Smile

Business Before Pleasure

It was Friday and I thanked God for it. Friday's were the days I got off to go do rounds to all of the businesses we own. Dad usually went with but today he was out of town. We were going corporate,which meant Dad was busy handling all of the changes, so I had to do it by myself.

I was dressed and ready by 8:00 and headed out the door by 9:00. Vanessa had made me sit down and eat my breakfast before leaving.

"You and your father are always rushing around", she scolded as I ate waffles, bacon, and eggs. I swear, if I were to ever get fat it'd be off this woman's cooking. "It isn't healthy to be so busy", she scowled. Uh oh. Someone didn't get laid last night.

I finished breakfast and took my coffee to-go. Pulling out of my driveway I got a glimpse of the Collins' house. Lately, I haven't been talking to Chris much. We share nothing more than meaningless small talk and greetings. Since Tuesday we've been drifting a part. I guess I didn't care though, it wasn't a big deal.

I backed out and had the scare of my life. Screeching to a halt I had nearly rammed someone pulling in. My heart was beating rapidly in my chest and my breathing was shallow. That had to be the scariest thing in my life. I almost damaged my baby. Patting the dash I reassured Melissa nothing was going happen to her.

After composing myself I got out to check on the other driver. They had their back to me checking for any dents or abrasions.

"I'm so sorry. I wasn't paying attention", I said approaching them and stopped in my tracks. It was a guy, maybe a little taller than me. He was wearing a black jacket with a black shirt that was way too long, blue jeans and white shoes. Even from behind I could tell who it was. "Justin. What are you doing out here?", I asked the man in front of me as he turned around and smiled.

"Oh, what's up, Steph. And nothing, just driving around. I was thinking about buying one of the houses here".

Not being rude but was he serious? This was a family neighborhood, not a neighborhood for single twenty-somethings. "Really?", I asked incredulously.

"Nah", Justin chuckled, "Chris gave me his address and I came out hoping to see you".

My heart leapt into my rib cage. "Oh", a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth. "I wish you would have texted or something. I'm on my way out to evaluate the stores".

Justin ran a hand through his hair embarrassed, "Sorry, that would have been smart". He looked a little disappointed.

An idea formed in my mind and I knew I might come to regret it. "Why don't you come with. I'll be bored all by myself", I offered half of me praying he said no the other half chanting he would accept.

"Sure, that could be fun".

So, Justin parked his Audi in my usual parking space and we sped off to our first stop, Wisteria, a clothing store. All I had to do was check to make sure stocks were up, numbers were correct and the store was presentable.

Justin trailed behind me as we entered the large boutique. I was greeted by Emily, a redheaded girl of maybe twenty-four who had worked there since we opened five years ago. She was sweeping the white marble floors although they were already sparkling clean.

"Good morning, Emily. How are you?", I said hugging her. At all of our stores we treat employees like family and they work better because they feel valued, which they are. We make sure they understand that they're needed and not just disposable to us, although if need be they can be replaced. But it hasn't happened yet.

"Good morning, Stephanie. I'm good, thanks for asking. Doing your rounds?", it seemed she was trying to be professional and not ogle at Justin.

"Yeah, someone's gotta do it. I don't know if you heard but we're going corporate soon so just wanna make sure everything's in order before we put our name on the logo", it was a big thing, to go corporate, so every little detail had to be in order.