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In the kitchen, he opened the fridge and took out a beer. He twisted off the cap and leaned against the counter as he took a swig.
Maybe letting Marissa spend the weekend was a bad decision if his goal was to protect her from disappointment in the long run. Especially since she was envisioning the two of them getting together.
He ran a hand through his hair and sighed.
And unfortunately, his daughter was right. Winning his heart could be an easy victory for Sarah if he let it happen.
Chapter Thirteen
Sarah’s fingers flew over her keyboard that evening as she revised her proposal for SmartTech Kids. Marissa was a genius. A collectibles feature was the perfect addition. Kids loved to collect things—sports cards, mini-figurines, dolls—and this new generation also loved the idea of making money.
She’d only hit Send on the email to her boss when her cell phone rang three minutes later. Gail’s number lighting up the call display had her heart pounding.
Did her boss love it or hate it?
“Hi, Gail,” she said as she answered.
“Finally!”
Sarah breathed a sigh of relief.
“This collectibles thing is unique and cool,” she said. “How did you come up with it?”
Sarah ignored the implied suspicion in her boss’s voice. “A friend’s daughter actually suggested it. She collects Beanie Babies…”
“Well, it works,” Gail said. “I hate to admit it, but maybe this time away was good for you. Helped you expand your limited creative side a bit more.”
Even a compliment contained an insult. “Thank you,” she mumbled. “Hey, Gail…I was wondering whether or not you’d had time to review those other app ideas I submitted last month?” If her boss was in a good mood, now might be the time to ask for the freedom to work on some of her own ideas.
“I did.”
Sarah waited.
“Honestly, Sarah, I was underwhelmed. Let’s focus on this SmartTech account. Don’t divide your focus.”
Sarah resisted the urge to argue that she could do both, and while the SmartTech Kids account might not be her strong suit, she could really come up with something great for the telecommunications side of the company, given the opportunity. Arguing with Gail was futile. Her boss’s open-door policy simply meant she was always working and expected everyone else to be as well. “Okay.”
“I’ll see a complete revised proposal tonight?”
Sarah checked the time on her phone. It was already ten o’clock. “Absolutely,” she said, disconnecting the call.
Sitting back, she sighed. Would she ever get the chance to work on projects she was passionate about while employed by Gail? Would she get to demonstrate what she could do? Or would she constantly be striving to prove herself without the end rewards she really wanted?
The downstairs doorbell ringing made her frown. Who was here this late?
Grabbing her cardigan, she slid her arms into the sleeves and pulled it around her body as she left the bedroom and descended the stairs.
The doorbell echoed throughout the inn again.
“I’m coming,” she said as she hurried to the door. She peered out through the window in the side of the door and saw a vehicle parked in the circular driveway, but she couldn’t see anyone. She cautiously unlocked the door and opened it.
Lia Jameson stood on the step, two large suitcases behind her. What the hell was she doing here? The reunion wasn’t for another two weeks.
“Surprise!” Lia said, opening her arms wide for a hug.
It was indeed a surprise. And not entirely a good one.
…
