Page 3 of Room One Hundred and Twenty

As I’m doing my research, I’m quick to discover this woman has run into an issue in her past. Well, in the past four months. There’s a video of her with a few hundred thousand views.

One watch-through has curious stares coming and going in my direction as I let out a laugh.

There’s a poor woman behind the register trying to calm down Eloise. After the woman had thrown a cupcake at the customer in the face, I listen as obscenities flood from her plump lips. Even without the context of what events led up to this happening, I can see how bad this looks.

From the looks of it, many people are siding with the customer due to the unprofessionalism. Though, there are a few white knights in the comments as well. Those are easily drowned in the hate. What a shame.

Sadly, I know how easy it is to gather up a mob mentality. Once a business is in too deep, it’s hard to pull out. Reputations are easy to ruin. I’ve had plenty of apps disappear because of rumors involving the developers.

How interesting. It seems there’s a bit more to this woman than I originally thought. She’s not just some random nobody. There’s a fire in her eyes that draws me in. She’s not the same bright-eyed woman in that picture from two years ago.

Searching deeper, I can see all the sales she’s promoting. If I have to guess, her earnings have plummeted. I could use her misfortune for my gain. Offer my assistance in a way.

Once I’ve found her website, I spot theContact Ussection. Grabbing her email, I start my planning.

I need to get her here in Seattle to get the ball rolling. Not because I wouldn’t mind seeing her in person, but to help out Nicolas and fix his obsessive behavior. Help him move on and get back onto the market.

Now, all I need to do is plan on how to convince her to come.

Hitting an empty elevator, I make my way down to the ground floor. With a few stops in between, I give greetings in passing.

There’s no denying the way people straighten up in my presence. Even though I’m an absolute delight to be around, my title is all it takes to make employees act differently. Rhett likes it when people avoid him at all costs. Says he enjoys the space. Can’t say I feel the same.

Reaching the large lobby, I’ve turned my hunt to searching for close buildings to rent out.

I could offer Eloise a franchise building to help expand her business. She’d be in charge, so that means she’ll have to come visit from time to time. If I’m the one who will financially support her, we’ll have conversations left and right.

Will phone calls and occasional emails be enough? My feelings aside, once Nic gets word of her arrival, he’ll want to leave the building to see her to the point where it can only be described as a distraction. It would be much easier to have her come here directly. However, there aren’t any rentals available.

Taking a look around the lobby, I glance at the small cafe tucked in the corner. Over a year ago, I had it put in for the well-being of our employees. Wrote it off as a way to keep them energized and highly motivated. Work performance has gone up since, proving my decision to be correct.

How hard will it be to get a little bakery put in? A muffin with a coffee sounds like a killer combo. If I decide to spend a little money, no one should give me too much of a hard time. Especially after my previous success.

Making my mind up, I start my hunt for contractors. I’ll give myself one month to convince this woman to come over here. If I’m lucky, I can talk her into moving here permanently.

Once I make a decision, I always follow through. If I’m determined enough, I’ll do whatever I can to get her here.

Eloise

Leaning over the counter, a sigh bubbles out from what feels like the deepest part of my chest. Through the glass panes, the day looks rather lovely outside. People walk by, their attention on the other shops on this strip. If any of them look my way, it’s hardly more than a glance.

If a person is curious enough, I can only guess they’re from out of town. Sadly, this place isn’t a tourist spot. Everyone around here knows well enough to stay away.

After all, no one wants the crazy owner to start throwing sugary sweets at them.

It’s been over an hour without a single customer. Quite sad. I can feel another sigh manifesting.

At least I have a few regulars who come throughout the beginning of the day. Those who aren’t aware of social media or have cared enough to listen to my side of the story. Those are the people who keep me from drowning completely.

“You sure you don’t mind me leaving?” Charity appears behind me, a bag hanging from her shoulder. “I don’t mind sticking around.”

I know she doesn’t. After sending her home early last time, I wouldn’t be surprised if the cuts were starting to hurt her wallet. However, if I want to keep her around, I can’t afford to pay her for a full shift.

“I’m sorry.” Shoulders sinking, an apology is the only thing I can think to say.

My assistant sighs and approaches me. Placing a hand on my shoulder, she gives me a much-needed squeeze. “I don’t mind, really.”

After all this time, Charity has been at my side. From the very beginning, we burned brightest when this shop had a line forming down the sidewalk before the doors opened. Now look at us, suffering together. Everyone else who’d worked under me found something with less of a reputation.

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