“Actually, yes, I’m near Mr. Hughes’s office. I can be there in fifteen.”
“Wonderful!” Holly exclaims, but pauses before continuing speaking, “I was, uh, going to call Sam, have this conversation all together.” Before Becca can respond, sherushes on, “But I can absolutely do two separate meetings, you don’t need to be in the same room as him, promise.”
Is Holly on Becca’s side?Ouch. Also, warmth spreads through me at my sister showing up for my wife.
“It’s fine. I’m with Sam now, and we will both head over.”
“Oh reaallllyyy?” Holly almost squeals back to Becca.
“See you in fifteen.” Becca hangs up and rolls her eyes good-naturedly. She looks up at me and asks, “Why do I have a feeling this isn’t a social call?”
23
BECCA
I’ve been in Mr. Hughes’s office a handful of times now—mostly for the land purchase.
It’s the kind of place that makes everything feel heavier and older than it is. Dark wood, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river, leather chairs that don’t quite let you relax with their straight backs. It smells faintly like coffee and something expensive I can’t name.
The first time I sat in one of these chairs, I felt like I was playing dress-up. Now, I just feel prepared, like I have earned my place discussing my business with the top land-use lawyer in town.
Sam and I sit in the leather chairs in front of Mr. Hughes’s desk. He stands behind it and Holly is right behind him, peering over.
“Good, everyone’s here. Let’s get started.”
As Mr. Hughes takes a seat, Holly places a folder on the desk in front of us.
“I’ll just … get right into it,” she says hesitantly, psyching herself up for what is to come.
I brace without meaning to.
“I don’t know if I’ve said this before, but I’m sorry. What happened with the money shouldn’t have happened. Not like that. Not without a plan, and definitely not without both of you agreeing to it.” She gives Sam a side eye, then focuses on me. “I can’t fix how it happened,” she continues, her voice gaining confidence. “But I can take responsibility for what happens next.”
She opens the folder and slides a document across the table toward me.
“I met with Dad” She nods slightly toward him. “And an accountant. I’m restructuring the business.”
I glance down at the paperwork, scanning. A new partner is listed, one I’ve never heard of.
“Lucinda Torres?” I ask, looking back up.
Holly nods. “She’s been in the industry for twenty-five years. Opened multiple salons. She actually gave a guest lecture at my cosmetology program, and I reached out to her after everything … happened.”
I raise my eyebrows, impressed with her initiative.
“She’s buying in,” Holly continues. “Which allowed me to secure a small business loan.” She gestures lightly toward Mr. Hughes. “With his help.”
He gives a small, approving nod. “It’s a manageable structure. Conservative, which is what we want given the circumstances. With your new business plan and the ideas you’ve already implemented, I was happy to co-sign.”
Given the circumstances, I almost smile. That was the equivalent of a warm hug from Mr. Hughes. I can see that Holly feels the same way as she slides another document toward me.
“This is what I can pay back immediately,” she explains.
I look down.
$31,352.21
What is it with the Hughes siblings and their exact cents?My eyes flick back up to her.
