Page 48 of The Tryst

“Rhodes Printing,” I say in a cheery voice, “Holland Rhodes speaking.”

“Holland… this is Mark Thompson from United Paper returning your call.”

“Yes, hi… thank you for getting back to me so quickly.” I explain to him that my father passed away, to which he gives condolences, and that I will be running the shop for the near future. “I want to discuss supply needs and make some adjustments that will help me better manage costs.”

There’s a brief pause on the other end of the line. “All right, what do you have in mind?”

“I’ve been looking over our recent invoices, and I noticed that our paper costs have increased by about 15 percent over the past six months. I understand prices fluctuate, but I’m hoping we can renegotiate the terms to bring those costs down.”

Mr. Thompson gives a slight cough. “Well, we’ve had some increases in our raw material costs, which unfortunately have to be passed down. What specifically are you looking for in terms of adjustments?”

“I was hoping we could discuss volume discounts. We’ve increased our order sizes consistently, and I think that warrants a better rate. Additionally, I’d like to explore any possible long-term contract options that might offer more stable pricing.”

Mark hums thoughtfully. “Let me pull up your account.” I hear the clicking of a keyboard on his end. “Okay, I see you’re ordering about 25 percent more paper than last year. I think we can work something out. How about this—if you can commit to a minimum order quantity each month, I can offer you a 10 percent discount on those orders.”

I was expecting a low-ball offer, and I’ve been doing my research. “That’s a good start, Mark. But I was hoping for a bit more. The increase in orders isn’t just a one-off—it’s part of a growth strategy for the shop. What if we look at a tiered discount structure? For instance, a 10 percent discount for orders up to a thousand reams, 15 percent for orders between one and two thousand reams, and 20 percent for anything above two thousand reams?”

There’s a longer pause this time. “A tiered structure is quite ambitious. Paper suppliers don’t really do that—”

“I have a new supplier that is willing to do that for me. I’d like to stay with you because of my dad’s long-standing relationship but I’m prepared to move our account if need be.”

There’s an audible sigh and defeat in his tone. “I suppose I could make an exception for you, but I’d need you to sign a twelve-month contract to lock in those rates. Stability for both sides, you understand?”

I smile, feeling a sense of accomplishment. “I understand perfectly. That sounds fair, Mark. I appreciate you working with me on this. Just to confirm, this would start with our next order, correct?”

“Correct. I’ll get the paperwork drawn up and send it over by the end of the day. Once you sign it, we’re good to go.”

“Thank you. This really helps. Looking forward to continuing our partnership.”

“Same here, Holland. Best of luck with the shop, and don’t hesitate to call if you need anything else.”

I hang up the phone, satisfaction washing over me. It’s a small victory, but an important one. With the new pricing structure, the shop’s margins will be a bit healthier, and I can focus on growing the business even more.

Getting up from the desk, I walk out into the shop and look around with a mix of pride and uncertainty. The shop feels different now—more organized, more efficient. The repairs Trey helped with have made a world of difference. I walk over to the equipment, running my fingers over the clean surfaces. I’ve spent countless hours scrubbing, polishing, and making sure everything is in working order.

A new computer sits on the counter, a symbol of progress. I’ve input all the old paper records, streamlining the business and bringing it into the twenty-first century.

My pride begs the question… could I be happy as a business owner? The thought lingers, mingling with memories of my dad and how awful he was to me. If he hadn’t been such a tyrant, maybe I would have felt a stronger connection to this place from the start.

But maybe I can create a new legacy here. One that’s mine, not his. It’s but one option I have to enable me to settle permanently back here in Shelbyville.

My thoughts shift to my mother, who is still insistent that she wants the shop. Her constant pressure is becoming toxic, and I know I need to have a serious conversation with her soon. I can’t keep putting it off.

The sound of the front door opening pulls me from my thoughts. I look up to see Trey walking in, freshly showered but visibly tired. A smile tugs at my lips as I move his way.

“Hey,” I greet him, wrapping my arms around his waist and pulling him into a hug. “You look exhausted.”

He kisses me gently before replying, “It’s been a day. Things got heated with Wade.”

My heart sinks a little as I pull back to look at him. “What happened?”

Trey lets out a heavy sigh. “He’s still as pissed as he was last night. Ethan and I had to deal with a horse stuck in the mud, and Wade didn’t want my help. We managed to free the horse, but then Wade and I argued again before he stormed off. I’ve never seen him this way and I don’t know how to fix it.”

“I’m sorry,” I say, my voice calm. “I hate that this is causing so much tension.”

Trey shakes his head. “It’s not your fault. I was hoping to take you out to dinner tonight, but after that, I’m going to go home and make Wade talk to me.”

“Do you want me to come with you?” I offer.

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