All the new stainless appliances are beautiful. And I like these deep blue cabinets with the soft close.”
“We’re lucky Aunt Bebe has such a knack for decorating. The whole place turned out great,” Emily said. “And this faucet that turns on and off without touching it is fantastic.”
Maribeth slipped into her jacket. “Rachel, do you need help taking things to your car?”
“Thanks. I think I have everything,” Rachel said.
Maribeth stepped out onto the porch, holding the door for Rachel.
Casey hugged her sister. “Thanks for the dinner intervention. It was delicious.”
“You’re welcome. It was nice to have a chance to chat,” Rachel said.
“With the food and the company, it was good.” Casey laughed.
“Hey guys, look,” Maribeth pointed to the truck driving slowly down the street. “Isn’t that Dylan’s truck?”
Casey studied it. “I can’t tell. It’s too dark. But it is the right model and size.”
Rachel nodded. “Maybe, but it’s a common truck, so who knows?”
Emily hugged Rachel and Maribeth and shivered. “I’m going back in. It’s too chilly. Thanks for coming over.”
“Bye, Case—and congratulations again on the job,” Rachel said. She set the dishes on the floor behind the driver’s seat and waved before settling into her SUV.
Maribeth hugged Casey. “You know I want you to be happy, right?”
Casey smiled. “Yes, I do.”
“Good.” Maribeth hugged her once more, then got into her car. “Call me.”
“Will do.” Casey waved and shut off the porch light. She stood, breathing in the crisp night air, and watched Maribeth’s taillights until she turned the corner. Casey started toward the door but hesitated when she saw headlights coming down the street. She stayed in the shadows of the porch and observed a truck passing by the house.
I don’t know if it’s Dylan’s, but I swear that’s the same truck that drove by a few minutes ago.