“Of course,” she says with a beaming smile. “Ask for anything you need.”
I nod absently as I take the folder she hands me, opening it and flipping through. “So we have an event we’re preparing for,” I say. “An in-person meetup of some kind? Denice left a few notes about that, and I sent out the assignments she listed, but give me more details so I know what’s going on, even if I won’t be here then.”
Because I want to sound like I know what I’m talking about. I’m little more than a babysitter for the next couple weeks. It’s my dad’s company. I know how to sit at a desk and look professional and designate tasks, and thankfully Denice hadthings set up to make the transition simple, but the actual stand-in manager isn’t available yet.
“It’s to celebrate the launch of our local feature,” Shelly says, the words prompt. “We’re growing decently well, so we’re adding a local feature to our service. We won’t just work online; we’ll have an opt-in that allows for more localized matches as well as a network of businesses that we work with to provide meaningful dating experiences. We’re joining hands with restaurants in the greater Boulder area, for example,” she goes on. “And some entertainment venues, some recreational options—that kind of thing. We’ll provide deals and coupons. I think it’ll be very good for the company, and I think our local users will appreciate it as well.”
“I imagine so,” I agree, because it sounds like a solid idea to me. “What will the actual event be like?”
“In essence it will be a date auction. When we polled our users, that was what they showed the most interest in.”
Interesting. “Well, thanks, Shelly.” I look at her. “Is there anything you need from me?”
“I don’t think so,” she says, still smiling, “but I’ll let you know.”
“Please do.” So that I won’t have to ferret out thoughts and needs in someplace I’ve never been. “I want to make sure I don’t mess anything up while I’m being your placeholder boss.”
She waves a hand. “Don’t you worry. I’ll let you know if I come across any hitches. You just keep following Denice’s instructions and calendar and we’ll all be just fine.”
“Denice bossed me around all the time growing up,” I say with a grin. “I’m good at following her orders.”
And slipping the occasional frog in her bed, but Shelly doesn’t need to know that.
“In any case,” I say. “I’ll be working off-site for a day or two in Lucky, getting things together on that end. You think that will be fine?”
Because let’s be honest. Shelly knows more than I will ever know.
“That should be just fine,” she says with a nod. Her expression sours ever so slightly. “You go keep those three in line. Bart is the office clown, a bit of a charmer, and I think he and Aurora were involved before he decided he wanted pieces of more than one pie, so to speak. We were all a little surprised when the two of them began seeing each other in the first place. Aurora’s not the emotional type, so I’m not sure how she took it.”
“I have it on very good authority that she was not happy,” I say as I think back to the three sisters huddled on the bench of the holding cell. “Thanks for the intel, Shelly. Please let me know if there’s anything else you think I should be aware of while I’m here.”
“I will,” she says. “I’ll get back to work, then.”
I nod absently and pick up my Rubik’s cube—a childish, age-old habit that’s followed me to this day, because my mind works better when my hands have something to do. I need my mind to work well for me now, starting with learning everything I can about Lucky, Colorado—and about my temporary subordinates.
So I pick up my phone and go to my favorites, tapping on the name at the top of the list. When my sister answers, I say, “Tell me about Aurora Marigold.”
“Aurora? She’s great,” Denice says. “Does a good job with her work, keeps her space tidy and orderly—she used to have an organization business, I think, or some sort of cleaning company maybe?”
Hmm. Interesting.
“But yes, she should be helpful for you while you’re there. Be nice to her, please.”
“I’m always nice.”
“And no flirting.”
To that, however, I only say one thing:
“No promises.”
Then, before Denice can get any more instructions or rules out, I hang up.
AURORA
“You’re kidding.”
“I’m not.”
