Page 108 of February

Bridgette sent her the message and walked out the front door of the building, taking a very deep breath because she’d spent the entire morning answering questions from her parents, who clearly hadn’t been listening to her over the years because if they had, their questions would’ve been answered a long time ago. She’d tried not to get frustrated with them despite, in her mind, having every right to be, because that wouldn’t get them anywhere, and they’d already agreed to give her a few days to come up with a plan that was in writing and took all of the numbers into account. She felt better at that possibility, but they hadn’t officially said yes to her taking over for them and not selling the company.

As she walked, she knew she would have some tough decisions to make. They had three colorists on staff, for example. Two were in the Baton Rouge office, and Dan was here. Of the three, Dan was the youngest, but he was also the best. She’d likely have to let go of at least one of the other two in order to make room for a full-time salesperson who would make a commission and a smaller base pay. She’d also need a marketingperson, which would mean she’d have to let go of the office manager in Baton Rouge, who wasn’t as good as the one they had in New Orleans, according to her parents. That would allow her to get a junior person in marketing, but anything would help at this point. Then, if they were moving online, she’d have to hire someone who could help with that, too. She knew she might have to make even more cuts to accommodate them, but when she arrived at the restaurant, another idea dawned on her. She could close the Baton Rouge office. She’d be running the company, and the office they had in New Orleans could easily accommodate all of their employees. If they didn’t want to relocate, she could offer them a severance, or they could commute. It would be a rough one to make every day, but some of them could even work from home. All of these thoughts ran through Bridgette’s mind too quickly for her to really process them, but she smiled because at least there were options her parents hadn’t explored that could help the company.

“Hey,” Melinda said and waved her over to their table.

“Hey,” she replied and headed that way.

“I feel like we never see you anymore,” Melinda noted.

Bridgette looked at Melinda and then at Kyle, who was sitting next to her.

“Yeah, I wonder why,” she said.

“I know. We’ve been busy. Ky is finally moving all of her stuff here, and Jolie is going to make the drive down with her now that enough work is done on the house.”

“Sorry, I’m monopolizing her,” Kyle offered.

“It’s fine. She’s pretty annoying most of the time, anyway,” Bridgette said sarcastically, and when the waiter approached their table a second later, she asked, “Can we get another chair possibly?”

“Sure. Are you waiting for someone else? They’re not supposed to seat the table if we’re waiting on members of the party.”

“It’s okay. She’s walking this way now, and I’ll order for her,” Bridgette replied.

The waiter looked around as if he was actually considering telling them that they couldn’t take a table if they were waiting on someone. Bridgette understood. The city was getting busier by the day this time of year, and the restaurants around here needed to keep things moving to maximize their business. A lot of restaurants didn’t allow parties to get their table until everyone was there to order.

“It’s fine,” he told her after he checked the line at the door that wasn’t all that long yet.

“Thanks,” Bridgette said.

The waiter walked away to get her that chair and returned with it quickly, placing it at the end of the table.

“Who’s coming to lunch?” Jill asked with a smirk from Bridgette’s left.

“Monica.”

“Monica again, huh?” Melinda asked.

“You haven’t told her?” Jill asked Bridgette.

“I haven’t talked to her. Mel’s been busy.”

“Wait. Told me what?” Melinda asked.

“Hi.”

Bridgette recognized the voice, smiled, and looked up. She went to stand, but Monica put a hand on her shoulder, gave her a wink, and sat in the empty chair at the end of the table.

“Hey,” Bridgette said, and before she thought not to do it, she leaned forward.

Monica did as well without hesitation, and their lips met for a quick kiss.

“Oh,” Melinda let out in realization.

“Hi, everyone,” Monica said with a polite smile. “Did she tell you that I’ve already eaten?”

“No, she didn’t tell usanything,” Melinda replied as she playfully glared at Bridgette.

“You. Have. Been. Busy,” Bridgette reminded, elongating every word. “You and Kyle have been all loved up at her mansion of a house for weeks now.”

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