Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Marley looked at her lover, Luna. “I wonder what the urgent staff meeting is about?”
“It does seem a bit odd for Lindy to give us an hour to prepare,” Luna said.
“That barely gives me enough time to get everyone in early.” Marley groaned.
Luna’s phone pinged with a text, then Marley’s. Luna looked at hers first. “Alex wants to know about the meeting. She got a text from Lindy to be here by eight.”
“Same with Elise,” Marley reported. “I hope it’s not bad news.”
“Me too,” Luna said. “It’s a heck of a time of the year to be looking for a job.”
Marley shook her head. “Lindy and the others have too much invested. They would lose big time if they shut this place down. Still, I can’t figure out what is so important we have to have an emergency staff meeting.”
“I guess we’ll know in less than an hour. We better get a move on if we are going to shower and eat some breakfast,” Luna pointed out.
“I don’t think I can eat right now, but a shower is much needed. You gave me a heck of a workout last night.” Marley smiled at her lover.
“We consumed a lot of carbs last night with that pasta. I promised I would work them off of you.” Luna returned her smile. “I enjoyed burning every one of them, too.”
“You didn’t hear me complaining either,” Marley reminded her. “Let’s hit the shower, and I’ll head downstairs while you eat.”
†
Lindy and Remy were finishing up breakfast. Remy looked over at Lindy. “You know how cruel this must feel to them, calling an emergency meeting and not telling them why?”
“I know but, hopefully, after we give them the news, they will forgive me,” Lindy said as she handed the server a credit card. “I didn’t want someone to let our little secret out of the bag. You didn’t tell Chancy yet, did you?”
Remy laughed and shook her head. “Goodness, no. She’s not capable of withstanding the pressure from Alex or Luna if they grilled her.”
“Good call then. I think the group will all be pleasantly surprised. When are you going to tell Chancy?” Lindy asked.
“Today, when I buy you a burger at Sisters. Unless the grapevine has gotten to her first, should we warn them about tipping her off?”
Lindy laughed. “If you want it to be a surprise, we’d better ask them not to tell Chancy. Does Danna know yet?”
Remy shook her head vigorously. “Hell no, she’s worse than Chancy. It would have been all over Atlanta this morning if she knew. I think we’ll let Alex have that pleasure.”
Lindy smiled at her best friend. “I do like how you think.” Lindy signed the check. “Are you ready to go break some news?”
“I am going to have a hard time keeping a straight face, but I’ll do my best,” Remy replied.
“That’s all I could ask. Let’s roll.” Lindy stood and led them out of the restaurant.
†
“I can’t believe you have no idea what is going on,” Alex grumbled. “You’re our manager, after all. You should know everything.”
“Well, I’m sorry I don’t. I’m just as much in the dark as you all,” Marley admitted. “I have no clue what Lindy is going to drop on us.”
“I guess we will know in just a few minutes,” Luna said as she pointed to the security monitor showing Lindy’s car pulling up.
“No matter what it is, we’ll make it through this, ladies.” Marley attempted to cheer everyone around the table, but the sad looks she was receiving let her know they weren’t buying the story.
†
Lindy walked through the front door and saw the worried looks on the faces of her employees, and she felt remorseful for a few seconds.
“Thank you all for meeting with us this early and on such short notice,” Lindy said as she and Remy took a seat around the table.
“You’ve certainly got our attention this morning, boss. What’s up?” Marley asked.
Lindy looked at Remy, who nodded. “We have news we wanted to share with you this morning before any more time goes by,” Lindy reported. “Remy and I have come to a decision. We are closing the club.”
“You’re what?” Luna cried out.
“Wait and hear me out before you jump to any conclusions,” Lindy said, but Luna was already out of her chair and pacing.
“You should know that we would never leave you in the lurch,” Remy said.
“I would hope not. We have bills to pay and would need a new place to live,” Luna retorted.
“You better give them the Paul Harvey before Luna pops a muscle,” Remy told Lindy.
“Luna, please come sit back down,” Lindy requested. Once Luna returned to her seat, she continued. “We are closing the club, but only for two weeks to do some deep cleaning and routine maintenance.”
“Thank goodness,” Marley said.
“It was a bit cruel to tell you like this, but I hope after our next bit of news, you’ll forgive me,” Lindy said. “Oh, and before I forget, it does not leave this room until all parties, a.k.a. Chancy and Danna, are notified. Got it?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Marley answered.
