Page 42 of You Had Me at Merlot

“My kind of person.”

They were riffing like two people who didn’t have an awful past. It felt like a much-needed warm bath after an awful day, only the day had been years. God, she’d missed this. At the same time, she didn’t want to push her luck.

Leighton tossed her head in the direction of the crosswalk. “I’m this way. See you next time?”

“I’ll be here.”

The next week’s meeting was even better because they were the first two to arrive. With Jessica down the hall on a client call, small talk grew into an actual conversation. Jamie clearly had something on her mind, but Leighton didn’t want to push, sticking with topics likeher overly talkative Uber driver who simultaneously blasted Olivia Newton-John, making her wonder if she hated him or loved him.

“I see the conundrum.” Jamie nodded and stole a giant cookie close to the size of her face. Leighton’s brain paused everything just to prepare for her to take a bite. The payout was everything she’d hoped for. Jamie dabbed the tiniest bit of chocolate from the side of her lip, making Leighton quickly flash on removing it for her in a more creative fashion. She ordered her brain to behave. “Pardon my gluttony,” Jamie said. “I had a difficult afternoon and need this cookie.”

“At work?” Was she allowed to ask that brand of personal question? Jamie had brought it up herself, after all.

“In a way. I have a business proposition on the table and am not sure what to do about it.”

Leighton opened her mouth to inquire further just as Eileen arrived looking like the fashionista she was in a lime-green pants suit that she pulled off expertly. “Did I hear you say business proposition? This is catnip to me.” She slid into a chair. “What kind?”

Leighton grieved for the one-on-one time she’d just lost, but at least she’d still get the details.

“I’ve always wanted a second location for Bordeauxnuts. I’m a businesswoman, and I believe in our concept.”

“You should do it,” Eileen said, leaning in. “Ride the success all the way to the bank and then buy the bank.”

“I agree,” Leighton said, waiting for the other shoe to drop. “Maybe don’t buy a bank.”

Jamie sighed. “I wish it was that easy. The funds aren’t there. But in waltzes this superslick entrepreneur who wants to open up his own franchise location.”

Leighton sat taller. “That’s great news. Isn’t that great news?”

Jamie slid a strand of hair behind her ear. “I don’t know. He’s presented an offer that’s hard to turn down.”

“Why would you want to?” Leighton asked.

Jamie didn’t hesitate. “Because the idea of this guy, this particular man, managing, making decisions for, and representing Bordeauxnuts, my brand and baby, is as jarring as it is depressing.” She exhaled slowly, as if still taking in the whole concept.

Leighton nodded. “He doesn’t get it.”

“He doesn’t get it.” Distress crisscrossed Jamie’s features.Leighton had only seen that look one other time, a memory she didn’t trot out often.

Eileen sat back coolly in the leather conference chair and crossed her lime lined legs. She exuded power and decisiveness. “Then you say thank you, but no.”

Jamie took notice. “That simple, huh?” She slid a palm onto the table. “But what if another opportunity like this never presents itself again?”

“Then you’ll be just fine. Life is too short to sell your soul, Jamie. I read up on your café, and its reputation is stellar. Wait until you can captain this venture yourself, or simply enjoy the fruits of your store.”

Jamie offered a grateful smile and seemed to absorb the words. But the wheels in Leighton’s head were turning. The idea was far-fetched, and she should probably take some time to work out the details before ever speaking on it. She’d always been someone who planned out each and every move. Today felt a little different, and as the meeting pressed on, she felt her decisiveness crescendo.

“Jamie, do you have a sec?” she asked as the group corralled their belongings after the meeting.

Jamie blinked up at her as she slid her laptop, decorated with a series of sunray stickers, into her messenger bag. “Uh, sure. What’s up?”

Leighton scanned the room, waiting for the others, lost in their own conversations, to file out. Jessica tossed a questioning glance over her shoulder but gave them their space. “I had a thought.”

“Okay.” Her blue eyes sparkled as bright as ever, but they also held curiosity.

“I happen to have money.”

“And wanted to brag?” She added a smirk.

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