I knew he’d be great with this, but hearing my brother say he’s happy I’m with his best friend makes me feel lighter, and warmth spreads from my stomach up through my chest.
Then Everett says, “The Albrights think it could be a problem.”
And there it is. The fact that my personal life is still messing up my professional life.
“How?” Graham asks. “I don’t get how it’s their business anyway.”
“Well, they’re very conservative and family-oriented. Last night, when they asked if Ginny and I were together, we said no. We were trying hard to keep it professional. Then things happened, and then finding her here this morning, clearly in a not professional capacity, made them think we lied to them.”
“Oh.” Graham pauses. “Well, it’s still not their business.”
“That may be,” I say. “But they’re worried that this could be problematic for our families. That things could get complicated, and feelings could get involved, and they need to hear from you that you know about it and you’re fine with it.”
“Well, you can definitely tell them I give you my blessing.”
“They need to hear itfromyou,” I tell him.
“Okay. I’ll give them a call right now.”
“Thank you, Graham.”
“Actually, I’ve been thinking about it,” Everett interjects. “I think you need to come here.”
I look at him in surprise.
He goes on. “I think you and Margot both need to come. If you’re up to it, Margot. You need to meet with them in person. Show them that you’re really fine with us together. And with Margot here too, we can show them that we’re totally solid, put the family-oriented thing on full display. And that we’re all on the same page and completely on track with what we told them.”
I think that over and realize he has a point. In person is always better than on the phone, and Margot and Graham are amazing. Not only are they very much in love, but they’ve known each other forever. If the Albrights really like roots and solid foundations, Margot and Graham are the epitome of that.
Hell, we all are.
“That’s perfect,” Margot says. “Not only are you Graham’s best friend, but Ginny and I are long-time best friends too. We’lldrown themin long-term, meaningful relationships.”
I nod. “They’ll have no choice but to trust that we’re in this for the long haul. That things like arguments and disagreements won’t get in the way of the company and our long-term stability.”
Everett is nodding. “It definitely can’t hurt and I think it will actually really help.” He looks at me as he adds, “And I’m also going to call Sofia and ask her to come.”
Surprise rocks through me. “Sofia?” I asked. “Why?”
“She can talk to them from the farmer and client side. Graham and Margaret can help us convince them from the family side. Reassure them that we’re all solid. Graham and I can talk from the business side. Prove that we are absolutely worth investing in. But the missing side of that triangle is the client side. The Albrights want to put their money and family name behind things that really matter, things people are going to care about, and that’re going to make an impact on the world. Sofia can sell that to them. She can talk about what our company is doing to help her family and their community. She can talk about what it means to them to be working with us.”
That all sounds really good, but for some reason, it’s rubbing me the wrong way.
It doesn’t take a psychologist to figure out what that is.
Sofia is amazing. And beautiful. And has a thing for Everett.
“What about Jack?” I ask. “He can do the same thing. He’s from Sapphire Falls. He can further talk about how stable our family is, how much we contribute to our community, and how long he’s known all of us. That’s just further icing on top of that cake.”
Everett nods. “I thought of that. And Jack would actually be perfect. But he’s a single dad of three girls. Asking him to just pack up and fly to New York last minute is a lot more difficultthan asking Sofia.” Everett squeezes me before he says, “And Sofia is incredibly charming. I really think she’ll be able to soften the Albrights up and sell this. Jack’s great but he doesn’t have that… sparkle.”
I can’t help but frown and stiffen at that. I believe that Everett loves me. I’m not worried about Sofia and him but hearing him describe the gorgeous other woman as charming and with sparkle doesn’tthrillme.
And it’s not because I worry about Everett’s feelings.
It’s because he’s right.
She’s going to sell this to the Albrights. She’s going to save the day.