“Remy and I have decided it’s time for a TWC family vacation. We are preparing to fly everyone to St. Kitts in the eastern Caribbean to stay at one of her resorts for two weeks.”
“Did I hear that correctly? The Caribbean, for two weeks?” Marley asked.
Remy nodded. “That’s right, the week before and after Christmas, if that’s good with everyone. We’ll fly home after the New Year.”
“Holy cow. That’s so much better than being fired,” Alex said.
“That’s only two weeks away,” Marley replied. She punched Luna in the arm. “We’ve got to get busy shopping. I’ve got nothing suitable to wear.”
Remy smiled at Marley’s comment. “I will send you the website address to the resort later this morning. You will have access to every amenity at the resort, free of charge. Snorkeling, surfing, ATV tours, you name it, and it will be available to you.”
“Pinch me, so I know I’m not dreaming,” Marley said. “This is the best Christmas ever. Thank you. I’m still not sure you’ll be completely forgiven today for being so cruel, but that’s a damned good start, boss.”
Lindy smiled. “I couldn’t resist, but I’ll promise never to do it again if that helps.”
“You almost gave me a heart attack, boss,” Luna replied.
“That’s another thing. When we get to the island, I’m strictly Lindy, and no work is permitted. Only fun and pleasure for you and your partners.”
Marley’s eyes had filled with tears. “Thank you both for this wonderful gift.”
“You all have worked so hard to build this club into something special for the other members and us, and we wanted to be able to give you something in return.” Lindy smiled. “Besides, a little fun in the sun never hurt anyone, right?”
“Do I need to send an email to the members regarding the maintenance shut down?” Marley asked.
“Yes, go ahead, Marley. With all the holiday parties and activities, I don’t think anyone will be too disappointed,” Lindy replied.
“Should I go ahead and schedule the maintenance and cleaning, too?” Marley asked.
“Yes, we will need to store the upstairs equipment somewhere so the cleaners won’t be able to determine the special services rendered there,” Lindy said, making air quotes with her fingers.
“We could get footlockers for storage and then put them in our flat, which we could seal off from cleaning or maintenance,” Luna suggested.
“That’s a great solution,” Lindy said.
“I can help you, and we’ll get a few today,” Alex offered. “They will fit easier in the bed of my truck.”
Remy chuckled. “I love it when a plan comes together.”
“Okay, so now that everyone’s blood is pumping, let’s get to work. Marley, you and I need to go over the financials,” Lindy said.
Remy looked at Lindy. “See you at Sisters at eleven?”
“I’ll meet you there,” Lindy replied.
“I don’t have an appointment until ten. Do you want to go get the footlockers?” Alex asked Luna.
“Yes, we can do that,” Luna said.
“Come back to the office, and I’ll get you a credit card,” Marley told Luna.
“I’ll be right back,” Luna said and followed Marley to the office. “That was some great news, but that was mean of Lindy to do that to us.”
“It was all in good fun. I don’t think Lindy realized the effect it would have on us, so maybe that was a good lesson for her, too,” Marley replied. She opened a small safe and handed Luna the credit card. “I can’t wait to go shopping with you.”
“Maybe tonight?” Luna asked. “It may be hard to find swimsuits this time of the year, so the earlier we start, the better.”
“I hadn’t thought of that. If we can’t find something here, I’m sure we can find swimwear once we arrive in St. Kitts,” Marley replied.
“That’s a definite yes, but I want to see you modeling them.” Luna laughed. She bent down to kiss Marley. “I’ll see you soon.”
“See ya, boss,” Luna called to Lindy as they passed in the hall.
“Sorry about almost giving you a heart attack,” Lindy said.
“It’s all good,” Luna said.
“That was pretty mean of you,” Marley said. “We had already been going through doomsday scenarios while we waited for you, and then you dropped the bombshell.”
“Not my best effort at humor. I realize that now, and I hope to make it up to you all soon,” Lindy admitted.
“I’m sure by the end of the day, we’ll have forgiven you.” Marley smiled. “It’s hard to stay upset with you.”
“That’s good to know,” Lindy replied.
“You normally treat us very well,” Marley said.
“I promise that won’t change. I hope everyone is as excited about the trip as Remy and I.”
