Page 21 of Connor

“Soooooo?” Trisha asks as she opens my bedroom door and comes to sit at the end of my bed with me.

“So, I start this week,” I tell her, trying to sort my thoughts.

“This week? Wow. What else?” she asks, and I stare at the contract in front of me.

“It’s managing the entire process, essentially. They’ve done the build, so now it’s up to me to help with the fit-out requirements and then turn it into a wellness center.”

“Wow, that’s a lot. In what time frame?” Her brows pinch.

“A month, but it can stretch to two.” My mind whirls with ideas already forming. I need to speak to Mom to get her making and packaging our teas. I need to place a crystal order with Soren to get that ball rolling. Not to mention, choosing sound healing bowls and other equipment.

“That’s a lot to do in a month. Staffing will probably be your biggest issue,” Trisha says, thinking.

“Mm-hmm,” I agree, thinking that’s something I need to get straight onto as well. By the time you find people, interview them, and then train them, that could take the full four weeks as it is.

“He better be paying you well,” she quips.

“Ahhhh, he, um… he is… Six figures.”

“For a month!” she screeches.

“I know,” I say, swallowing, reality not setting in just yet. “It’s kinda crazy.”

“The best kind of crazy! We should pack.” Jumping up, she pulls my suitcase out from under the bed.

“Pack?” I question, head rearing back. “I don’t leave for another few days.”

“Well, it’s either we get busy with packing, or I pour us both a shot or two of tequila. You look like you need it. But given that I already know you’re a lightweight and don’t need a hangover tomorrow, I think we can start packing. One less thing to worry about,” Trisha says, her mind made up, and I nod, my body needing something to do.

“Wow. This is just… wow.” Standing, I’m feeling a little unsteady on my feet, and she looks at me sharply.

“Daisy. You’ve got this. You’re the expert. You know what you’re doing. Hell, you could do this in your sleep backward, remember that. None of them have the skill, and that’s why they want you. They might have money, but they don't have your knowledge and expertise. This is a great opportunity, and it also doesn’t hurt to have a beautiful man to look at each day while you show him exactly what kind of girl boss you are.”

I smile and try to ignore that statement about Connor. “Thanks. You're right, I can do this.” This is my chance of a lifetime.

“Good, now sign that thing and let's get you sorted,” she says, and I nod. I reread the contract for a second time as Trisha pulls out my clothes for me. I sign it, then I call and put Mom on speakerphone while I start packing my bags at the same time.

“Hi, sweetie.”

“I accepted the job,” I tell her, holding my breath, waiting for her response.

“Excellent, honey! I’m sure you’ll be amazing. When do you start?”

“This week. They want me to start straightaway, so I need your help.”

“This week! Wow, okay, what do you need?” she asks, sounding excited. I start talking with her about our tea line, crystals, our suppliers, all of whom she’ll call for me tomorrow to get them on the front foot with things.

“I’ll make sure I get the tea sorted tomorrow and ship it all to you express.”

I smile, thankful to have Mom ready to go as well. Tea making is something she can do from home that doesn’t hurt her hands as much, so she’s probably happy that she can keep busy doing what she loves.

“Do you think Soren will be able to source some crystals?” I ask her as I open my underwear drawer and grab the essentials. As I do, Trisha leans over me and grabs a few of my nice lacy sets that I rarely wear and puts them in the bag. I look at her like she’s lost her mind.

“You’ll thank me later,” she whispers to me so Mom can’t hear before I see her dive back in and grab my special little bag of my battery friends. “You’ll thank me for these too.” Giving me a wink, she shoves them into the back of my suitcase. I don’t fight her on it, but I shake my head at her antics.

“I’ll get him to order not only the crystals, but also the singing bowls, and I have a contact at Yoga Express, so I’ll send you their details for the yoga mats and other equipment,” Mom continues.

So far, so good. Now I just need to figure out the staffing situation. I know Whispers is small, but surely, the town has some people I can train, because if not, I have no idea where to hire from.

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