Page 11 of All We Need

It’s becoming harder and harder to let it slide, and with the manic rush of the holidays on the horizon,I’mat the end of my tether.Iunderstand we have budgets, butIwant to see the whites of their eyes when they tell me no.

Today’s email is hopefully their letter of resignation.

“Don’t start a fight with them.”

Throwing him a wink,Isaunter to the back of the restaurant. “I’llbe nothing but cordial.”

A couple of minutes later,I’mreading over their email before typing away furiously on the keyboard.Ionly feel an ounce of remorse toward the recipient of the email,Larry, who is the unfortunate escrow agent responsible for all transactions between the owner and us.

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject:RE:Newsupplier

DearMr.Sadler,

I trust this email finds you well.

After some deliberation, my client has provisionally declined your request to enter into a contract withMs.JacksonofJustBrewIt.Oncea review of the supplier’s services and quality of goods has been completed, they may reconsider, should everything be found satisfactory.

My client also asks that any future proposed business contracts are to be approved before any verbal agreement is given.

Kind regards,

LarrySchumann-LeadEscrowAgent

JS.WilliamsSolutions

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject:RE:Newsupplier

Good morning,Larry,

Please inform your client thatMs.Jacksonis a member of the family, and such things do not require approval.

They would know that, had your client familiarized themselves withOurPlace’sethos.

Have a good one.

Booth

I’ve never metLarry, butIsuspect he curses me out whenever my emails land in his inbox.

Quinn’s a talented baker, reliable, and is hoping to expand her business.Evenif she wasn’t family, why would we say no?Ourcurrent supplier has been tardy for the last few months, and the bread delivered isn’t what it used to be.

Too badI’vealready canceled the contract with our old supplier andQuinnis set to deliver freshly baked goods to us in the new year.

My smug smile melts off my face whenIrealize this doesn’t change anything for me.

I’ll be doing whatIalways do; cooking from the same menu we’ve had since the ’90s.It’swhat tourists expect when they spend their vacations here.Lobsterrolls.Clambakes.Bean-hole beans.

I love my job.Ilove my job.Ilove my job.

I need to remind myselfwhyIlove it and to take some control back.I’mthe head chef.NotLarry.Notthe owner.Me.

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