Chapter 12 - Lauren's Offer
Lauren appeared at the restaurant Tuesday morning carrying flowers and a smile that didn't belong on her face.
Her lawyer came with her. Becca met them by the host stand and asked whether they had an appointment. Lauren's eyes went straight to me.
"I thought we could clear the air."
"We're not discussing this without Leah," I said.
We moved to a small conference room above the dining room, where customers couldn't overhear. Leah joined by video. Lauren set the flowers on the table like a peace offering. She didn't look at them again.
"I'd like to apologize for a misunderstanding," she began. "I was stressed about a major meeting. Everybody was emotional."
"You poured wine on me," I said. "Then you posted a misleading picture."
"Fine. I'll delete it. In return, you sign a statement saying your accusation was exaggerated and agree not to discuss Glasshouse's business with Harborstone."
Leah said, "No."
Lauren's smile tightened. "I wasn't speaking to you."
"You invited an attorney into a room with my client. You are now."
Her lawyer looked uncomfortable.
"I'm offering peace," Lauren said. "You could use some. Your restaurant is hurting."
"My restaurant will survive an empty Tuesday," I replied. "Will your workers survive missing another paycheck?"
For the first time, she seemed genuinely startled.
"You don't know what you're talking about."
"Then the records will show that."
She gathered her handbag. At the door she paused, staring at the framed photograph of Mom and me standing outside the original restaurant.
"You always needed somebody to rescue you," Lauren said quietly.
"No," I answered. "I needed people to stop pushing me."
May you like
Her lawyer took her arm and urged her downstairs. After they left, Anita sent a message to Jonah and Leah. Harborstone's preliminary scoring was complete. Despite the questions, Glasshouse had ranked first on price.
The final approval meeting began in one hour.
