Page 28 of Blame It On the Lattes

“First, I would liketo thank everyone for coming in this evening for this very last-minute meeting.” I smiled through the groaning I heard in the back. “I know you all have better things to do, but I have an important announcement and wanted everyone to be here for it.”

I felt Piper’s eyes on me and knew she was nervous about whatever was about to happen since I hadn’t talked to her about it. But that was the fun part about doing surprises like this.

“I know that it’s late notice, but I’ve decided to cancel this year’s holiday party.”

There was a collective gasp as people started whispering amongst themselves.

“I don’t know whether a lot of you were looking forward to it or not, given that Piper has only gotten a few RSVPs for it, and it’s literally in a week. But either way, it has been canceled.”

Piper looked down nervously, and I hated that I had put the spotlight on her, but it was true. Very few people had bothered to tell her whether they were coming, and those who did hadn’t given her an answer on whether they were bringing a plus one. Trying to get anyone to commit to anything was like pulling teeth. I had great employees for the most part, but I also knew that a lot of them had second jobs or were in school, so they constantly had a lot on their plates, which made committing to something like a holiday party that much harder.

“Since the holiday party is canceled, I’ve decided to take the money that we would have spent on the party and turned it into holiday bonuses for everyone instead.”

I grinned as the energy in the room immediately shifted.

“Piper, would you help me pass these out?” I asked, handing her half the stack of envelopes.

We worked quickly to get them distributed, and my heart was filled with happiness as I heard the excitement when they started opening them and saw how much their checks were.

“That’s it for the meeting,” I said loudly, trying to pull their attention back to me so I could end the meeting and officially close up for the day. “Thank you all for your hard work. I greatly appreciate it.”

I was met with hugs as everyone made their way back to the front of the shop to leave. Once they were gone, Piper waited for me in my office.

“That was a very kind thing you did with the bonuses,” she said softly, still holding her envelope in her hand. “I appreciate the gesture, but I cannot accept this.”

She attempted to hand it back to me, but I leaned back in my chair and folded my hands over my stomach.

“Yes, you can. And you will. You earned that bonus, Piper.”

“It’s double what you gave everyone else, Sam.”

“Were you peaking over their shoulders?” I teased, eyeing her suspiciously.

“I mean, some of them are short. I couldn’t help that I saw the amount.”

I raised my eyebrows as I pretended to judge her.

“But still, I can’t accept this, Sam. Not when you’ve given everyone a bonus but won’t take one for yourself.”

“You don’t know that.”

“Yes, I do. I’ve worked with you for five years, and I have never seen you do something nice for yourself. You’re always worried about taking care of everyone else, but who takes care of you?”

That was a loaded question if I ever heard one.

“Hey, sorry to interrupt,” Avery said, knocking on the doorframe. “I know you asked everyone to go home, but is it okay if I stay to close up? I could use the extra hours to make up for my sick day.”

She’s who takes care of me.

I shook my head to clear the errant thought and tried to focus.

“Yes. That’s fine. I’ll be out there in a few to help.”

She smiled and walked out.

“I’m serious, Sam. Please take the check back. I can’t accept it, knowing that you are the only one going without a bonus this year. Out of everyone, you deserve it the most.”

“I’m the owner, Piper. My bonus is the joy I get out of seeing my business thrive.”

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