Page 121 of Wicked Dares
“Well,” she says brightly as the maid pours the tea for us, “now we can properly talk.”
“Yes.” I’m nervous but excited. I knew she was going to talk to me today, so I came with a sort of mini pitch, though she still hasn’t told me what her new business is yet.
I have a lot more to explain about my business than I did when we first started talking about working together. Since then, I’ve had my website designed and set up with a coming soon banner across it so I can collect expressions of interest.
So far, apart from Ellie Mae, I’ve had ten new people approach me, each destined to bring in more money than I’ve ever made in my life.
I’m so eager to get started.
“Tell me where you are. Are you any closer to opening?” Ellie Mae sips her tea.
“Everything is pretty much good to go, but I’m still waiting on an office building. There’s a space I really want, but I’m on a waiting list. I’ll know if I can even make an offer in a few weeks,” I explain. “I’m planning to launch online in three months’ time. I hired a business manager and an assistant; both can start then. Hopefully, the office space won’t be too far along after that.”
I’d love to have the building all sorted out before the end of the year. It’s proven quite difficult to get a good location. I either have to join a waiting list and go through a rigorous interview or get somewhere that’s not so good—I don’t want that.
One of the fastest ways to go out of business is a bad location where there’s not enough foot traffic, or people just aren’t interested.
Ellie Mae looks impressed. “My gosh, girlie. This is such good news. Look at you already hiring people and all. You really sound put together.”
I grin, leaning into the table. “I realized I had to if I wanted to make a good start. I will still personally handle all the projects myself and see each one through beginning to end, but I wanted the extra support.”
“Of course. That leaves you with room to focus.”
“Yes, exactly. And it’s going to be a lot of work, especially for me breaking out in a market that’s already competitive.”
“Don’t you worry about competition. People will go to you because they love you.”
“I really hope so. I feel like I’ve been waiting my whole life for this.”
She laughs warmly. “Because you have. And I can tell Levi supports your dreams.”
The smile on my face is made of the deepest gratitude. I can’t tell her about the money Levi gave me, but I can tell her about the heart behind it. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without him. He’s been my angel.”
Weeks ago, I thought about how I moved to New York for a fresh start and met him, but there’s so much more to it than that. He also unlocked my heart.
“He is a real keeper, Piper.”
“Yeah. He is.”
“Eat, let me tell you about my business.” She perks up.
I sit straighter, too, keen to finally know what it is. I grab a peach scone and almost melt when I eat it. It tastes fantastic. I wish Alexis were here feasting with me.
“I am pleased to announce I’ll be opening a spa retreat.”
I gasp and clasp my hands together. That is a brilliant idea; I can see Ellie Mae being right at home with something like that.
“Oh my God, that is amazing.”
“Thank you. It’s going to be located right here in Texas. I love living in New York. Shopping is great when Arthur’s busy, but I like it here more. This is home. As Arthur and I slow down, we’re going to make a gradual move back.”
“I can understand why.” I glance around me.
“I should be ready to launch by the end of the year, so I think that fits right in with your launch plans.”
I smile wider at that. “I still can’t believe you want me.”
“My girl, you sound like you know your stuff, and more importantly, I like your heart. I could go somewhere else and geta good service because I’m Arthur Lockwood’s wife, but you… I know you’ll provide me an outstanding service because you want me to have the best and do well.”
