Dixie Belle

by Debby Mayne

  After more than an hour of not being able to concentrate, Tom decided to go for a walk. He had to get out of the office and burn off some of his frustration, so he picked up his gym bag, ducked into the men’s room, and changed into his workout clothes. Marianne waved and smiled as he walked past her on his way out.

  “I’ll be back after lunch,” he said.

  “Take your time. The work will be here when you get back.”

  Once Tom got to the gym, he hopped right on the elliptical and went full throttle. One of the trainers walked up, leaned on the equipment, and blew out a low whistle. “The only time I ever see someone pushing that hard, it’s woman problems.”

  Tom slowed down a bit and laughed. “Woman, business, life . . . everything.”

  “If you get the woman issue settled, the rest of it will all fall into place.”

  Tom thought about that comment as he did his best to maintain a steady pace without pushing so hard. The trainer’s advice was close, but Tom knew that one element—God—took priority over everything. He’d prayed about what to do about Cissy and his work, but he wasn’t so sure he’d listened to God’s answers.

  As Tom continued his workout, he prayed silently and then stopped, hoping for some divine advice. His mind became silent, and his heart grew heavier by the minute. Then he remembered something the pastor had told him years ago when he’d lost the desire to work for Wall Street. Sometimes silence is the answer we need for the moment.

  It was time for a change of scenery. He stopped off at a deli he’d wanted to try and brought his bagged lunch to a park where he’d never been. As he ate, he thought about his predicament and wondered why the answer hadn’t come to him sooner. The only solution he could think of was to act more quickly on his plan to transition to manufacturing instead, and it actually made business sense to move forward since he struggled to meet the expectations of some of his high-end designer clients.

  By the time he returned to work after lunch, he was exhausted. Marianne took one look at him and laughed. “I’ve never seen you like this. The love bug must have bitten harder than I realized.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  With that he went into his office, closed the door, and prayed for guidance for what he knew he needed to do next. He had all his ducks in a row to start manufacturing by the next quarter. He’d have to operate in the red for a while, but he’d already counted on that. Besides starting early, the biggest difference between his current plan and what he’d originally wanted to do was that there would be less overlapping of the two businesses. It would also mean working longer hours for a month or two, but that never bothered him before. Maybe once he got the ball rolling on the new business, everything else would work itself out.

  He punched in Marianne’s number. “Can you come to my office?”

  “Is it urgent?”

  He hesitated. “Yes, it’s very urgent.”

  “I’ll be right there.”

  As soon as Marianne showed up at the door, she paused, took a long look at him, and then walked into his office, closing the door behind her. “Looks like you have something big up your sleeve.”

  “I’ve decided to start manufacturing right away.”

  Marianne tipped her head forward. “Does this have anything to do with a cute Southern gal?”

  “Maybe.” He leaned back and steepled his fingers.

  “That’s as good of a reason as any, as long as you’ve prayed about this decision.”

  He nodded. “I have, and there’s no doubt in my mind that it’s the right thing to do. Here’s what I need from you.”

  They spent the next hour chatting about all the things they needed to do first and how he’d share his plans with the rest of the employees. Marianne offered a few words of advice, and he fully planned to use them.

  All day Monday Uncle Forest acted strange. Cissy expected him to snap out of it by Tuesday, but when she arrived in the office at her normal time and he wasn’t there, she knew something was different.

  Dave gave her a brief nod as she sat down at her desk and booted up her computer. “Good morning.”

  “Hey.” Cissy dropped her handbag into the bottom file drawer. “Have you seen my uncle?”

  “No.” Dave propped his elbows on his desk, and she saw his puzzled expression.

  “That’s odd.”

  “Yeah, I know. This is the first time since I’ve worked here that he hasn’t gotten to the office before me.”

  “I hope I didn’t mess up something else.” Cissy contorted her face. “He probably dreads seeing my face in the office.”

