Love California Box Set: Books 1-3 (Love California Series Collection)

by Jan Moran

  “More expenses,” Annette said, making notes. She ran a hand through her cropped blond hair.

  “And then there’s the added manufacturing and distribution management.” Verena nodded, taking in her team’s comments. “That’s two more people.” She jotted down figures on a tablet. This is going to kill us.

  “Who will handle product development?” Pearl asked.

  “Guess I’ll have to come up to speed quickly on nail care.” Verena felt utterly sick over the plan before her.

  “And where will that fit in your current schedule?” Lacey asked. “Between three and five in the morning? That’s too much for you to handle alone.”

  Lacey always had her back. “Jimmy Don is taking over VSS product development, so that should free some of my time,” Verena said.

  Lacey snorted with disgust. “He’s such a rude young man. What does he know about skincare?”

  “Absolutely nothing. We’ll have to train him.” Grim laughter rippled around the conference table, although Verena held back her own vitriolic comment about Jimmy Don. “Jack, what’s your opinion of the deal?”

  Jack removed his glasses. “It’s a tough deal to execute. Your resources are geared toward the luxury market. Even though Rainbow is a cosmetics company, it will require more support and a larger investment in inventory. Is Herringbone really serious about opening ten thousand doors this year for Rainbow’s line?”

  “That’s right,” Verena said. “They’re trying to re-establish the ground they lost last year.”

  “Ten thousand doors—that’s a lot of stores,” Pearl said.

  “And Herringbone’s not giving us nearly enough money to support them,” Annette added.

  “Mass is different, many more stores per chain. They promise that we’ll have access to whatever funds we need.” Verena turned to Jack. “I know it’s a lot of work, but do you think it’s a fair deal?”

  “It’s stacked in their favor, for sure, but as long as they provide the support they’ve promised, you might have a shot at it.” Jack put his glasses back on and scanned the term sheet. “Assuming there aren’t any surprises in the final documents, I’d have to say it’s not a bad deal, in light of the current economy. Though we would have been much better off with your original plan.”

  “I know, but I haven’t been able get another loan commitment,” Verena said.

  Jack went on. “However, I don’t see that you have much choice, and believe me, Herringbone is well aware of that fact. If you had access to other capital, you wouldn’t even be considering this deal, in my opinion.”

  As if to punctuate his point, thunder cracked outside, shuddering the walls. Everyone fell quiet. Verena regarded her team. “Then should we consider it now?”

  Annette cleared her throat. “We have less than thirty days of cash reserves, even with the personal credit card advances that Verena put into the business.”

  “So that’s a yes,” Verena said. “Unless I can find an alternative.”

  “Most of the other cosmetic companies are laying off people,” Pearl added.

  “At least you can find the talent you need for Rainbow,” Jack said. “Plenty of people are looking for work now, ready to take what they can get.”

  “We’ve always run pretty lean,” Pearl said.

  “Herringbone doesn’t think so,” Verena said. “We’ll have to make some staff reductions, or move some people to the Rainbow side.”

  Annette nodded. “Jimmy Don was questioning how much the estheticians make. He suggested we could terminate those with the most seniority, and bring in younger people who would work cheaper and require fewer benefits.”

  The room grew quiet again. Against a flash of lightning outside of the window and looming disaster within, Verena tried to stay calm, even though she was incensed by his suggestion. Jimmy Don is an idiot. Their reputation was built on excellent service and results. Their clientele went to VSS because their estheticians were the best.

  “That’s also age discrimination,” Jack said. “Herringbone should know the law.”

  “Don’t worry, we won’t do that,” Verena said. She wouldn’t compromise their quality.

  Annette spoke up again. “He was also asking if we could cut costs on ingredients, or change the product formulations, even on the medicated line. Or use generic products in the skincare services.” She shook her head. “I didn’t want to tell you.”

