Page 191 of The Re-Proposal

“I’ll bring Doberman.”

“That’s a given. But can Doberman protect you fromher?” He juts his chin at Liandra.

“Liandra just needs to know that I have her daughter’s best interest at heart. Which I do. This is the perfect opportunity to show her that.” I swing my suit jacket off the back of the chair. “Meetings can wait. This can’t.”

“You think one little lecture is going to stop her from hating you?”

“It doesn’t hurt to try.”

Liandra shoots to her feet when I get outside. “Where are you going?”

“It’s a surprise.”

Her eyes narrow in suspicion. In that moment, she looks so much like Clarissa that I can’t help but love her.

I gesture to the door.

Liandra follows me, not losing that look of suspicion until we get to the co-op. We step inside and she reads the manifesto by the door.

It’s the first time I see her smile.

“Cody.” Ms. Phoebe waddles toward me. She’s wearing a giant muumuu over a pair of leggings.

“Ms. Phoebe, I want to introduce you to Liandra Maura.”

“Clarissa’s mom?” Ms. Phoebe gasps. “It’s such a pleasure to meet you.”

“You too. I love what you’ve done here. Giving vulnerable women the chance to own their own businesses is a genius idea.”

Ms. Phoebe grins. “It’s nothing but a calling. I can’t take much credit.”

“Mr. Bolton!” Laura gallops toward me.

I nod at her.

“Those computers you sent over areamazing.” Laura’s eyes sparkle. “I swear, I can do my homework so much faster here than on my busted laptop.”

I see Liandra watching me with a curious look.

“Where are the ladies?” My gaze slides around the indoor market. The booths are empty.

“We use the kitchen for lessons. It’s cozier that way.” Ms. Phoebe motions for us to follow her. “Even Chef Baley mentioned that it was well stocked.” She winks at me. “This way.”

Liandra’s shoulders start to relax and I see the light. Maybe I can survive this day without my future mother-in-law poisoning my drink.

And since I’m a ‘go big or go home’ kind of guy, I’ll even take this opportunity to gain Liandra’s full approval.

* * *

Pencils scribblefuriously as I walk the length of the small kitchen.

“The biggest mistake you can make is thinking business is like charity. Making money is not a bad thing. Never feel guilty for putting a monetary value to your efforts.”

I glance at Erica as I say, “Business is a mental battle. Think like a business owner. Think like a boss because that’s what you are. You’re powerful. You dominate. You own this space.”

My eyes slide to Maggie next. “Business isn’t soft. It’s not emotional. Business is all about law. You have to apply the laws to be successful. That’s the only way you make it.”

Maggie nods.

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