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“We have a problem. We have limited supplies of liquor for tomorrow night.”
“How the hell did this happen?”
“A miscalculation. Our beverage manager was off work sick, and no one followed up on the order. We’ve all been run off our feet. To make matters worse, one of the newer staff got pinged with drugs on the property while taking a food delivery. After the delivery, the basement roller door was open, and he was observed by an undercover cop snorting lines.”
“For fuck’s sake. Who does the screening on employment? And was it a miscalculation or theft?”
“I’m looking into it. I didn’t want to bother you, but thought you needed to be kept in the loop.”
“Appreciate it, especially if someone is arrested. Thanks for sorting it out. I’ll be in later in the week after the holidays.” I end the call and lean my shoulder on the wall. I need a moment to process the pile of shit that has gone down.
“Everything okay?” Jobe’s voice comes from behind me.
Turning around, I reach out and shake his hand. “It will be.” His bloodshot eyes from partying last night give away he’s not ready for today, even though he has showered and smells fresh. “Merry Christmas.”
“You got a minute?”
Something people ask when they really mean, do you have an hour to sort out their problems? “Sure.”
Jobe strokes the stubble on the side of his jaw. “The basketball sponsorship. I’ve had a couple of big names pull out. I wanted to discuss it with Dad, but I need you to be there.”
“Why did they pull out?”
“They heard of a new takeover and said it made the club fragile with an uncertain future.”
“How many?”
His eyes lower. “Almost all of them.”
I let out a long sigh.Merry fucking Christmas.“Give me their names, emails, and cell numbers, and I’ll take it from here.”
10
PENELOPE
The day after Christmas,I wake in my childhood bed.
After I moved away at eighteen to go to college, I come back to stay a few times a year, yet with every year, I wish Mom would let me redecorate it.
With my contacts, I could do it on the cheap. Only Mom doesn’t throw anything away. Why change something if there is nothing wrong with it? She took my advice and painted the walls with environmentally friendly paint because if it’s good for the environment, then she’ll always say yes.
After showering, I head downstairs to say goodbye.
“Did you sleep well?” Mom asks as she blends me a healthy smoothie.
“Always.”
“I think Poppy is lying,” Dad says with a grin. He has always called me Poppy in an affectionate way. Sitting at the kitchen table, Dad has a mug in hand. “Lacey, our daughter is sleeping in a bed she has outgrown. I bet she wants to redecorate her room as well.” He glances at me. “Am I right?” He then sips his coffee, waiting for me to agree.
I shrug. “I could if you want me to.”
“There is nothing wrong with the room.” Mom’s tone is blasé.
“Poppy is a designer. Let her do it as it will always be her room.”
“I’ve thought about it,” I say quickly. “Only I know you love the memories that come with the room.”
“We keep the memories up here.” Dad taps the side of his head.