“Once reality sets in, I think everyone will be busting at the seams to go,” Marley told her. “Once Remy sends me the link to the resort, I’ll share it with everyone.”
“Very well. Let’s get down to business,” Lindy said.
†
Marley and Lindy reviewed the financial spreadsheets for over an hour. Over all, Lindy was pleased with the performance of the club. Marley had proven to be a quick study with the financial software and understood the report well. She and Lindy discussed areas where the club could improve and put an action plan together to reach the new goals.
†
Luna and Alex went to one of the local sporting goods stores to purchase the footlockers. Several heads turned to look at the two bronzed Amazons as they walked down the aisles.
“Can I help you ladies find something?”
Luna turned to see a petite blond approaching.
“We’re looking for footlockers,” Luna said.
“Follow me,” the young woman said. She led them to the section for storage containers. “Do you have a preference for size?”
Luna looked at Alex. “Something big enough for a body?” she asked.
“Yeah, she’s not much bigger than this young lady.” Alex played along.
Luna saw the woman’s face contort in horror. “We’re just teasing. I think two of these smaller ones would work.”
“Especially if we cut her in half,” Alex said with a wink to Luna.
“You two better stop before I’m obliged to call the police,” the woman said.
“We need it to store some equipment,” Luna explained. “I’m a personal trainer, and this one, lugs power tools around all day.”
“I see,” the young woman said, but she was careful to keep a safe distance from them.
“Blue or black?” Luna asked.
“One of each, so we can keep them separate. Do these come with locks?” Alex asked.
“No, but we have a wide selection of locks. Do you need me to get a cart?”
“No, ma’am. We’ve got these,” Luna said and picked up a container.
“I wonder if they float?” Alex asked.
The young woman spun on her heels. “Stop it,” she said with a grin. “No, they won’t float.”
“Hey, do you still carry swimsuits and beachwear?” Luna asked.
“We have some on a clearance rack, but the sizes are pretty limited. I, uh, don’t think we have any that would fit either of you,” the woman answered.
“Not for me. For my girlfriend. We’re going to the Caribbean for Christmas,” Luna explained.
“Lucky you. The Speedo shop in the mall may still carry a selection,” she offered.
“Thank you. You’ve been a great help and a good sport,” Luna said.
“That’s the most excitement I’ve had in here for days. Have fun on vacation,” the woman said and walked deeper into the store as Luna and Alex stepped into the checkout line.
“That was fun,” Luna said. “Does that make us as bad as Lindy?”
Alex nodded. “Yep, pretty much.”
Luna slid the credit card through the machine and waited for the receipt. She picked up the bag holding the locks and followed Alex from the store.
Alex looked at Luna. “I still can’t believe we are going on such a lavish vacation,” Alex said.
“We’re going to have so much fun,” Luna replied.
“Do you have Marley’s Christmas gifts taken care of yet?” Alex asked.
“No, not yet. I’m still struggling with ideas,” Luna admitted.
“I know that feeling. What do you buy someone who already has everything?” Alex asked.
“I believe we are both overthinking this. Danna and Marley may have everything, so I think they would appreciate something genuine from us. Just don’t ask me what.”
“You’re not much help, my friend.” Alex groaned.
“Hey, if you come up with something better, let me know,” Luna said.
“Maybe we should talk to Lindy. She’s pretty creative, and she owes us after that stunt this morning.” Alex grinned.
Luna climbed inside Alex’s truck. “Yeah, she does. Maybe she’ll still be there when we get back.”
†
“Are you all set for Christmas?” Lindy asked Marley.
“Ha! Not even close. I’m struggling with gift ideas for Luna. Any suggestions?”
“Let me think about it,” Lindy said. “You may want to wait until we reach the islands. I’m sure there will be some unique gift ideas there.”
“That’s a thought,” Marley agreed. “The only thing I’ve gotten her so far is one of those super smartwatches that tell you everything but the number of teeth you have.”
“Oh, she’ll love that,” Lindy said.
“I think so, too,” Marley said. “Are you sticking around for a massage today?”
“I’ll be back after my lunch with Remy, so keep a spot open for me.”
“I’ve only got one massage booked today, so you’re good any time after lunch.”
“Why don’t you and Luna get a jump on shopping for the trip if she’s not busy today?” Lindy suggested.
Marley’s eyes lit with excitement. “That’s a great idea. Thanks.”
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