Page 93 of Second Chance for Mr. Alden

Lexi’s sweet laughter chortled through the phone. “When his secretary reached out to me, I could totally hear your voice in my ear saying that.”

“Good girl. And what did you do about that?”

“I researched the company. Let me text you their link.”

My phone beeped. I opened the link for Business Solutions Investments, while Lexi kept talking. “Where are you now?”

I still didn’t like that she ditched Gage. I knew Lexi would kill me but I was going to have to tell Alden when he got back.

“In an Uber. I actually just pulled up to the front of the building.” Lexi took a deep breath.

Alden was going to kill me. This was far too reminiscent of when I snuck out to the marketplace.

Right now though, Lexi needed a pep talk. “You’ve got this. Not only are you incredibly talented, but you’re smart Lex. You know this business. You’ve made all the right decisions and tonight you don’t need to sign anything. Get the information and we can talk more about it when you get home.”

“You’re right. This is just one option.” She gave a loud exhale.

“Exactly. It’s not like you have to jump on a second store right this second. I know you love that location, but there are others you could love just as much.”

“I hate to agree to that because I love the space, but you’re right. It’s not worth jumping in and making the wrong decision just for a piece of real estate. If it doesn’t work out, then maybe it means I hold off a little longer on the new store.”

“Or I could help.” I reminded her.

She snorted. “Hold on a sec, Jess.” I heard her mumbled conversation to the Uber driver.

A car door slammed shut. “Are you there?” I asked.

“Yeah, I just need to breathe. I have my business proposal, projected finances, how much the next line is going to cost to produce ...” her voice trailed off. In my mind I pictured Lexi walking up to the building mentally going through the paperwork and her talking points. She had this in the bag.

“They’d be a fool not to partner with you,” I said proudly.

A nervous laugh burst out from Lexi. “I’m inside,” she whispered.

“Why are you whispering?” I laughed.

“I don’t know. I’m nervous you jerk. Leave me alone,” she grumbled. “Okay, now shh I need to sound professional in case anyone overhears us.”

The clack of her heels echoed through the phone. “You don’t need them. This is a business inquiry, and you will make the best decision for your company.”

“Thanks, Jess.” A rustling sound reached me.

“Excuse me, are you Ms. Alden?” A deep male voice asked.

I wondered if Lex was holding the phone down against her side based on the continued muffled, bumping sounds.

“Uh, yes. I’m meeting with Mr. Enderly at 6:00. I know I’m a little early.”

“It’s fine.” The same voice answered. “We’re here to take you to him.”

Additional footsteps sounded and another voice reached me. Lexi was probably so caught up in it all she didn’t think about the fact that I was still on the phone with her.

“Wait,” I heard Lexi say. I didn’t like the tinge of fear threaded through that one word.

I shot straight up. I wanted to yell out her name, but I waited. It might be nothing and I didn’t want to embarrass her.

“Mr. Enderly’s on the second floor, why would we go out the back? I’m not comfortable with this. I’ll reschedule my appointment for another time.” Her voice wavered at the end.

Good job, Lex. Stay strong.

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