Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 145231 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 726(@200wpm)___ 581(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145231 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 726(@200wpm)___ 581(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Archer grunts. “We always said we’d make the decision to expand outstate slowly.”
“And this is us, making that decision now. Slowly.” I stress the last word.
Dex glances at us. “When you’re both done bickering, I think we should go for it.”
“Of course you would.” Archer’s lips thin, knowing it’s two-on-one.
“For fuck’s sake, Arch, don’t be like that. This isn’t personal.” Dexter flattens his hands in front of him. Now he means business. “The Cardinal is doing well. Spectacular, really, if the early bookings keep up into the spring. Think how we could capitalize on that.”
“We can look into it,” Archer grinds out. “I’d like to see more details on what repairs and renovations she really needs, and if we think it’s worth the investment. If these places are falling down, it’s a fucking veto from me. And if we agree, we’ll get a contract drawn up and try to pilot one of these places for fourth quarter.”
“Fair enough.” I make a mental note. “If we get cooking and send up our own contractors with bonus pay, rather than looking for locals, we could possibly catch the late summer crowd.”
“Sold.” Dex puts his hands behind his head and stretches. “By the way, pass on our congratulations to your new manager, Pat. She’s pulling her weight.” He sends me a long, hard look. “You better be giving her the mentorship time she deserves and not fucking off.”
“No half-assing it,” Archer agrees, pointing a finger. “I know you.”
“Since when have I ever half-assed anything with The Cardinal?” I let my chair fall back on its legs and flip them off. “I could win business mentor of the year, you pricks.”
Dex laughs bitterly.
“You’re not winning squat with your personality. You and Salem don’t exactly get along.” Archer shrugs. “That’s all I’ve got to say about it, though. This mentor gig is your responsibility. Don’t let us find out you’re shitting it up so bad we have to step in.”
I glower at him.
“I recommended some of the books in your office,” Dex tells me.
“I know. Guys, she’s getting all the mentoring she needs, I promise.” I huff loudly. “Hell, she came with me to meet Evelyn. I’m including her in all the major business activities, even beyond The Cardinal. I spent an hour sledding with her kid, and if you knew him, you’d give me a purple heart.”
I grit my teeth.
The little monster wasn’t half-bad, really, but they don’t need to know that.
“Whatever you say, guru.” Dexter gives me that grating skeptical look he specializes in.
“The fact is, she’s got great instincts and she doesn’t need much hand-holding. More like practical advice and more experience in the right situations.” I lean my chair back again. “Hell, the cocoa bar alone will probably bring in repeat customers. She knows what she’s doing. I’m just coaching her.”
Archer raises his brows.
“So you’re making excuses for sitting back and letting her do all the work. Typical Pat,” he spits.
“I’m giving her opportunities to figure shit out,” I throw back. “I’m even covering her babysitter for the long evenings when her usual nanny’s out. What other job offers that?”
“Wait.” Dexter frowns at me. “You spent your own money on a babysitter for her kid?”
“You?” Archer sounds just as incredulous. “Patton, I know you. You’re a tight-fisted little shit who never learned how to spend money on anything that doesn’t have fins and tentacles. What about this woman changed your mind?”
I don’t answer.
I’m already in too fucking deep.
The last thing I need is either of these clowns adding to the confusion that’s been churning up my blood wherever Salem Hopper is concerned.
“Make up your minds. Do you want me to be a good mentor or what? I’m not shortchanging her on anything, and that’s the point.”
“A mentor—not a sponsor,” Archer says gruffly. “You sure you’re feeling okay, Pat? You haven’t gone and hit your head recently or been replaced by someone normal?”
A booming laugh falls out of him.
“Fuck you, man. I hope Colt brings home a rabid raccoon and turns it loose in your bed while you’re asleep.”
I know they’re teasing, but knowing the weight of my history with Salem, this goofy conversation stings more than it should.
“Also, I don’t have time to take your shit. I’ve got work to do.”
“Patton—” Dexter calls from behind me, but I’m up and moving, and I slam the door behind me a second later.
Maybe pitching in to help cover her sitter expenses was a step too far, but what was I supposed to do? Tell them it was so her son couldn’t come along and destroy The Cardinal’s lobby again?
And where the hell is that kid’s absentee father, anyway? I’d like to beat his face in.
Let them think whatever they want.
It’s a practical decision.
And if we’re taking on this Minnesota expansion, there’s no more time for kicking back and gossiping like birds while we have a business to run.