  “He what?” Anger built in Verena. “The only reformulations allowed at Valent are to improve the products. We will not lower our standards.” What a greedy imbecile. What did Jimmy Don know about their business? She made a note to speak to Derrick.

  The small group around the table fell silent.

  Finally, Pearl cleared her throat. “We might have some natural attrition coming up, and maybe I can combine some territories in the field, reduce some staff there.”

  “Instead of a full-time bookkeeper, I can start with a part-time person,” Annette offered.

  Jack removed his glasses and began to clean them with a cloth. “In the spirit of the times, we can give you a rate reduction or stretch out payments on your legal bills,” Jack said. “Valent has been a good client.”

  “I appreciate your efforts,” Verena said. “I know you’re really trying, and I will take each of you up on your suggestions. But that doesn’t do much to change our financial situation. We expended a great deal of money to put Asia in play, and we did so on the promise of a working capital loan. Now that that’s disappeared, and no other banks or investors are willing to step in, we’re really in a bind.”

  Verena looked around the table and realized that the members of her trusted team feared for their jobs as well. Herringbone’s plan was far from perfect, but as a leader, she needed to keep her team morale high. And that seemed nearly impossible.

  “We have excellent prospects ahead in Asia,” she said, raising her voice above the intensifying storm outside. “In fact, pre-orders have far exceeded what we thought we would do in the first month. That,” she said, jabbing a finger in the air, “is our reputation making the sale, that and the enthusiasm of the sales teams on the floor. They trust us to deliver the best quality products, the quality we are known for. I assure you, we will continue to do that. And if we have to take on Rainbow Nails, that’s what we will do.”

  With reluctance, her team nodded in agreement.

  “We’re with you, Verena, but frankly, I’m surprised they would burden VSS with Rainbow Nails right now,” Jack said. “Those must be pretty important investors Herringbone is protecting. Who would Thomas Roper be afraid of?”

  Who indeed? Verena shuddered to think. “I can only imagine.” She hesitated. “Jack, did you confirm with Herringbone’s attorney that the loan to VSS isn’t available unless we take Rainbow? I mean, is there any circumstance under which they would revert to the original plan?” It seemed pointless to ask, but she was hoping for some small miracle.

  Jack pushed back from the table with a deep sigh. “I tried. Completely off the table, Verena. I’m sorry.”

  “It was worth a try.” She looked around the table, feeling everyone’s concerns. “Well, team, it seems we’re going into the nail polish business.” But every fiber of her being warned her against it.

  Verena sat outside of her favorite coffee shop on Robertson Boulevard sipping a latte and waiting for the caffeine to take effect. It wasn’t far from Fianna’s shop, which was already busy this Saturday morning. Fianna had opened her doors early for her semi-annual sample sale, and Verena watched as women lined up at the door. She was pleased for Fianna, and had told many of her clients about the sale. Any other time, she would have been there with them, but not today.

  Feeling worn and frazzled from the events of the week, Verena had pulled on comfortable blue jeans with tall black boots and a crisp white shirt. Dark sunglasses obscured her puffy eyes.

  Trying to find an alternative to the Herringbone deal, she hadn’t slept much since she’d returned from Par
is. With Mia and the twins just back from Switzerland, she had to get away from her energetic sisters this morning, even though she was glad they were back.

  She glanced up in time to see Scarlett walking toward her.

  “Good morning,” Verena said. “Got your favorite mocha coffee.” She slid a steaming cup toward her.

  Scarlett eased into the chair next to Verena. “You’re amazing, thanks. I worked pretty late last night.” She pushed her sunglasses up onto her head, catching her dark coppery blond curls.

  “You don’t show it.” Scarlett’s face was clean and devoid of makeup, except for moisturizer. Her friend’s complexion was flawless, a smooth testament to the benefits of good skincare, which Verena had helped her achieve.

  Scarlett sipped her coffee, closing her eyes as an expression of gratitude crossed her face. “Ah, that’s bueno.” She sat back. “How’s the financing problem going?”