  Dave did a cocky head bob. “I hate to break it to ya, darlin’, but it ain’t always about you.”

  She leaned back and laughed. “That’s the worst imitation of a Southern accent I’ve ever heard.”

  “Aw shucks,” he said, continuing with the accent. “I spent half the evenin’ last night practicin’, and you mean ta tell me I still ain’t got it right?”

  “Drop the ain’t. Not all Southerners use that word.”

  “What word do they use?”

  Cissy shook her head, still laughing. “Don’t assume we have bad grammar just because we have a drawl. And we all use different words, but most of us say y’all.”

  “I’m never sure how to use that word.”

  “Give it a shot.”

  “So where are y’all goin’ to lunch today?”

  “All depends on who you are talking to. If it’s just me, you don’t say y’all . . . at least I don’t.”

  “What would you say?”

  She bugged her eyes. “You.”

  “This is much more complicated than I ever would have thought.” He scratched his head. “I thought plural was all y’all?”

  “Y’all is plural. All y’all is more inclusive and extends beyond the people standing right there with you.”

  “Well, slap my granny. It’s all so confusin’.”

  Cissy almost fell out of her chair laughing so hard. “Where on earth did you hear that?”

  “Sounds like I got it wrong again.” He made a face. “I guess it’s back to the drawing board. I found some old clips of Hee Haw on YouTube and replayed them a few times.”

  “If you’re gonna watch video clips, maybe you should watch something a little more accurate, like Designing Women.”

  Dave scrunched his nose. “Not in this lifetime. My mother—or should I say, my mama—used to torture me with it every Monday night.”

  “Well, I like it.”

  He flipped his hand. “Must be a chick thing. Anyway, the point is, I don’t think you have anything to do with your uncle’s mood.”

  The elevator dinged, and out stepped Uncle Forest. He looked directly at Cissy and pointed to his office door. “My office. Now.”

  On her way past Dave’s desk, she whispered, “What were you saying?”

  He grimaced. “Never mind.”

  Cissy’s knees wobbled as she approached Uncle Forest’s office. He didn’t look up at her, but she still had the feeling he was watching out of the corner of his eye.

  “Close the door and have a seat,” he instructed.

  She quickly did as she was told. “D-did I do something wrong . . . again?”

  He slowly looked up and met her gaze, an odd expression covering his face. “Now what makes you think that?”

  She blinked. “Um, you sound mad . . . and since I . . . well . . . ”

  He faked a smile. “Maybe I am.” His jaw tightened. “I got a call early this morning from your friend.”

  “My friend?”

  “Mm-hmm. Now why do you think Tom Jenkins would call me?”

  “Oh, that friend.” She’d automatically assumed he’d meant Charlene. “I have no idea. What did he say?”

  “I don’t know. I didn’t talk to him. He left a message saying he wanted to see me as soon as possible.”

  Cissy frowned. “So are you going to meet with him?”

  �
��All depends on what he wants.” He leaned back in his chair, propped his elbows on the arms, and steepled his fingers as he held her gaze. “I assume it has something to do with you.”

  “Why would you assume that? Maybe he wants to apologize for stealing your account.”

  Uncle Forest’s eyes practically bugged out of his head. “You’re kidding, right? I know you’re naïve, but you have to know better than that.”

  Cissy shrugged. “It was just a thought. Why do you think he would call you to talk about me? He knows my number.”

  He pulled his head back. “Are you taking his calls?”

  “Um . . . ” She’d ignored the first several of his calls and eventually blocked his number. “No.”

  “There ya go.”

  “So what do you want me to do about this?” Cissy asked. She knew she sounded sarcastic, but so much had happened over the past couple of months she didn’t care. So what if she went back to Alabama? What was the worst thing that could happen? No one would talk to her, or Spencer would come after her when he got out of jail? She could deal with no one talking to her, and she’d make sure she only went places where there were lots of people. Even Spencer wasn’t stupid enough to take action when his adoring fans were around.

