Page 22 of February

“We haven’t talked about that yet. I think her mother brought it up with her, but I don’t know if Bridgette has an answer.”

“We should. It would be part of the deal if she’s going to receive a leadership role at Good Day Greetings. I’d assume that would be what she’d ask for.”

“I don’t know, honestly,” he said.

“What does she do here, exactly?”

“Bridgette? She makes the cards, mostly. She runs this office when her mother and I are in Baton Rouge. We only met you here because she lives here, and it was easier. There are more employees in our main office as well, so this was more private.”

“Do your employees know yet?” Monica asked.

“Not yet. We’ve told them you’re a potential investor. I hate lying to them, but since I don’t know that this is for sure a done deal and I don’t know if you’ll offer them jobs, I wanted to have more information before I talk to them.”

“I understand. And I do usually like to talk to employees whenever I can, but I can be discreet,” she replied.

“Thank you. We appreciate it. Oh, my wife and I would like to take you out to dinner while you’re in town. You don’t have to say yes, and we won’t be offended if you decline.”

“Dinner?”

“Tonight, if you don’t have any plans.”

Monica thought about the facial she’d booked for eight that evening. The spa would be closed, but they’d be sending someone directly to her room, and she was fully prepared to enjoy the whole relaxing experience. They’d likely finish up here around five, though, so if they made it a short, business-likedinner, she’d be back in her room by seven-thirty. Her instincts told her to decline the invitation, but her father would likely hear about it and be disappointed in how she’d treated a friend of the family. Besides, the earlier they did this dinner, the better. Once she started to make recommendations or they began talking about the specifics of the sale, things would get awkward, and dinner would be uncomfortable for everyone.

“I can do this evening,” she said with a polite smile.

“Great.” Dale smiled. “Is there anything you don’t eat?”

“Not really, no,” she replied.

“I’ll make a reservation somewhere,” he said.

“Sounds great. The earlier, the better for me. Say 5:30?”

“No problem. We’ll leave from the office, if that works for you.”

“It does,” Monica said with a nod.

The door then opened abruptly, and Bridgette stood there, holding a brown paper bag and a cup of coffee.

“Miss Arnette, your coffee and pastry have arrived safely. Where would you like them? Shall I plate it up for you?” Bridgette lifted an annoyed eyebrow at Monica.

“Oh, sorry. They’re early. I was going to go outside and get it.” Monica stood up.

“No need.” Bridgette tossed the bag onto the table and placed the cup down next to the bag. “All taken care of.”

The woman then left the room just as quickly as she’d entered it.

“Well, she hates me,” Monica said.

“She’ll come around.”

???

Monica had spent the better part of the workday with Dale and Margery in the conference room, going over their finances,procedures, and employees. She’d also learned more about their daughter from their conversation. Bridgette had gone to Tulane, which was interesting because Monica’s own father had raved about the school. It was private and could be difficult to get into. Bridgette’s parents had been very proud and spoken about how she’d majored in economics and had thought about getting her MBA but had decided to work full-time at Southern Hospitality Greetings instead since she was going to inherit it one day and didn’t need an MBA to do that. Monica could tell they felt bad about the situation they had gotten themselves into and, therefore, their daughter, because the business was failing.

“Well, it’s five-fifteen now, so we should probably head to the restaurant,” Dale said. “We were thinking Bridgette could drive you there since she has her car, and we’ll head home in ours after the restaurant since we live in Baton Rouge, if that’s okay. She’ll drop you off at your hotel after.”

“Oh. Bridgette is coming, too?” Monica asked as she swallowed.

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