  Verena shook her head. “Complicated. Now Herringbone wants us to take on another company.” Verena went on to tell her about the deal with Rainbow Nails. “It’s an awkward alliance at best, but it’s a requirement for financing.” She paused. “Derrick is really encouraging it. Says it will benefit my family.”

  “You don’t sound confident.”

  “It’s not up to me anymore. If he’s confident, I’m confident.” Verena’s mouth curved into a smile, although it didn’t reach her eyes. She felt drained by the ordeal.

  “You can still say no. Sounds like they’re using Valent.” Scarlett sounded indignant. “What are you getting out of it?”

  Verena gulped her coffee, irritated that Scarlett thought she was giving up. “We get to stay in business, avoid terminating loyal, highly trained employees, and grow the company without worrying about how we’re going to pay vendors and employees.”

  “Why can’t you keep looking?”

  “I have been,” Verena said, exasperated. “Saying no to a deal like this is a privilege when you can afford it. If I backed out now, I’d be on the fast track to bankruptcy court. I’ve talked to every banker and private investor who’ll take my calls. I’m flat out of options, Scarlett. I’ve run out of time.”

  “Okay, I understand, I’m sorry. Tough spot you’re in.” Scarlett waited for her to calm down. “If it makes you feel any better, you’re not the only business struggling right now.” She sighed. “What do you have to give up to Herringbone?”

  Verena shrugged. “Minor equity. Some control, that is, we bring in some Herringbone talent, but my family still controls the board.”

  “For now.”

  “What?” Verena didn’t like the sound of that.

  Scarlett went on. “They’ll find a way to take over, mark my words. Watch your back, Verena. You have a big red target on your shirt, whether you realize it or not. I’ve seen this happen before.”

  “What should I do?”

  “Try not to let them push you into a corner. Fight to keep control.”

  “I’m trying.” Verena frowned and stared into her coffee. “Herringbone’s demands escalate daily, even though they agreed to the term sheet. With the economy eroding and layoffs leading the headlines, I fear power is slipping away, although I still have control of the board.”

  “You must retain that,” Scarlett said, jabbing a finger in the air to make her point. “And they still want your business. Send me the documents, I’ll look at them. You’re not alone.”

  “That would be great. Every night I wake with a terrible feeling, and it takes hours to go back to sleep. If I can. Mia says it’s my subconscious alerting me to danger.”

  “She’s probably right.”

  “Still, I’ve got to make the best of it. Show Herringbone that Valent can rise to the challenge.” Verena straightened her shoulders. “And we will succeed.”

  Scarlett’s phone vibrated with a message. She read it with confusion, and then disappointment. Finally, anger crossed her face. Verena watched the storm of emotion that one short text had set off in her friend. “Scarlett, what’s wrong?”

  “It’s not for me.” She shook her head.

  “Who sent it?”

  “Johnny.” Scarlett shoved a hand through her hair. “Mama was right.” She spun her phone around for Verena to see the message sent to her in error.

  Carla, mi amour, do we need orange juice for the mimosas?

  “Who’s Carla?” Verena asked.

  “Carla Ramirez. We all went to school together. Looks like she and Johnny are dating. I’ve heard she’s been warming a seat at the bar at the Polo Lounge while he works.”

  Verena studied her friend. “And why does that bother you? I thought you and Johnny were just friends.”

  “We’ve known each other so long. Too long, maybe. He wants to settle down, marry someone who wants to have babies and put on an apron.”

  “And what’s wrong with that? I thought you wanted children someday. Did he tell you that?”

  “He doesn’t have to,” Scarlett said, sniffing with disdain. “He’s a man. It’s in his DNA.”

  “Now who’s being sexist? Come on, you don’t really believe that.” Verena slid a gaze toward Scarlett. “Why would it matter to you anyway?”

  “It doesn’t,” she said, sputtering. “But as a friend, I don’t want to see him make a mistake.”

