“It’s just outside of Castle Ridge. About a thirty-minute drive into the mountains.”
Lydia slapped her hand over her mouth and let out a loud groan. I believed she was trying to cover up a scream. Glancing around, I saw some heads turn our way.
“Holy macaroni! I just can’t right now.” She grabbed the corners of the table as if holding on for fear of falling over. “You’re telling me you could live in a fabulous estate and can afford nannies and chefs and hiring me as your landscaper... but you choose to live in your small home with your old car and work in a coffee shop?”
I nodded, though I couldn’t help but smile as she threw in her landscaping company. Lydia was amazing with gardens and anything that needed to be done outside. She had her own business and worked her butt off for it. Though the past few months, after her grandmother died, she took some time off.
“Yes, but then my brother would know. And the thing about Eric is he has a temper. He never hurt me—not like my dad hurt him—but his anger... I worry about how he’ll react to Jenni. I can’t risk that.”
She reached forward and placed her hand on mine. “I understand. Let’s head back home and have some ice cream. That always helps me when I’m feeling down.”
I nodded. “But first can we swing by Hard Grind? I think I left my purse there.”
“So that’s why you made me pay.” She smiled and helped me get Jenni ready to leave.
It was a short drive to the coffee shop, and when we walked inside, Marika and Susannah were preparing to close.
“Did I leave my purse in the back?” I asked as I tried to look past the plastic curtain to the back area.
“Yes. Let me get it for you.” Susannah smiled before turning to go into the back room.
“I’m actually glad you stopped by. I needed to discuss something with you,” Marika said.
My heart began pounding in my chest. That was it... I was about to be fired. I screwed up too many times. It had only been a week, but I bet calling the owner of the coffee company the wrong name multiple times was the nail in my employee coffin.
“Look, Marika, I just need to say that I really am sorry for messing up Mr. Angrov’s name. I was having a rough morning and—”
“That was no big deal. I think he kind of liked it, actually. Anyway, I know you have off tomorrow, but when you come in on Monday, you and I will head out to meet a new client. There’s a bed-and-breakfast opening in a few months, and the owner wants us to supply the coffee.” Marika bounced on her toes with a huge smile on her face.
“Okay. Sounds like fun.”
“I’m so excited. Usually, these places turn to The Blue Spot to get their coffee, but they want us. I worked out a deal with Mr. Angrov where I can offer the potential new client his coffee and get a cut of the profits. I’ve been waiting for an opportunity this good for so long, and this might be the thing that really helps us grow. I’ve even been thinking of roasting my coffee to use here at the shop.”
“Wow. That’s wonderful.”
“And with your experience negotiating with executives, I knew you were the perfect person to bring with me. If I’m being honest, the meeting earlier this week with Mr. Angrov was a test to see how you would do. And you did great. While the name mix-up was a little odd, I suspected you were just nervous. It’s your first week, after all.”
I may have exaggerated a little on my resume, but Lydia told me everyone did it. So, back when I lived with my brother and he met with his wealthy friends, I used that as my negotiating experience. It impressed Marika, so she hired me. I never expected to actually have to use that skill at Hard Grind.
Marika would see my lackluster performance at negotiating on Monday, and then screwing up Mr. Angrov’s name would seem like nothing.
“Where is it so I know where to go, or do you want me to come here first?”
Marika shook her head. “Meeting there is a good idea. I’ll be arriving at ten in the morning at the Hudson Estate.” When my eyes widened, she asked, “Are you okay?”
But before I could answer, Lydia gasped and started coughing uncontrollably again. She must have figured out that was my family estate I told her about at Pizza Joe’s.
I stared helplessly at Lydia, unable to move. Why at the estate? I couldn’t go there. What if someone recognized me? My brain quickly switched to excuse mode.
Fake an illness. Wait, no, I couldn’t do that. Marika was right in front of me. She would know I was lying. But by Monday, I could be sick, especially since she wouldn’t see me tomorrow.
I sighed. This was my very first job, and I knew I couldn’t call out of work during my second week. I was better than that.
“Here’s your purse.” Susannah came out from the back.
In a daze, I grabbed my bag, ready to run out of Hard Grind and go hide under my bed when I got home, as if the estate was the boogie man.
“Hey, before you go.” Marika reached into her apron pocket and pulled out a business card. “Here’s the information on the guy we’re to meet at the estate.”