Page 15 of Smarty Plants
“For the past several years, as a matter of fact. We find that many clients can’t visualize what they need. This enables them to make an informed decision and feel confident in their purchase.”
I pause, waiting patiently with a polite smile as Wayne looks around the room again. He’s spent so many hours here, chatting with my dad with his feet up on the desk. Now he’s awkwardly tugging down his shirt to cover his beer belly, looking around, at a loss for words. It’s glorious.
“Is there anything specific I can help you with?” I ask crisply. “I do have a busy day ahead.”
He jumps to his feet. “Your father is not going to be happy with all these changes.”
“Hey, it was his decision to leave me in charge. And we’re already on track to increase earnings twenty-five percent month over month for the next quarter.”
Wayne mutters a few curses, then stomps out of the building as Dakota calls after him, “Thank you for dropping by! Have a lovely day!”
His truck is tearing out of the parking lot as I go to the reception area. “Well done, Dakota.”
She grins. “You know your girlfriend is a genius, right? I was totally expecting him to come in and start ordering us around with that weird yell-y tone he always has. But as soon as he stepped in the door, it was like he was on tranquilizers.”
I chuckle. “Well, Iris did say that plants make people calm.”
“Seriously! He looked like he’d seen a ghost, from his first glance at the planters, to the way he was staring at those hella cool new paintings.” Dakota grins up at me. “Hey, darling cousin-boss. Since I’m ahead of the billing now, could I maybe get some real studying done today? Iris taught me a few memorization techniques I want to try.”
“Of course. Use the conference room to spread out, if you like.”
I return to my office and slump in my chair. Things have been frantic, but now it seems like my business will be running smoothly.
How can I possibly thank Iris enough? She doesn’t strike me as the kind of person who’s into traditional gifts. And I can’t exactly buy her flowers, since she works at the best plant store in town.
I’m certainly not an expert in women. The best I can do is shower her with my time and attention.
Suddenly I remember something I heard on Web News Kingsville this morning, when Iris was watching it on her phone over coffee.
I send her a text, still smiling.
You are a genius. Dakota said so too. Wayne was DEFLATED. Didn’t raise his voice once.
Iris: I’m so glad it went well!
How busy are you today? I’m sorry, I’ve been keeping you from your own work.
Iris: With coffee and headphones, I’ll be caught up in a few hours. All good.
May I pick you up at 3?
Iris: Sure. Where are we going?
It’s a surprise.
Iris: Awesome, I’m intrigued. See you then!
I quickly scroll through my contacts, hoping I can pull this off. Iris needs to know I’m thinking about her in the long-term. As a true partner.
We belong together.
9
IRIS
It’s hard to believe: I’m completely comfortable walking into a man’s house, knowing I’ll be spending the night here tonight.
Ben carries the pizza to the dining room as I go into the kitchen for plates and napkins. Before he can sit down, I slip my arms around him. “Thank you. That was”…I shake my head…“incredible.”
