“Okay, so, I have clear steps to attack the re-design,” she begins.
It seems one of us can shift to work mode as fast as a light switch.
I shut my laptop screen that I forgot I left open. Might as well save some battery, right? “Take me through the steps.”
“First, I already sent suggestions to your staff manager so they could arrange logistics, and she sent back some feedback on your behalf. After we have a walkthrough, I want to start by bringing in samples. I understand we need to attack the lobby first. Already noticed the moose head on the wall.” She cringes.
I chuckle. “You’re not a fan of Caesar?”
She chuckles, and it’s cute. “I doubt anyone is, especially if you named him after a salad.”
Swiping a hand across my rough but short-shaved jaw, I fall into a more relaxed state. “Although a tradition to the inn, nobody is a fan, so you have my full permission to knock him down before an animal lover sends me an angry letter.”
Her shoulders lift up then down. “Perfect. No debate there then. So, after samples?—”
Lexi is unable to finish her sentence because my phone vibrates on the desk. I reach to ignore the call and turn my phone to silent, but I pause when I see the name across the screen.
I hold my finger up. “Sorry. I just need a sec.”
She doesn’t hesitate. “Of course.”
I hit the green button as my entire body fills with dread. “Principal Johnson,” I attempt to sound pleased for her call.
“Mr. West, we seem to have a little problem at school,” she begins on the other end.
I clench my jaw in an attempt to keep myself calm. “And what might that be?”
“Today it’s Lori. She made quite a scene at afternoon pick-up. Lori decided to speak… disrespectfully to one of her classmate’s moms when Lori and her classmate were in a little… debate.” I can hear that she’s trying to be delicate in her approach.
I snicker while my sight lands on Lexi who patiently waits. “Seriously? You’re phoning me because my daughter spoke about a parent outside of school hours?”
“Mr. West.” Principal Johnson sounds surprised. “Everyone by the sixth-grade door heard her. It left Gemma McClearly in tears that her mother was being called such things.”
Damn it, Lori has been having issues with Gemma. From what I hear, she’s a little brat with parents that could use a parenting book or two. And her mom? The parent committee president on a power trip to make up for her recent divorce.
“I’m sure she had a reason. You’re well aware they are not the best of friends,” I highlight.
“She called Ms. McClearly a gold digger looking for a husband, then decided to add that plastic isn’t the look you go for, which means she must have been referring to you.” Her tone is unamused.
Even my jaw drops from this incident. “I could see… how that might… be a…” Ah damn, I have no words.
“Mr. West, Gemma was in tears, and the other parents who heard were none too pleased with Lori’s lack of manners. Lake Spark Academy, of course, upholds our values of kindness and respect very seriously. Lori is in my office, and you need to pick her up. I’m losing my patience with her, Mr. West.”
I blow out an exhausted breath. Great, perfect, swell, exactly what I need today. I pinch the bridge of my nose, attempting to avoid an oncoming headache. “Of course, I’m on my way.”
Hanging up my phone, I hear the clearing of a throat, and I glance at Lexi who’s awkwardly sitting there. “Everything okay?”
I stand and grab my keys off my desk. “An urgent matter has come up.”
“Oh, I hope it’s not too serious.” She sounds concerned as she stands, realizing this meeting has reached a close.
“Nothing but the usual. I need to get to my daughter’s school. We’ll have to finish this meeting tomorrow. Let’s do the morning so you can get started. Stuart at the front desk will get you your room key, as I know you wanted to stay here for your creative flow.”
Her hand flies up. “Don’t worry. I’ll figure it out. And tomorrow sounds like a plan. I’ll meet you here when you figure out a time.”
A near sinister sound escapes from my throat. “Not here. Meet me at my house. Early. Seven even.”
“Your house?” she questions the unusual request.
