Page 74 of Unmatched

“Do you mind if I ask what interests you about The Pooch Park and Ooh La Pooch?” I glance over Henry’s spotless suit, his manicured fingers. There isn’t a single hair out of place on his head. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but you don’t really strike me as a dog person. You don’t even have a dog of your own.”

He leans back on the couch, cool and confident. “I’ve done my research, crunched the numbers. Your business thus far is impressive. But I think it could be systemized, made more efficient, and significantly expanded.”

I frown. I have plans of my own to keep growing, but the way he talks about it sounds sort of cold and soulless.

“Don’t think of it like that,” Henry says, apparently reading my face. “You and I both know these decisions come down to the bottom dollar.” He clears his throat. “And I am offering you a lot of them.”

I exhale, trying to hide my irritation. “Yes, um...I did give your offer some serious thought.”

My chest starts to ache, thinking back on my exchange with Anton.

“I’m sure.” Henry flashes a toothy smile. “Did Anton think it wasn’t enough?”

“Well, no?—”

“I am willing to come up.” He raises a sharp eyebrow. “With a few agreements, of course.”

Ugh. I feel like I did when I bought my first car. I’d never made such a big purchase on my own, and I remember sitting in the dealership while they threw numbers at me, until I wasn’t sure if I got a good price or not. Somehow, dealing with Henry is ten times more overwhelming. Or maybe it’s just the numbers he’s waving around. If I was really interested, I would set up a meeting with Charlotte and let her handle negotiations. But my answer isn’t about to change. If anything, with my marriage on the brink, I need the Pooches—my career—more than ever.

“Sorry, I’m still not interested.”

His eager expression wavers a little. “Are you sure? We could hold off further talks until Anton’s back, if that would be better.”

My neck prickles. I don’t get the vibe he’s trying to suggest I step back and let my husband decide, but he’s toeing the line. “The businesses are mine. It’s my decision. But Anton and I did speak about it, and he knows how I feel.”

My gut twists as these last words leave my lips. I think you’ve made clear what matters most to you.

Henry’s mouth presses into a firm line. “Okay. Well, obviously I’m still game. So if you decide you want to reconsider?—”

“How many different ways do I have to say no?” I snap. “I’m not interested!”

He stiffens, then rises abruptly from the couch. “Sorry, Lydia. I didn’t mean to overstep.” He reaches into his pocket, then hands me a glossy-looking business card. “The success you’ve had with your dog businesses is impressive. I was just interested in taking it to the next level.”

“Thank you,” I say, showing him the door. “So am I.”

I spend the rest of the morning trying to catch up on shampoo and bakery orders, scheduling, and reading up on changes to employee health insurance. But my brain is still preoccupied with the knowledge that Henry Hill wants to buy my business. Did Anton know? Is that why he responded the way he did? I want to ask, but I’m afraid if I call, his phone will ring at the worst possible moment. Instead, I keep shifting from one task to another and not actually getting anything finished. Around lunchtime, my mom calls, and I give up on productivity.

“Lydia, I was just thinking—have you ever tried the cabbage soup diet?”

I cringe, not at all in the mood to be pestered about my weight or any other imperfections today. I’ve been avoiding sharing the news about Anton’s mom, hoping for a better update from him first. But I can’t put it off any longer.

“Sharon’s in the hospital. Some kind of stroke, they think.”

“Oh, no.” Her tone changes instantly, and I’m grateful for that, at least. “When did this happen?”

“Seth called Sunday night. Anton flew out right away, and he’s been there ever since.”

“But you’re not with him?”

I clench the arm of my office chair, rankling at the surprise in her voice. But there is no way in hell I’m going to discuss the reasons why. “I have businesses to run, Mom.”

“Yes, but this sounds serious. What if?—”

“Look, nothing terrible has happened yet.”

“You don’t think this is already terrible?” she says in a low tone.

“Of course I do. But Anton and I talked about it and...” I close my eyes. “He told me not to come.”

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