  “So, tell him.” Verena wondered what was really bothering her.

  “I have to leave for New York in the morning.” She gestured toward the phone. “And he’s clearly busy today.”

  “You’ll be back in a couple of weeks,” Verena said. “You’re taking the lead in that case here, right? And I can sure use your advice.”

  Scarlett nodded. “Johnny’s love life is none of my business.”

  Verena stared at her. “Like that would stop you from saying what’s on your mind?” She broke into a grin, and Scarlett started to chuckle at herself.

  “Never has,” Scarlett said.

  “Didn’t today.”

  Scarlett raised a shoulder. “I call it the way I see it.”

  “Remember the night at the Grammy party?” Verena burst out laughing, and soon the two friends were laughing so hard that tears came to their eyes.

  People at nearby tables were looking at them, but neither of them cared. They both needed a good laugh to cut the tension in their lives.

  “Oh, I can’t stop,” Verena said, wiping her eyes.

  Thought they tried to recover their composure, the two of them sputtered with laughter every time they looked at each other.

  “Let’s get out of here before we run into clients,” Verena said, gasping for breath. She pushed her hair from her eyes and pulled her sunglasses down.

  Their arms around one another, they were still chuckling as they hurried across Robertson Boulevard.

  “Verena!” Lance called out, but she didn’t hear him. Peering from under the brim of his favorite baseball cap, Lance’s heart clenched with anguish when he saw Verena and her friend hasten from the café.

  She looked incredible in jeans and boots and dark sunglasses. Better than any of the Hollywood stars he’d met at the hotel.

  He’d been in the corner nursing his morning coffee, recovering from his long trans-Atlantic flight and reading the newspaper. He left early in the morning to avoid traffic and liked to stop here before reporting for work at the hotel. As soon as he set foot inside the busy kitchen, it was nonstop action for the day. That’s when he’d heard a familiar laugh carried on the breeze behind him. Laughter he’d wondered if he’d ever hear again.

  He’d turned and spied Verena. She had been deep in an earnest conversation with the woman he recognized from the Polo Lounge—Scarlett, he recalled—but by the time he rose to say hello, they were off, laughing together over some private joke as they strode across the street, turning heads in their wake.

  Waving, he called out, “Verena!”

  He tried to race across the street after them, but the light changed and a car nearly hit him. Then they’d disappear
ed behind a long line of women that stretched down the sidewalk. He’d never find her now.

  “Dammit!” Lance turned back. He stalked back inside the coffee shop.

  All through the chef competition in Paris, she’d intruded upon his thoughts. He was still at a loss to figure out what had happened between them.

  Lance returned to his table and sat down, sorry that he’d missed her.

  She’d made her choice, he supposed. As far as he was concerned, Derrick was a train wreck waiting to happen, but he hated to see Verena caught in a catastrophe, even if she had dropped him in Paris.

  He drummed his fingers on the table.

  If he could help it, he wouldn’t let that happen. He punched in Verena’s mobile number.

  20

  “YOU REMEMBERED,” VERENA said into the phone, her heart lurching. “Your flowers reminded me of the hotel.”

  She and Scarlett had just stepped into a specialty food shop on Robertson Boulevard when her mobile phone rang.

  “You’re back from Paris?” Verena knew she should hang up, but Lance’s voice was like a salve to her wounded soul. Yet how was she going to handle him now?

  Scarlett swung around with a puzzled expression.

  “I’ll never forget it either.” Verena caught her lower lip between her teeth. Never, as long as I live.

  Who’s that? Scarlett mouthed silently.

  When Verena shook her head, Scarlett’s curiosity was piqued. Verena waved her off.

  As Lance spoke, the sound of his rich voice eroded her resolve. She remembered how they had danced and how safe and loved she had felt in his steady arms. And that body of his...how he’d looked at the pool without a stitch on. An intense, warm feeling spread throughout her.