Page 15 of The Deal Maker

“Hey Jace. I’m here at the office now.”

There’s a cough and then an, “I’m sorry, Duke. I woke up with a fever and the worst head cold possible. I don’t think I’ll be in today and probably not tomorrow, just to be safe.”

I nod, knowing that’s going to set back my timeline for this week. But what can I do when the guy is sick? I definitely can’t afford to get whatever bug he’s carrying. Being the manager means I’m supposed to be here at least until I get people trained, or no money comes in. And since I’m technically self-employed, my insurance is awful. Just another reason I’d be fine going back to being a kid again.

Finding reliable salespeople right now hasn’t been a strength for me. The suspicion that he isn’t coming in because it’s Thursday and almost the weekend is strong, but I don’t want tocall him out with no evidence. I should probably be a hard-nosed manager, but I hated that pressure in my other jobs. There has to be a way to be flexible and still have people do their work. Obviously I haven’t figured that out yet.

“No worries, man. Take care and we’ll see you on Monday.”

The door opens, and someone comes in without me having to invite them in, which is a rarity.

“I hear you’ve got options for a timeshare?”

I nod. “Absolutely. Let me get you set up with the next time available for a meeting.”

And just like that, I’m back in the work groove.

SEVEN

MAGGIE

“What’s going on, Mags?” Hope says, sorting through the box of things I brought into the store.

“What do you mean? I’ve been out searching for items to make your bachelorette party epic. Just like we always planned.”

Shaking her head, Hope says, “You didn’t have to do that. What plans were you going off of? Because if it’s the ones we made when we were nine, I don’t want a tea party anymore.”

I laugh, remembering that detailed plan. We’d even made seating arrangements for that one.

“No, I’ve been writing down things for years. Then again, you mentioned a tea party when we were eighteen.” I chuckle and say, “Your list of ideas, in no particular order: themed photoshoot, spa day, cooking class, or a movie marathon with all the good snacks.”

Hope’s bottom lip quivers. “You took notes for me? And all I did for your bachelorette party was set up dinner.”

“There’s always next time,” I say, trying to lighten the mood. It’s weird to see Hope this emotional about something so little. “Are you okay?”

She sinks down and sits on the floor. As much as I don’t want to do that right now, I need to help her with whatever is going on.

“I’m just tired and stressed.”

“Tell me what you need me to do and I’ll get it done. And then take the rest of the day off. Go get your nails done or something.” That’s usually the trick to cheering her up.

Hope blows out a breath and says, “I just got some news from the doctor this morning while you were out. I’m going to have to have surgery for my endometriosis.”

I pull her into a bear hug, wishing I could help her with it. Hope had always struggled with pain, especially during that time of the month, but she’d never had to have surgery before.

“I’m sorry, Hope. Is that why you want to hurry and get married?” I ask.

She sniffles and says, “No, I already decided that before. But what if I can’t have kids? Jason and I both want a bigger family. Four or five kids.”

This reminds me of the conversation I’d had with Zander before getting married. I didn’t realize he didn’t want kids until the day before he disappeared. If I ever do start dating anyone, I’ll know that the hard questions need to be asked sooner than later.

“Well, why don’t you head out and call Jason? I’ll be fine here. Carly should be coming in later, so I won’t be alone all day.”

Hope hugs me again and says, “You’re the best cousin ever.”

“And I’ll be there during your surgery. It will all work out. I know there are lots of options now to having kids.”

We both stand and she hugs me long and tight. When she pulls away, she says, “What’s going on with you and the ice cream man?”

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