Page 24 of Bargain With the Boss

“No way.”

“Oh, yeah. Just helps when you’re ready to escape to the roof.”

“Thanks, Sydney. I still don’t understand why she sent you to New York. Are you scouting East Coast locations?”

“Something like that.”

“Well, we miss you. Come back like tomorrow?”

I laughed. “Think it’s going to take a little more time than that.”

“It feels like forever.”

“It’s been two days.” On fast-forward.

“Two lifetimes.”

“You’re being dramatic.”

Leah sighed. “I feel dramatic. Actually I can’t even feel my butt right now. I’ve merged with my chair.”

“Go splash some water on your face and make sure you go home for a half day.”

“Yeah right. That’s a dream, but I’ll go wash my face and brush my teeth so I don’t alienate the team.”

“I’m sure they’ll appreciate it. And use those earplugs.”

“Oh, I’m definitely using these puppies for the afternoon meeting with your mother.”

“Good. I’ll check in later.”

She sighed. “Don’t worry about us. I was just having a weak moment. I’m on it, I promise we’ll be fine.”

I knew she could handle it. I should be there with her, not on this ridiculous ego trip of my mother’s.

I gathered my electronics and tucked them into my oversized bag. “I know you will. Now, I need to go. If you need me to talk to the manu?—”

“Nope. You are on this stealth mission.”

“Stealth? Says who?”

“I’m only guessing. Mrs. Keller was very specific that you weren’t to be bothered. I just couldn’t help myself.”

“I can do both.”

“You always do too much. We’ll survive. I hope.”

“I have every confidence. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Glad someone does. Okay, talk soon.”

I hung up and double checked my bag before locking the door behind me. The Sherman Inn was only a few blocks down from the diner. I’d need to find a way to rent a car. I couldn’t be dependent on my brother or Xavier.

The air held a tinge of heat already. I paused outside of Vintage December. I might need to think about a different wardrobe for my time in Crescent Cove. Seattle rarely dealt with this kind of heat even in the height of summer and I could already feel the sweat gathering at the base of my spine.

I pushed on and tried not to be lured by Every Line A Story’s glittering window.What I thought were simple trinkets created to clutter actually were curated pieces that made me want toslip inside and lose myself. Like that vintage watch that would be perfect for Pete. He’d been the one to steer me in the right direction during my internship. Yes, I’d had to intern in my own family company. Then Pete had become my most steadfast support, even now. My mother wanted me to know how to do everything in the company—what she’d really wanted was someone to handle the dirty aspects of A Home You Love.

A woman inside waved me in, breaking the spell of my fucked up past. I gave her a half smile and shook my head. I was not supposed to be lured in by the town. I had one, singular goal.