“You’re not going to win me over in an afternoon.”
“How long would it take?”
“That’s up to you, isn’t it? You’re the one who wants to redecorate. And of course I still have all of my things in the house that need to be sorted. The attic and the closets.”
It began to sink in what she wanted. “Aunt Phee, I can’t. Anyway, you don’t need a decorator. You need a Dumpster.”
“You have a degree in design.”
“Fashiondesign. There are people you can hire to do this. Professional organizers. I’m sure Meg could find you one.”
“I don’t want some stranger pawing through my things.”
“Then ask my sisters.”
“They have children.”
“Beth doesn’t.”
“Beth is a dear girl. But she doesn’t have your sense of style.”
The glint in her eyes worried me. “Thanks. But I don’t have time to go through your closets.”
“Ever heard the expression ‘Time is money’?”
I pointed a finger at her. “I see what you’re doing here. You think I’ll help you because I want your money.”
She almost smiled. “Is it working?”
“It could,” I acknowledged. I didn’t have to be in New York to handle the business side of Baggage—managing online orders and inventory, paying bills and sales tax, posting to social media. But most of my time was still spent on the actual assembly of the bags themselves, cutting and stitching and shipping. “But we’re slammed with orders right now. I can’t leave my assistant to do all the work alone.”
“Hire someone to help her.”
“And this would save me money how?”
Phee sniffed. “I suppose I could advance you enough to pay your employees while you’re down here.”
“Advance? Like, a loan?”
“I will pay you for their time and whatever expenses you incur as a result of our agreement. With the understanding that I am under no obligation to finance your company unless you move your operation to Bunyan.”
“Uh-huh. What do I get out of this again?”
“The chance to change my mind,” Phee said triumphantly.
Affection filled me. You had to admire the old dragon. She knew how to negotiate. “I can give you a week.”
“Two months.”
“Three weeks,” I said. “And before I start, I need to go back to New York and make sure everything can keep running while I’m down here.”
“How long will that take?” For the first time, she looked uncertain.
“A week? Maybe two. I’ll be back by... Let me see. Memorial Day.”
“I could be dead by then.”
I hugged her. “Please. You’re going to outlive us all.”
