Page 24 of Unwrapping Spring Break

Gretchen ignores my questions, of course. “Don’t be late. This is important, and it’s urgent.” With that, she hangs up, leaving me speechless.

What the hell is going on?I stare at my phone, searching for answers. Sadly, it displays who just called and how long the call lasted. No answers. Why would Gretchen arrange a meeting? Did Alexander change his mind? There’s only one way to find out.

Chapter Nineteen

Lily

Thestackofpaperworkin front of me is more than a little intimidating. I understand maybe a quarter of what they contain, if I’m lucky. Everything may as well be written in a different language. A glance assures me it’s in English, but I still have doubts.

“Are you sure there aren’t copies tangled up in this?” I tilt my head to better look at the man across from me.

Stuart Walters, my new lawyer. He’s middle-aged and has a practice of his own with a small client base. He comes highly recommended to me by a friend Annie, who owns Sweet Apples Bakery in Crimson Mountain. His receptionist advised me he wasn’t accepting new clients but would pass along my message anyway. Thankfully, he called the next day and said he’d make an exception for me. I can’t help but wonder if he regrets it now.

He chuckles as he shakes his head. “I assure you there aren’t. It seems daunting, but I’ll get you through the process. This isn’t my first go-around with regulated imports. All of this is the preliminary documentation. After everything is in order, you’ll only have to deal with the renewing licenses and registration every year.”

“Yes, I know. Are you sure you don’t need a finger prick and a signature in blood?” I don’t know about these things and honestly didn’t realize what I’d be facing when I started down this path. Fortunately, Mr. Walters knows what he’s doing.

A boisterous laugh fills the room before he falls silent. He looks at me for a moment, then speaks. “Miss Summers, in the name of full disclosure, I recognize your surname. I know your father is in the business. I can’t help but wonder . . .”

“Why I’m doing this?” The honest answer will sound so unprofessional and petty that the very thought of telling Mr. Walters the whole truth has my lips turning up in a small smile. He lifts a brow in suspicion, as if I’m playing a joke on him. Nothing could be further from the truth.

How do I answer? I contemplate it for a full minute before letting the words fall from my mouth. “Mr. Walters, there are circumstances I am not at liberty to discuss.” Because no matter how angry I am at my father, I won’t ruin his reputation by spreading gossip. “Recent events have shown me that I can manage a cigar import business on my own. Therefore, I have no interest in creating a branch off my father’s.”

All true, and it’s as far as I’m willing to explain. He could poke many holes through my explanation, but they don’t need to be filled to satisfy my lawyer’s curiosity. I understand why he has to ask. He has to cover his ass when he files the paperwork so it doesn’t appear like we’re hiding something. Crimson is a small town, and rumors can run rampant. It would be easier to lump everything under my father’s licenses and registrations to open a branch off his business. But this isn’t about proving myself, getting back at my father, or anything else. It’s about me. I’m doing this for me.

Mr. Walters gives me an apologetic smile. “I have to ask. For legal reasons, you understand.” The expression on his face says he hopes I do. He’s not stupid by any means. If we do this right, he’ll represent a potentially lucrative business.

“Of course,” I say, returning his smile with one that conveys we’re good. “I completely understand. Rest assured, this is all above board. I will not be working with or for my father.”Because he burned that bridge.

“Great.” Mr. Walters’s smile returns as he pulls the first set of papers off the top of the stack. “Then let’s get started.”

Two hours later, I need a break. My hand is cramped, my fingers have lost feeling, and one of my legs is restless. I step outside for a breath of fresh air and dig the thumb from my other hand into the sore muscle, attempting to loosen it up. I’m a teacher, for crying out loud! It hasn’t even been a solid two hours.

Most of that time was spent with Mr. Walters dumbing things down for me. What each form is for, and what it means legally. Initial here, there, sign and date.Sheesh!

My phone rings before I head back inside. The name on the caller ID has me smiling. “Hi, Mother. Perfect timing, we’re taking a break.”

“Hello, darling. Things are going well, then?” Mother has an edge to her voice when she feels smug about something. Ever since the fight with Dad, it’s been there. I have no idea what she’s up to, and I’m not sure I want to.

“Pretty good,” I say, moving to a bench under a tree outside the lawyer’s office in the plaza. “Mr. Walters knows his stuff. It shouldn’t take too much longer. A month maybe until everything is filed and registered.”

“Oh, honey. That’s wonderful news. I’m so happy for you.” Her tone magnifies, along with my suspicions.

Shit, is she going to use this against Dad?I wouldn’t put it past her. She hasn’t been thrilled with how he’s handled everything. “Remember what I told you, Mother. Letmebe the one to tell Dad.”

“Of course, darling.”Yeah, right. You’ll insist on being present when I do it.“Anyways, the meeting is all set. Tomorrow at 9 a.m. at the hotel.”

A smile as smug as my mother’s tone forms on my face. “Does he know what it’s about?”

“Lily, please. Remember to whom you are speaking.”

I laugh. She’s right. My mother, the master manipulator, who never means any harm but can keep even the most mischievous person on their toes.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to downplay your talents.” I smile again as I look at my watch.

“You’re forgiven. Now, darling, I really must go. Mara James is hosting this week’s luncheon at the club. She’s asked for my advice, and God knows the woman needs all the help she can get.”

Oh goodness. I roll my eyes, laughing again. “Thanks, Mother. I’ll keep you posted.”

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