Page 4 of Sincerely Not Yours

“Nothing’s wrong with them,” Dean said. “They’re the bread and butter of Ryan & Ryan, but we also need to change with the times. SheTime is a premium line for women. It’s diversifying our business, and it’s got a lot of potential.”

Dean had always been a “big picture” kind of guy, while Harris focused on the details. He was analytical, making decisions based on sound data and financials. “I’m all about diversification, but only if it’s profitable. From what I saw in the quarterly reports, SheTime’s running on slim margins and has been for a while. Doesn’t make sense to keep throwing money at a failing business. Dissolving that division would help the bottom line. Even if Dad ends up selling, it’d increase profitability and guarantee a better sale price.”

Dean gave a quick shake of his head. “We can’t just get rid of an entire division at the drop of a hat. Do you want me firing a bunch of people before Christmas?”

“When you put it like that, you make me sound like a complete grinch.”

Dean stared at him, not arguing the grinch part.

Ouch.

“You don’t have to fire everyone,” Harris added. “I’m sure you could move some roles within the company.”

“How about instead of dissolving SheTime, you help mefix it?” He put air quotes around the last two words, challenging Harris.

Harris slid a hand in his pocket. “I’ll pull together a full financial analysis and recommendation by the end of the week. I already started with last quarter’s—”

Dean held up a hand. “You need to understand the business outside of reports and spreadsheets.”

Was there a more efficient way? Harris cocked his head. “What do you have in mind?”

“I want you to take over as SheTime’s director.” Dean looked way too excited for his own good. “While you’re here,” he added.

“Have you been sitting on that the entire time we’ve been talking?”

“Maybe.”

Harris huffed. “Don’t you already have a director?”

“She’s leaving. Just put in her resignation. Pregnant with baby number three and wants to stay home with her kids.”

“Well, that’s inconvenient.” Harris rubbed a temple with two fingers.

Dean laughed. “Inconvenient for who?”

“Me. You.”

“Come on,” Dean urged. “This way, you can learn the intricacies of that division’s business. I’ll let you do whatever you want in the next two weeks, and if by Christmas, you still think SheTime should be dissolved, then I’ll take your recommendation.”

Harris would rather learn from behind a computer, but liked the idea of making the calls for the next few weeks. And if interacting with the sales and marketing team was the only way to open Dean’s eyes, he’d do it. From the numbers he’d seen, the team needed direction, anyhow. Besides, the annoyance would be short-lived. “Alright, but I’ll need access to everything—financials, operations, marketing strategies.”

Dean jerked his arm back like the Bears had finally made a touchdown. “You’ll have it. Gigi, the marketing director, can brief you on her current projects.”

“Gigi?” Harris raised an eyebrow, immediately associating “Gigi” with the slim margins he’d reviewed. She didn’t focus on the right metrics and frivolously spent on extravagant packaging, advertising, and events, seriously cutting into profits.

“Yeah, she’s been doing a great job. Smart. Creative. You’ll be in good hands.”

“Mm-hmm,” Harris said, going along with his brother’s positivity. Even though he didn’t agree with it.

“Actually, I’ll introduce you now. Kim called a meeting to tell the team about her resignation. They should still be in the conference room.”

Harris had tougher topics to address with their father, but playing director would make it look like he was interested in diving back into the family business. That’d give him more leverage in their conversations.

Buttoning his suit coat, Harris nodded at Dean. “Alright. Let’s get this over with.”

Chapter Three

“I’m so excited for you,” Gigi said to Kim, smiling through the panic rising inside her. “I just can’t believe you’re leaving.”

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