The edges of my mouth curl up. “Your grand-doggie.”
“I refuse to call him that. Don’t get me wrong, I like the dog, but is it really necessary to have him carry the rings?”
“I think it’s kind of cute.” I shrug.
“If it was only him maybe, but they’re bringing their bird now, too.” Linda shakes her head in disgust.
“What? You didn’t tell me about this.” I smile widely.
“I didn’t? Oh yeah, they’re placing the bird’s cage on the table where everyone gets their table seating cards because they wanted him to be part of the day, too.”
“Is this the same bird who says ‘I’ve been a bad boy’?” I can’t stifle my giggles. This bird has been a recurring source of laughter for us ever since Chloe adopted him. He obviously had a very interesting previous owner.
“Yes. And don’t forget he also says ‘harder, baby.’” Linda stares at me with wide eyes.
Ironically, I laugh harder. “That’s right.”
“Laugh all you want, I have to witness this nonsense first hand. I will die of embarrassment if that bird says anything in front of the pastor.”
“What does Richard say about all this?” I’ve met Linda’s husband multiple times. He’s always appeared easy-going to me, but I know from Linda’s stories that he’s a serious guy.
“She’s his princess. His little girl can do no wrong in his eyes.”
“Well, I can’t wait to hear all about it.” I snicker.
Linda rolls her eyes again and shoos me away. “Go get your tacos.”
“I’ll be back,” I say, walking out of the door.
I smile at guests on my way up to the tasting room. I decide to stop by and see if Monica wants anything for lunch. Ryan is off site today or I would stop by his office as well.
I’m heading up the stairs when I hear a woman laughing. It takes me a moment to realize it’s Nicolette.
“I don’t think getting Luke to agree is going to be a problem.” Another laugh. “Let’s just say, him and I speak the same language. I’ll get him to approve to it.”
I continue up the stairs to find Nicolette in Monica’s office.
“Hi, Jess,” Monica calls out when she sees me.
“Hello, Jessica.” Nicolette turns around in her chair to give me a big fake smile. “Thanks for the info, Monica.”
Nicolette hurries past me and I shut the door to Monica’s office. “What is she going to get Luke to approve?”
Monica is rifling through her desk drawer trying to find something. “Nicolette? She was asking me if I had money in my budget for updated pamphlets and stationery. I told her no, that I would help with the design, but the costs would be part of her rebranding budget.” Luke, Monica and I came up with a budget to do a brand update for the winery. He was reluctant at first, but Mrs. Bianchi insisted he should at least add his name to the winery. With Monica being bogged down with harvest event planning, Luke decided to loop Nicolette in and asked her to come up with some ideas of how to refresh the tasting room. “I’m beginning to think asking for her help was a bad idea.”
“She’s going to ask Luke for more money? She’s already overspent on this rebranding as it is.”
Monica shrugs her shoulders and shakes her head letting me know this was not her doing.
“But we already agreed to a budget weeks ago.” I frown causing Monica to raise her hands in surrender.
“That’s what I told her, but she seems to think she has some pull with him. Said something about not being as intimidated by him as the rest of us are, that she knows how to handle powerful men.” Monica rolls her eyes. “For the record, I am not intimidated by Luke.”
I can’t help but let out a small laugh. “I know you’re not.”
“I’m sure you didn’t come up here to listen to my complaints about Nicolette. What can I do for you, Jessica?” Monica stops her search and smiles sweetly at me.
“I’m picking up food from El Ranchito. Do you want anything?”
“No, I brought lunch today, but thanks for asking.”
“No problem.” I say at the same time my gut tells me working with Nicolette is definitely going to be a problem.
“Thank you both for meeting with me.” I set variance reports in front of Luke and Nicolette. “You’ve both been here a little over a month now, so I think it’s time we start to take a closer look at our costs.”
Luke examines the report thoughtfully. “I know these numbers don’t look great on paper, but we need to understand the underlying causes here.”
