Page 50 of Taming the Boss

“You’ve already done plenty of shopping. My fault for not thinking of the whole cooking part of the equation. I’ll rectify it. But no, I mean we can order lunch.”

“Sketti and hot dogs,” Owen said forlornly, putting his cheek on his fist as if he’d been denied the best thing in the world instead of what sounded like a desperate, what’s left in the cabinets sort of meal.

But if that was what he wanted, that was what he would have.

“Just a minute,” I told her before heading down the hall to Caro’s office.

I already had my gold card in hand when I knocked on the doorjamb. She looked up from her laptop, her expression curious. “Yes?”

“Caro, I need a favor. Now.”

She didn’t manage to smother her sigh. Considering all the favors I’d needed lately, I couldn’t say I blamed her. “Yes?”

“I need pots and pans adequate for normal family meals. Whatever it takes.”

“You didn’t get them while you were out? Also, your suit is wet.”

“It rained. Quite heavily. Didn’t you hear the thunder?”

“I’ve been knee deep in the profit and loss projections. The real estate market in the Cove is tightening in unforeseen ways, and Hamilton Realty is making inroads at?—”

I held up a hand, cutting her off. Hearing about the freaking Hamiltons was the absolute last thing I needed right now. “Stop right there. I have other concerns at the moment. Pans. Pots. Oh, and you know what else I need? Silverware and a full set of dishware.”

“Dishware?” She wrinkled her nose. “Whatever for?”

“In case there are guests.” Since Maddie’s family was apparently the size of a soccer team, I had to be prepared, and my full complement of paper plates and plastic spoons and forks would not do. “You know, like a table service. Just get lots of plates and crap. Something classy and durable that doesn’t break easily, since you know, kid.” I strode forward and slid my gold card toward her. “Get whatever you think is best.”

When she merely stared at my card, I cleared my throat. “We’re going to make lunch soon, so you know, we need all those things.” Somehow I managed not to add the word ASAP.

“Okay. I’ll go now. You’re making lunch, not ordering it?”

“Yes. We went food shopping, but I didn’t think of the other things I need. If you think of something else we need to prepare meals or for Owen, pick it up, please. Oh, and also if you see…what did she call it? A Care Bear?”

I was a little surprised Maddie hadn’t sought one out at the Home Goods store, but maybe they didn’t have any.

“I’ll have to go to several stores then. Care Bears aren’t typically at stores that have the full assortment of kitchen items.”

“Whatever it takes. Just make it fast. Please,” I added again.

Look at me, learning to be polite. Even a bitter old dog could learn new tricks.

She rose to gather her things. “I’ll gather what you requested as fast as I can. Though it will take time to find the best stores for such things, as I am new to this area, as well. But there are national outlets too,” she added, lifting her voice over mine when I was about to argue.

I waved my hand. “Whatever. Cost is no issue. You know that. Whatever is quickest.”

“Also, top of the line, correct?”

“Well, of course. We have standards.”

She shook her head, but she quickly strode across the room and headed down the hall and out the front door.

Maddie jogged down the hall and stopped in the doorway, gripping the jamb on both sides as if she needed the support. “You sent her? When she doesn’t even know what I need?”

“Do you know all you need? I highly doubt it. To know that, you’d have to understand the scope of what I have.”

“I looked. You have virtually nothing.”

“Did you see everything? No, you did not. You just made quick assumptions based on first glance.”

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