Page 28 of The Promise Of You

From: Chloe Sullivan

To: Justin King

Subject: Wrong foot

Dear Justin,

I’m afraid we started off on the wrong foot. I understand you are upset about the late rent, and I just want to discuss terms of payment that would be acceptable to you without threatening our family’s business.

Would you care to join me for a glass of wine so we can break the ice? And I’d love to pick your brains about having outdoor seating that would complement yours and elevate the experience for your customers as well as ours.

Chloe

From: Justin King

To: Chloe Sullivan

Subject: Rent

Ms. Sullivan,

Only my friends and family call me Justin. You are neither.

You are three months late on rent.

Because I am not a monster, I will grant your aunt thirty days to get up-to-date on her late and upcoming payments.

Sincerely,

Justin King

Wow. That went off the rails real quick.

It’s time for Chloe’s charm offensive. I push up from behind the desk, smooth my hair, and walk out of the restaurant.

A young blonde woman is wiping down the outdoor tables.

“Hi, I’m… uh… Kevin’s… niece?” I point my thumb behind me. “The new manager for the restaurant. Just temporarily. I—I just got here.”

She frowns at me.

“Kevin Murphy? The restaurant?”

She blows a lock of hair off her forehead. “Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Hi.” She straightens and tucks her rag in her jeans buckle. “Welcome to Emerald Creek. And sorry for your loss.” Her eyes dart to the door of the restaurant. “Temporarily?”

“Just helping out the family. You know. Giving them time to get their bearings. Love the setup you have here, by the way. The outdoor seating?”

She beams. “That’s all Justin. He’s got a sense for that.”

Justin, right. “I was hoping to… I—I just need to have a quick word with Mr. King? He’s in, right?”

“Mr. King?” She bites her smile. “You mean Justin. No one ever calls him Mr. King.” A wide smile spreads across her face, and she extends her hand. “I’m his sister, by the way. Haley.”

We shake hands, ice broken. “I’m just helping him out for a while. Not sure I know what I’m doing, but family’s family,” she adds.

I smile wide, her empathy hitting the right chord. “I totally get you. Not sure what I’m doing here either. But don’t tell anyone!”

She giggles. “Pinky promise. Fake it till you make it.”

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