  Uncle Forest leaned forward and held her gaze. “I want you to call your friend and ask him what he wants.”

  “No, I’m not doing that.”

  He pointed his finger toward the door. “Oh, yes, you will. You’re on my dime now. Do it and then come back and tell me what he said.”

  “But Uncle Forest . . . ” She cleared her throat to try to get rid of the whininess even she could hear.

  “Just do it.” His tone left no room for argument. He punched a button on his computer keyboard and gave all his attention to the monitor, letting her know he was done with her.

  As she passed Dave’s desk, he let out a low whistle. “Judging by your expression, that must have been bad.”

  “The worst.” She swallowed hard.

  “Care to give me a hint?”

  She looked directly at Dave. “He wants me to call Tom.”

  Dave shoved his chair back and gave her a look of incredulity. “You’re kidding.”

  “Nope.” She pulled out her cell phone and stared at it.

  “So are you going to do it?”

  “I don’t want to, but I don’t see that I have a choice.”

  “This is one of those times I don’t envy you being related to the boss.”

  “Do you ever envy me?” She asked.

  He shrugged. “Sometimes. You can mess up in a big way, and he won’t fire you.”

  Cissy chewed on her bottom lip. “But I know he probably wants to, which is what makes it even more complicated. If I could go home now, I would.”

  “Wouldn’t that be running from your problems?” He folded his arms as she took in that question. “Want to know what I’d do if I were you?”

  “Not really, but go ahead and tell me since I know you’re dyin’ to.”

  He smiled. “Take advantage of the situation. Do what your uncle says. Call Tom and try to make things right.”

  “Are you talking about making things right with Tom or my uncle?”

  “Your uncle for sure. Tom is up to you. Just keep your head straight and learn what you can. After a few months maybe things will have died down in Alabama, and then you can go back home to start over there, and you’ll have some decent business experience to add to your résumé.”

  That made sense. Cissy smiled. “Ya know, Dave, you keep getting a whole lot smarter by the day.”

  “Maybe you can tell your uncle how brilliant I am. I like my job, and I want to keep on moving up in the company.”

  She knew he was aware that she didn’t have that kind of clout, but she played along. “I’ll make sure to do whatever I can to help make that happen.”

  “Now call Tom and find out what he wants.” He pointed to her phone. “Why don’t you take it to the conference room?”

  Without another word Cissy walked into the conference room and closed the door behind her. She sank down into the chair and lowered her head. Lord, I have no idea what to say, and I pray that I won’t be put on the spot. Please stand beside me during this conversation with the guy I thought I could fall in love with. She opened her eyes then slammed them shut again. And don’t let me say anything I shouldn’t.

  Tom answered before the first ring ended. “Cissy? I’ve been wanting to talk to you. Why haven’t you taken my calls?”

  In spite of her nervousness the sound of his voice made her tingle all over. “Hey, this is my call, so let me ask the questions.”

  “Okay.”

  “My uncle said you left a message for him to call you back. What do you want?”

  “It’s strictly business.” His tone changed and sounded much colder.

  “So it has nothing to do with me?”

  A long silence fell between them.

  “Well?” she asked. “Are you gonna answer my question?”

  “I would like to talk about us, but that’s between you and me. The call I made to your uncle is business related. It’s something only he and I can discuss.”

  “Oh.” She tried to disguise her disappointment, but she wasn’t sure she was successful.

  “Let him know that I’d like to meet with him soon. I’ll be available most of today and at various times throughout the rest of the week.”

  “Is that all?” Cissy said. “You can’t even give me a hint of what this is all about?”

  “It’s a rather complex issue, so it’s probably best if I just wait and discuss it with him. Let him know that this is not an adversarial request. I think he’ll like what I have to say.”

  “Okay. I’ll tell him.”

  “Cissy?”

  The softness in the way he said her name sent her senses on alert. “What?”

