Page 39 of The Main Event

“I think that’s a pretty good conclusion,” I agreed. “He would’ve been dead.”

She waved her hand as if I’d said the funniest thing in the world. “Oh, it was only a little crucifixion.”

Thankfully, we’d made it through the front door of the restaurant and the hostess was eyeing us expectantly.

“I have a reservation for Tammy Gordon,” she said.

The hostess nodded. “Of course. Hello, Tammy.”

“Hello, Gertie.”

Neither woman sounded happy to see the other.

Gertie gave me a long look—perhaps she was wondering if I was crazy—and then led us to our table. The restaurant was nice. The ambiance was warm. My dinner company, however, was making me more and more uncomfortable.

“So, I’ve been thinking,” Tammy said when I’d just opened my menu. “There’s a lot of wasted work time going to gossiping and conversations that are unnecessary at the hotel. We need one of those machines where you punch in and out.”

I frowned. I was familiar with the type of machine she was talking about. They were outdated, and frankly, I wasn’t convinced that punching a time clock was mentally healthy. It hadn’t been proven to up production either.

“You want to put in a time clock?” I asked to buy myself time.

“Yes.” Tammy was enthusiastic when bobbing her head.

“Why?”

Tammy looked upset that I didn’t immediately jump on the idea, but she regrouped quickly. “Well, just as an example, I came across Levi and Daisy this afternoon. They were sitting at a table in the bar, laughing, and I know they weren’t working.”

“Did they say they were working?”

“They said they were planning a Barbie party.” Tammy made a scoffing noise. “Like … can you believe that? What sixteen-year-old girl would want a Barbie party?”

“I think it’s the movie,” I offered. “It was big. As for the Barbie party, I can confirm it’s the real deal. I met with Daisy and the mother and daughter this afternoon.”

“Oh.” Now I was certain that Tammy was disappointed. “Well, that doesn’t change the fact that they were sitting around laughing instead of working. I know the difference.” She tapped the side of her head. “Nothing gets by me.”

“Are Levi and Daisy known for not getting their work done?” I asked.

Tammy clearly wasn’t expecting me to take that tack because her confusion was obvious. “What does that matter?”

“Well, I’ve read a lot of studies. Employees are more productive when they’re allowed to take the occasional break and have fun. That makes the day go quicker for them, and they don’t turn into clock watchers. Clock watchers are the least productive employees you can have.”

“You read a study?”

“I have a business degree. I’ve read a lot of studies on productivity.”

“I see.” Tammy placed her tongue into her cheek and focused on the menu. “I hope you like seafood.”

I was amused despite myself. Apparently, that part of the conversation was over, and I hadn’t even seen it coming. “I love seafood.”

“Maybe we should start with an appetizer,” she suggested. “Oysters are supposed to be good.”

Oysters were known for another reason, and I refused to send the wrong message here. “Oh, I don’t really like oysters. Plus, this is a work dinner, and oysters are messy.”

“Right. No oysters.” Tammy’s lips turned down. “What are you going to get?”

I didn’t mind going big for the meal. I just didn’t want it to take forever. “I think I’m going to get the swordfish.”

“That sounds good. I’ll get that.” Tammy had only glanced at her menu, so I wasn’t surprised when she decided to follow my lead. I wouldn’t have been surprised if she didn’t even like swordfish. This was all a way for her to ingratiate herself with me.

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