“I realize with the change in personnel and in some cases philosophy, there was bound to be some spending we didn’t anticipate. I’m less concerned with the capital expenditures and employee costs. However, I would like to take a closer look at operating expenses.” I point to the highlighted section of the report.
Nicolette sets her papers down and smiles at Luke before addressing me. “Luke and I have discussed these expenses at length and deemed them necessary to propel this business forward.” Nicolette uses a condescending tone I immediately take offense to.
“Spending ten thousand dollars on new linens for the restaurant is necessary?” I read from my notes. “Another eight thousand on business cards, letterhead and other logoed office supplies…all necessary?” I keep my voice even. I don’t want to escalate the situation too quickly, but she needs to be held accountable.
Nicolette sits up tall with perfect posture. “We already agreed about the need to rebrand and generate some renewed excitement for this place.”
“Yes, and I believe we also all agreed to a budget several weeks ago. A budget that has already been spent.” I look at Luke who is still staring at his pages. “I haven’t even seen bills for the new signage, the website update or the wine club member’s barrel tasting party.”
Luke sets down the reports and slides a spreadsheet across the table to me. “We agreed to those numbers in good faith, but as we started thinking about it more, we realized there was more we wanted to do. I’ll take the blame for this one. I had a vision and after talking with Nicolette I realized some costs were left out of the original budget.”
I reluctantly pick up the report, my mouth twists as I read the newly revised budget for the rebranding project. A budget I clearly was not asked to assist with.
“Jessica, we want to do this right out the gate. I’m sure you agree that we don’t want to look back and regret trying to save a few bucks.” Nicolette pushes her dark curls back over her shoulder.
I raise an eyebrow at her. “I’m not trying to save a few bucks. I’m trying to ensure this winery stays profitable.” I set down the ridiculous new list of must have items that includes new photography of the site and all the employees.
“The Bianchis managed this place a little differently. I don’t mind spending a little more now and seeing the benefit later,” Luke explains as he folds his hands on the table. His tone and gesture give the impression his mind is made up.
Nicolette clears her throat causing us to both look her direction. “You’ve said it yourself, Jessica, your job is to be conservative with the money and I totally respect that. But our job is to attract customers, to sell an experience. Sometimes to do that you have to spend some money. You may need to loosen the reigns and let us do our job.”
I don’t like that she’s referring to Luke and her as some sort of team, but I like it even less that she’s painting me as their opponent, as some type of money miser. I feel the heat rising in my chest and realize I need to calm down before I have another conversation with Luke about the finances.
“Fine. I’ve presented the numbers and given you my opinion on where the numbers need to land to make sense financially.” I begin to gather my papers. “Your choice if you use that information or not.” I regret instantly that my words sound as irritated as I am.
“Great, well, I think we’re done here then.” I stand to leave; this conversation will need to be continued another day.
“I need another few minutes of your time. Nicolette, you can go.” Luke looks back down at the reports in front of him, giving no hint as to what his current mood is.
I steal a glance at Nicolette, her face sour from being excused so unceremoniously. She gathers her stuff and walks out without saying another word. I toss my papers on the table and sit back down.
Luke studies my face for a moment. “It’s not personal, Jessica.”
“Of course not.” I physically bite my lip to prevent myself from saying anything else.
“You’re obviously pissed. I’m trying to figure out if you’re angry about the budget or if you’re mad because you think I’m siding with Nicolette.” Luke keeps his eyes focused on mine.
I narrow my eyes slightly at his implication that I’m jealous of Nicolette. “Definitely the first one.”
“Are you sure? Because Nicolette mentioned you seem intimidated by her.”
I stand up again. “I don’t have time for this.”
“She mentioned other things, too.” Luke raises his voice slightly, so I stay standing in front of him. “Did you warn her I’m difficult to work with?”
“That’s not what I said. I said sometimes we disagree and sometimes it’s difficult.” I knew I needed to watch what I said to her.