  “I’m sorry about what happened. If there’s anything I can do or say, I would—”

  Cissy interrupted. “This call was strictly business at Uncle Forest’s request. I’m on company time, so I can’t discuss my personal life with you right now. I’ll give my uncle your message as soon as I get off the phone.” She knew her tone sounded clipped, but she didn’t want to let her personal feelings interfere with what she needed to do for Uncle Forest. Right now his business needs came before what she wanted.

  She heard the whoosh of his breath as he sighed. “Okay, if that’s the way it has to be, I’ll accept it for now. We can talk later.”

  Numb from head to toe Cissy ended the connection without even a good-bye. Her one chance to clear the air with Tom had been handed to her on a silver platter, but the timing had been off. Lord, please give me this chance again, only I’d appreciate it if it’s when I’m not working!

  Chapter 26

  AFTER THE FINAL click Tom pressed the off button on his phone and leaned back in his chair, staring at the wall. He’d had to exercise patience in business in the past, and that was one of the things that had given him an edge in negotiations. However, this was different. His heart was involved.

  Lord, guide me through these turbulent times. I have no idea what lies ahead, but whatever You’ve chosen for me to face, give me the strength to deal with it.

  He didn’t know when to expect Mr. Counts’s call, or if he’d even hear from him, so he got up and walked out to see what Marianne had on her agenda. He needed her to go to the Chamber of Commerce meeting later if she had time.

  “Sure, I’ll go,” she said. “I just had an appointment cancel, so my whole afternoon is free.”

  The office phone lit up right before it rang. Marianne leaned over to make sure the receptionist would catch it before settling back to talk to Tom.

  “I’ve been working on the information you want to present to the salesmen,” she said. “One thing I don’t have is the list of job descriptions you’ll need for the new company.”

  “Excuse me, Tom.”

  He glanc
ed over and saw Stella smiling apologetically. “What do you need?”

  “Mr. Counts is on the phone. I knew you would want to talk to him, or I wouldn’t have interrupted you.”

  “Okay, I’ll go to my office and take the call. Tell him I’ll be right there.”

  Marianne smiled but didn’t say a word as she turned her chair back to face her desk. He appreciated her ability to read him well enough to know when to talk and when to remain silent.

  He picked up the phone in his office with a shaky hand. “Tom Jenkins here.”

  “What do you want that’s so urgent?” The gruffness of Mr. Counts’s tone cracked, allowing his weariness to come through.

  Tom licked his lips, which had suddenly gone dry. “I’ve had a business plan in the works for some time now, and I would like to discuss it with you.”

  “Business plan? I hardly think that anything Sewing Notions Inc. does would interest me.” Mr. Counts didn’t even bother trying to hide his distrust.

  “This is different, and it just might interest you.”

  “I don’t think—”

  “At least hear me out. Please let me buy you lunch. I can present what I have, and if you aren’t interested, we can shake hands and part ways.”

  There was a long enough pause to let Tom know there might be a possibility. “When?”

  “Today?”

  Mr. Counts snorted. “You don’t believe in wasting time, do you? My niece must have really gotten under your skin.”

  “This isn’t about your niece. It’s about Sewing Notions Inc. and Zippers Plus.”

  “Oh, I’m sure it has something to do with my niece. You can’t convince me otherwise.”

  Tom didn’t bother trying to argue with Mr. Counts, particularly since he was partially right. “Can you meet me at Mario’s Bistro around one o’clock?”

  “I generally like to eat lunch earlier than that.”

  Okay, so Mr. Counts was testing him. Tom could certainly understand. “What time sounds good to you?”

  Mr. Counts made a few sputtering sounds before blurting, “Let’s beat the lunch crowd and meet at eleven thirty.”

  “Perfect.” After hanging up, Tom glanced up at the clock and headed out the door of his office. “Stella, would you mind making some copies of the file on my desk? I have to run a quick errand, and I’ll need that when I get back.”