Page 128 of Not Looking
“You sure?” Ollie asked.
Simon nodded. “I’m acting on my own authority as the owner’s son to give you three paid days as a bonus for handling this, and I’m not going to argue if you want to combine them with accrued time for something longer. I don’t give a shit that it’s the time of year when you’re busiest. Just have Devon ask me if I forget to tell him.”
Ollie was quiet for several seconds, then nodded. “Honestly… it’s not a bad idea.”
Simon snorted. “It’s a damn good idea, is what it is. Nobody deserves to deal with that, then be expected to just pivot to the next wedding or whatever we’ve got scheduled right after.” He paused. “Hell… we’ll probably need to schedule an appreciation party or bonuses for the whole staff. I can’t imagine it being any better once they’re actually on property, and it’ll probably be a high-stress weekend for everybody.”
Ollie shuddered. “I already feel bad for the summer temps at the front desk.”
“Yeeeesh,” Simon started with a cringe. “We’ll probably need an extra day of training reinforcement and heavy reminders thatwe have their backs. I’d rather be the bad guy than some kid just trying to make money between semesters.”
I pushed back from the table. “Do you two need anything else from me? I think I’d better go write up that contract.” I looked out the window. “And make sure I’m ready for that storm coming in.”
“We’re good,” Simon said as he also stood. “But I’ll walk you out so you can tell me about that ring.”
I sighed. “Your dad already asked. Come on.”
I glanced over at Ollie. “You too, I guess.”
Ollie chuckled. “I’ll get the gossip later, but thanks. Like you… I need to get everything on paper before details start changing.”
I nodded, then Simon and I headed into the hall.
“Mind if I do something that will piss Susan all the way off, while making both me and the resort look good to the couple?”
“Talk to me,” Simon replied.
“I couldn’t help but notice all the talk of boards everywhere… including on the cake table.”
He chuckled. “I think I know where you’re going.”
“Mind if I use a bit of stock to make a personalized board? I trust Ollie or you to figure out a way to present it as a gift from us, rather than something Susan negotiated for.”
Simon laughed. “They’re staying the weekend and doing a brunch the next day. I’m sure we could figure out a way to gift it directly either then, or during the rehearsal.”
I echoed his laugh. “Think it’ll get under her skin?”
“Oh, fuck yeah. It’s perfect, so she can’t complain publicly, but it’s one of those tiny details she’s overlooking while thinking about all the huge ones.”
I grinned. “I’ll just have to keep it hidden until after I take the final payment. Cause God knows she’ll try to start haggling again if an extra piece appears before I get my money.”
“Good call. But I’ve got you. And I agree, that’s definitely the type of move that’s a middle finger to her directly that she has to take with a smile.”
“What’s a middle finger that somebody will have to smile about?” Dale asked as we walked into his office.
“Randy was just telling me his idea to piss off Susan by giving the couple a gift jointly from him and the resort. He wants to make a customized charcuterie board for the cake table.”
Dale laughed from behind the desk. “Do it. If that woman wants to dictate the tone of my employees’ speech—with her, not even with the couple—but misses a customized board as an option… The couple won’t have a clue, but she’ll knowexactlywhat it means.”
“It’s even better,” I added, “because I nixed the idea of customizing all the boards for favors… cause who wants decorative items with somebody else’s wedding date on them. Put that shit on the honey jar labels. But the couple? They’re a different story.”
Dale cackled. “That’s dirty, and I love it.”
I grinned.
Dale motioned to the chairs on our side of his desk. “Your dog is happily napping over here, so tell me about that ring.”
I sat, and Simon took the other chair.
