Page 526 of Manhattan Bossholes

“I hope you don’t have plans for lunch…” she said, eyeing me carefully.

“Me?” I pointed at myself and looked around feeling even more confused.

She laughed. “Yes, you, silly!”

Was I allowed to tell the founder of the company that I couldn’t join her for lunch because I was too busy?

“I, uh, I’m…I think…” I watched as Bernie’s expression turned confused. I know I looked like an absolute mess with my hair shoved in a ponytail, and I’d probably stick out at whichever fancy restaurant she picked. “Sure,” I finally said. “I can grab a quick lunch with you. That would be wonderful.”

“Fabulous! Meet me downstairs in five. The driver is waiting for us.”

“You’re in for a treat,” Rhea said as we watched Bernie float away. “Every meal is a celebration in Bernie’s world.”

If only I felt like celebrating.

A short time later we pulled up to a nondescript brick building, and I noticed that there were no restaurants for blocks.

“Here we are,” Bernie sang out. “This way.”

I followed her into the building and tried to hide my shock at the tiny anteroom. The place was ancient, with no signs of life. She slid open the door to a closet-sized elevator that looked downright dangerous.

“It won’t fall, I promise.” She paused. “At least I don’t think so.”

I got on and crossed my fingers.

“Where are we?” I asked as the rickety thing climbed slowly.

“Just one more minute and you’ll see.”

The elevator door finally opened to a massive white expanse, packed with rolling clothing racks. It had the vibe of a spotless medical facility.

“Hold on…” I glanced at one of the racks and saw the Branson logo beneath a number on a garment bag.

“Welcome to the original home of Branson Designs, which now serves as our vault!”

Bernie strode ahead of me with her arms outstretched like a spokesmodel.

“You mean…they’re all here?” I looked around with my mouth hanging open. I spotted some of the more elaborate designs encased in glass, like they were part of a museum display. “This is where you started the business?”

“James mentioned that you wanted to see the collection I have at my Hamptons home, but we ran out of time. And I figured this one was better, anyway. Ninety percent of our work lives here.”

I tried not to frown at the mention of his name.

“I’ve heard through the grapevine that you wanted to get your paws on the actual work, and not just the sketches, so we’re going to do just that. After we eat. Now come this way.”

Bernie beckoned me to follow her, and we rounded the corner to a table set with a creamy white tablecloth and fine china.

“My friends at Le Bernadin whipped up lunch for us, so please sit.”

I plopped down on the chair still overwhelmed by what was happening. Was it all for me?

“Is someone joining us?” I asked, feeling butterflies starting a riot in my chest when I noticed the third place setting.

Not James. Please no. I couldn’t handle seeing him right now, especially with Bernie there to witness how bad things would undoubtedly get. Bernie had only seen my sweet side; I wasn’t about to let James bring out the beast in front of her.

“Yes, we have one more coming.” Bernie studied my face. “Kathleen will be here shortly.”

I tried not to show my shock. The elusive Kathleen Branson was coming to a lunch with little old me? What the hell was going on?