Page 7 of The Grump

But if the confectionery closed, things would change. I wasn’t that worried about money, at least not in the short-term. We wouldn’t be left destitute, as we could definitely continue to grow the online business. My parents instilled in us a solid work ethic, and from the get-go, we had a very comfortable, middle-class upbringing. Mom was still a nurse, and Dad had been a salesman, retiring a few years ago when his health declined. We had a lot of fun on family trips growing up, mostly camping. My parents were my role models in life, and I longed for a love like the one they had.

But I loved being here at the confectionery. It was exactly what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. And now that might not happen.

Isabeau clapped her hands together. “So, now that we got that out of the way, why don’t you tell us what new recipes you’ve planned for this Christmas season?”

I took another sip of sherry to get some of that good mood back. “Nougat. It was a hit three years ago, and I’m pairing it with cinnamon and star anise. It’s delicious. If I knew you were coming, I would’ve made a tasting tray out of everything. But we could decide on another day, and I’ll make it for you when you come.”

“Yes, we could do that,” Celine said. “But we don’t want to inconvenience you.”

“Nonsense,” Avery said. “We’ll never be too busy for the two of you.”

“Then we’ll gladly stop by,” Isabeau said. “Actually, you know what our biggest hit was back in the day?”

“What?” I leaned slightly over the table in earnest. It was a pity these two didn’t want to be in the kitchen anymore because they were immensely talented.

“You won’t believe it, but it was a mix of mint and banana.”

“No way,” I gasped.

“Yes way,” Isabeau replied with a wink. “And I came across it by accident. I’ll tell you everything.”

I was getting giddy as Isabeau shared her story. Oh, why didn’t they come later in the day? Then we could finish this bottle of sherry and not care how tipsy we got. Sherry always paired perfectly with their stories.

As she went on explaining how her husband had eaten all the cherries she’d planned to use, so she had to resort to bananas instead, I was starting to feel more optimistic. Xander wastheirgrandson. How different could he be from them? I was certain that once he came here and understood what we truly did, he’d change his mind.

Chapter Three

Xander

November and December were some of the busiest times in the office. We were watching numbers more closely than usual, and I was on top of everything. That was why I usually didn’t get home until well into the evening. But unlike my brother Julian, I enjoyed spending all my time at work. Everything was calm and orderly. Julian said being cooped up in the office drove him mad, which was why he went into his flagship bar in the French Quarter a few times a week.

But even though I had a million things to do, I left the office at three o’clock the next Wednesday. I’d promised my grandmothers that I’d see the confectionery, and I intended to keep that promise. Besides, I hadn’t been joking. I really did want to get a feel for it before I pitched it to a potential buyer. Or closed its doors.

Lydia jerked her head back when she saw me with my coat. “You’re leaving?”

“Yes. I’m heading to the confectionery. There’s nothing else on my schedule, right?” She looked so shocked that I wondered if I’d forgotten about something.

“No, no. As I told you, the team from Dallas couldn’t come because they all have the flu.”

“Unfortunate, but perfect. Call me if anything urgent comes up.”

“Sure.” She still sounded perplexed. I didn’t blame her. Even when meetings were canceled, I rarely left the office unless my niece or my family needed me for some reason. Otherwise, I was behind my desk until at least six or seven o’clock.

I put the confectionery’s address in the GPS and groaned. Why the fuck was it so far away? Then again, that was why thebuilding they were in had been so cheap. It would be a good asset to sell to anyone interested. I was already making up a pitch in my mind. I knew the numbers by heart, which was both a blessing and a curse for me—once I saw numbers, I couldn’t forget them.

Even though it was a very small operation, it could be a good add-on for someone already in the chocolate industry. Any buyer worth his salt would see that.

The drive didn’t take as long as I initially thought it would. The redbrick building looked solid enough. I immediately viewed it from a buyer’s perspective, and no immediate investments were needed. My grandmothers called this place “charming,” but all I could see was a waste of money. I was all about honoring legacy, but the Orleans Conglomerate needed to be brought into the modern era.

I stepped through the front gate into a huge yard and blinked.Are those twinkle lights?I was pretty sure that’s what Bella called them—and they were everywhere. There was also a huge willow tree in the center and about a million ferns scattered throughout the area.

I stepped forward, looking for the entrance, and immediately found it. It was cracked open, and Christmas carols were filtering out. It was the first time I’d heard them this season, and in my opinion, it was far too early.

“Hello? Anyone here?” I asked, knocking at the front door.

“Who is it? It’s just me, Bailey, here. Everyone else has left for the day.”

That’s how she announces herself? Is she inviting people to rob her?

---