Page 31 of Flare
She could barely see the desk beneath stacks of invoices, folders, and random papers. Receipts were pinned to a corkboard with no apparent system. Yellow Post-It notes adorned every available surface, and three different calendars hung on the wall, each covered with scribbles.
“Oh my,” Emily said, stepping inside.
Maggie winced.“I told you I was drowning. I was up until midnight on Friday trying to figure out delivery schedules and whether I have enough staff to cover the extra orders. And I’m already behind on billing for last week’s B&B drop-offs.”
“Tell me more about your contracts,” Emily said, already mentally organizing the jumble of files into categories.
Maggie’s face gleamed with pride.“We have breakfast pastry deals with three bed and breakfasts in town, plus all four motels. Plus, we do special order cakes for weddings and other events. Business is great, but the stress is killing me.”
Emily nodded, picking up a folder labeled“Tax Stuff” with last year’s date.“And I’m guessing each client has different needs and delivery schedules?”
“Exactly.” Maggie ran a hand through her dark hair.“I barely have time to bake anymore, let alone keep up with allthis.”
Emily picked up an invoice, scanning it quickly.“You know… working with vendors and organizing wholesale order schedules and deliveries to job sites was a big part of my job back in Spokane. I also handled invoicing, billing, and payment tracking for our real estate development projects.”
Maggie blinked.“Seriously?”
Emily nodded.“If you want, I could take all this off your plate. And set up software to streamline your invoicing and ordering system.” She glanced around the cramped office, her mind racing.“And you need an operations manual, if you don’t already have one.”
“What’s an operations manual?” Maggie asked.
Emily blinked.Oh, boy. Maggie wasn’t kidding when she said she needed help!“It’s a binder or software repository with all your procedures, recipes, supplier contacts, and regular schedules. That way, if you go on vacation, whoever fills in for you will have all the information right at their fingertips.”
“Vacation?” Maggie snorted.“That’s a pleasant fantasy!” Then she stopped and stared at Emily.“Wait. You actually lookexcitedabout doing all that stuff! Where have youbeenall my life?”
Emily laughed.“Working for a controlling jerk who at least taught me how to run a successful business. Have you ever considered franchising Cinnamon + Sugar?”
“No, but that sounds like a great idea.” Maggie grinned.“The Maggie and Emily team is going to be unstoppable. When can you start?”
“How about now?” Emily suggested. Even with Andrew to deal with, and the whole shapeshifter revelation to process fully, she felt hopeful and energized.“I can start sorting througheverything today and get a better sense of what we’re dealing with.”
Maggie’s smile lit up the office.“You’re a lifesaver, Em, seriously.”
Chapter 8
Invitation
Monday, May 11
Text message conversation:
Maggie: Hey Eddie. Just wanted you to know—I talked to Emily this morning.
Maggie: She’s doing way better. Turns out Andrew went into a rage spiral and shapeshifted in front of her. ::angry face::
Maggie: That’s why she hightailed it out of Spokane. And why she freaked out so badly last night.
Ward: Damn. I knew he was an asshole, but the dude sounds like he’s an idiot, too.
Maggie: Yeah. Anyhow, you haven’t lost your chance with her because of your bear, Eddie. Now that she’s calmed down, she knows we’re not monsters.
Ward: Still doesn’t change the fact that he mated her.
Maggie: Technically, yes. But she didn’t know what she was getting into, didn’t agree to it, and she’s not bound by it. Andrew messed up big time. You NEVER treat your mate like that. She’s totally done with him.
Maggie: Also… I hired her at the bakery. She started this morning. ::celebration emoji::
Ward: You WHAT?
