Page 74 of Friends With Benefits

“Great,” Kerri said, both pleased and dismayed. “I can’t exactly mass produce it in my kitchen.”

Sela laughed. “Is that where you make it? I had no idea. So, I was thinking…maybe weshouldmass produce it. We could sell it here at the spa.”

Kerri looked at her warily. She and Mitch had already talked about that idea, but it had seemed a bit far-fetched. “Who’s going to produce it? You? Or me?”

“Both of us. Partners.”

Kerri shook her head. “I think we learned this week that we could never be partners. We’re too different.”

“Come on Kerri. I know I’ve been difficult, but a lot of it’s the stress.”

“No, a lot of is your anal, controlling personality.”

Sela surprisingly didn’t take offence. “I’m working on that,” she said. “We could do it, Kerri. Come on.”

“You want one of my business ideas,” she said slowly.

“We’d have to work on a business case.” Sela nodded. “Cost benefit analysis and all that. But I think it has huge potential.”

“I do have other ideas for some skin care products…cleansers and moisturizers…shower gel, bath stuff…”

“That sounds great! We could have our own White Lotus line of beauty products.”

“I don’t know.” Doubts still tapped at her with little hammers. “You’re already on overload. How can you think about taking on more?”

“I was hoping you’d take on most of it.” Sela eyed her hopefully. “I’ll help with financing and anything else you need from me, but I’d like you to run with it. If you’re interested.”

Yeah, she was interested, but it was hard to believe Sela could contribute financially to a project and not want a say in every small decision.

Sela frowned, looking at Kerri’s computer screen. “Are you…what are you looking for, Kerri?”

“New space.” Kerri glanced at the monitor. “After last week I thought it might be best if I find other space for my studio.”

“Oh, no.” Sela sat up straight and her brows drew down. “I’m so sorry, Kerri. I didn’t mean to drive you away. Really, I didn’t. I just lost my cool.”

Kerri nodded. Her sister did seem genuinely remorseful.

“Don’t go,” Sela begged. “You’ve been a huge benefit to my business.”

“I have?”

“Yes! You’re such a…special person, you draw people in. I’ve had so many people coming to the spa that are your clients, and with the popularity of that massage oil…it’s been great. Plus, I have to tell you that when you took your stuff out of the lounge, a couple of clients commented that it felt different in there.”

Kerri smiled slowly. She so much wanted to say “I told you so”, but restrained herself. She’d never had much chance to use that line as kids because Sela was invariably right, but now she felt a flood of warm pride that Sela had recognizedshehad been right about something.

“I guess we can keep trying,” she said slowly. “I just…I always feel so inferior to you, Sela. You have it all—a great husband, family, your business—and Mom and Dad just think you’re the sun and the moon. Maybe it would be better if I were on my own again.”

Sela tipped her head to one side. “Mom and Dad thinkyou’rethe special one,” she told Kerri. “They’re always harping on me to not work so hard. They think I neglect my family and I’m too focused on money.”

Now Kerri shook her head. “You have got to be kidding me.”

Sela shook her head, too. “No, I’m not.”

“They’ve never said anything like that to me.”

Sela grinned. “That’s the great thing about our parents. They might try to tell us what we’re doing wrong, but at least they do it to our faces. They don’t criticize us behind our backs. They’re nothing but supportive of you and Justin and Jared when they talk to me.”

“Yeah. That’s true.” Kerri took a deep breath and glanced at her watch. “Oh, God, I have to go. My kids are waiting.” She looked at her sister. “Thanks, Sela.”

---