“It wasn’t relevant.You’ve never shown an interest in joining the business.”
“Of course, it was relevant.Are there any other clauses in the business that involve me?”
Another pause.“No.”
Could she believe her?She hoped so.“I need to know more about the company's circumstances before I sign anything.”
“Why?It’s a simple business transaction that doesn’t involve you.”
“Then you won’t be needing my signature.”
She waited, and it only took a moment before her mother spoke again, her voice tight.“We need those papers signed, Daniella, as soon as possible.”
“Is the business in trouble?”
“Excuse me?”
Dani kept the sigh inside this time.“I asked if the business was in trouble.Frannie B’s company has been around for decades.Because of her hard work and business ethic, it has a fabulous reputation.It’s a company to be proud of and her legacy to our family.I won’t sign that away without a good reason.”
“This is a business decision, not an emotional one.”
“Then explain it to me in business terms.”
Her mother didn’t bother to disguise her own sigh.“Daniella, sign the papers.”
“I won’t sign away Frannie B’s legacy without more information.”
“That is all the information I have.”
Or that she was willing to share.Did her mother not know what was going on in the business herself?Dani hadn’t paid enough attention to the company’s hierarchy to know.
“Until I know more, I won’t sign, so call off your courier.Goodbye, Mother.”
Dani’s finger shook as she closed the app.She dropped the phone onto the table.
Bibi whined, and Dani rubbed her head.“Sorry, Bibi.It’s not your fault.I’m just annoyed.I thought if I approached her seriously, I’d get some answers.Either she doesn’t know them, or she’s unwilling to share.”
Lawson pulled his chair to hers and pulled her in for a hug.“I’m sorry.”
“Thanks.I’d worked myself up to having an adult conversation with her.”
“You tried.”
Dani nodded.She thought she had as well.She hadn’t yelled, pouted, or run away.That had been her mother.“Maybe she’ll call me back.”
After a few minutes, she suggested they return to the garage and do some more work.But that didn’t help her settle.Her heart was heavy, and her nerves sang.
When Bibi growled a warning, her heart rate nearly shot through the roof.A knock sounded on the garage door, and she whirled to face Lawson.
He was already striding to the door, but she got there first.It was her house, her problem, but it was nice to have backup.
She opened the door to find James McPhee standing a few feet from the door.He held her containers.While his face didn’t smile, his eyes weren’t as flat as before.
He held out the containers.“Thank you for the food and drink.Mrs.Richards has asked me to return tomorrow afternoon, as she hopes you’ll have some documents ready for me.”
Yes, there was a definite twinkle in his eye at that statement.
Lawson acted as her shadow, and she reached out to take back the containers.“I don’t know if I’ll have any papers.I haven’t decided yet.”
