Page 60 of Savage in the Sweets
“Come in,” I shout, and Katrina, a front desk worker, steps in.
“There are seven sign-ups that need a tour,” the bubbly brunette says.
I wave my hand dismissively. “Go ahead and show them around.”
Her brow scrunches in confusion. “But you said you wanted to be the one to show every new sign up around the facility.”
“I know what I said,” I snap a little too testily. I take a deep breath, trying to relax. “I’m just…really stressed is all.”
“I understand.”
She leaves, and I make a mental note to apologize to her before the end of her shift.
I should be thankful for the traffic I’m getting. I’ve far exceeded my projected numbers, with some families traveling almost an hour to sign their children up for my programs.
I want to be proud of my accomplishment, and I am, to an extent. When I’m not in a fit of self-loathing.
It’s hard to believe that I justified myself acting like such a bully. And there’s nothing I can do to make it right. I’ve forever cost a woman her business, forcing her into the nonexistent job market of Wilson’s Grove.
To make matters worse: I absolutely love this woman.
If I didn’t have Michael, I’d up and quit my life. I never thought I’d hate my own success, but it makes me sick. It’s unfair that the community has embraced me, a newcomer, while shunning Lacy, a woman whose roots go deep into Wilson’s Grove and who’s volunteered countless hours to help those in need.
She’s the perfect woman. The one I never thought I’d find. The only person who’s come close to being the mother figure I’d imagined for Michael.
And I’ve ruined her life.
Another knock sounds on the door, causing my blood pressure to spike. I’ve never yelled at my employees, but Katrina’s testing me today.
“I’m busy,” I shout through the door.
Three hard knocks sound again, setting me further on edge.
“Come in, but this better be an emergency!”
The door opens, but it’s not Katrina on the other side. It’s Stephanie and Irene Bailey.
My day just got ten hours longer.
Both women rightfully hate me due to what I’ve done to their sister and friend, but both have to put up with me. Irene because I’ve integrated into the community and school, and Stephanie because April and Michael are friends.
That fact that they’re approaching me together can’t be good.
“What can I do for you ladies?”
Stephanie takes a seat without being asked while Irene remains standing, arms folding across her chest, casting me a deadpan stare.
“We need to talk about Lacy,” Stephanie says.
“It’s hard to talk about someone who doesn’t want me in their life, or anywhere near it,” I shoot back. “It’s a little too gossipy for my liking.”
“This is serious,” Irene says firmly. “She is about to lose Savage Sweets.”
“So I’ve heard.” I downcast my eyes, embarrassed that I had a hand in it.
“I know you don’t want that to happen,” Stephanie says, “and I was hoping we could discuss some options.”
“I think you know I’d do damn near anything to help Lacy stay afloat. But she has to let me help her.” I look to Irene. “If she were allowed back on school grounds, I think she’d stand a greater chance.”