“Isn’t that the same thing?” Luke’s face tightens.
“No, it’s not. Bottom line, I didn’t say anything to her that I wouldn’t say in front of you.”
Luke raises his eyebrows. “Did you tell her I’m not qualified to run this place and that you’re only sticking around to make sure I don’t ruin it?”
I sit back down, my blood starting to boil at her made up accusations. “Absolutely not.” She’s really stooped to a level I didn’t expect her to. “You think I’d say that to her?”
“I hope not.” Luke’s face remains passive.
“I wouldn’t.” I look him straight in the eye and hope he can see the truth. “I don’t know what game Nicolette is playing or why you suddenly value her opinion so highly, but I was not bad mouthing you. If you want to believe her over me, that’s your mistake.”
Luke looks taken aback “I didn’t say I believe her over you. I’m trying to understand why you don’t like her so much.”
“I don’t trust her,” I clarify.
“She’s had nothing but nice things to say about you,” Luke offers. I roll my eyes, but he continues. “She’s been helpful, a great resource in dealing with the managers and setting up new goals for each department.”
“I should have guessed,” I mutter under my breath.
“What?” Luke frowns.
I sigh and lean forward in my seat. “Fine. I was going to try to stay out of this and let you two sort out the operations side of things, but you should know I’ve been hearing a lot of complaints. You currently have a lot of very unhappy employees.”
“Complaints from who?” Luke looks genuinely concerned.
“I don’t want to name names, but I’ve had several managers and employees come talk to me.”
“Can I get some specifics?” Luke furrows his brow.
“Did you adjust the sales team’s goals last week?”
“I did.” Luke nods.
“Why?”
“With the projected growth during the fourth quarter, Nicolette and I felt their goals were too easily obtained. We decided it would be good to give them a little push.” Luke leans back and crosses his legs.
“Did you discuss this with them or just deliver the news?”
“We had a meeting to discuss it.”
“And did anyone talk at this meeting besides you and Nicolette?”
“No one expressed any concern about the new goals if that’s what you’re asking.”
I sigh. “You’re the new boss Luke and even when you don’t try to be, you’re intimidating to some people. Did you tell Luis he had to come up with a whole new menu for the restaurant?”
“Not a whole new menu, but I did tell Luis I thought the menu could use a little tweaking.”
Luis is prone to exaggeration, but the details aren’t what’s important here. “And what gave you that idea?”
“Nicolette suggested—”
I interrupt him. “You do realize that Luis has been our head chef, coming up with menus and running that kitchen for the past five years.”
“So, he can’t take any constructive criticism?”
“Not really.” I shake my head vigorously. “He’s a chef, Luke. He considers himself an artist and prides himself on his food. Food that keeps our restaurant with a healthy need for reservations and our Yelp reviews consistently at four and five stars. Why do you think you or Nicolette suddenly know more than he does? Mrs. Bianchi trusted her managers’ talents.”
“So, your advice is to come in and keep everything how Mrs. Bianchi had it?” Luke scowls.
“No, but I do think you should let the dust settle before you take a leaf blower to the mound. Get to know your people. Trust them. There will be plenty of time to put your mark on this place, but if you’re not careful you may end up losing some really good people.” I brace for Luke’s reaction. He’s been patient up until this point, but I know he doesn’t agree with me. I’m assuming he’s about to unleash his frustration with my disagreement any minute.
Luke looks up at the ceiling and rolls his shoulders back. “I appreciate your opinion, even if I don’t agree with it. I need people who want to be here, so I appreciate your feedback and will consider it as I move forward.”
I’m stunned into silence for a moment. This is not the reaction I was expecting. I can tell he’s holding back his frustrations, but nonetheless he’s listening patiently. “They’ll want to work for you once they get to know you, but you’re coming in too hot. Too many changes too quickly. Give people time to adjust.”
Luke nods, but doesn’t say anything. I can’t tell if he’s trying to control his reaction or if he’s actually considering all I’ve said, I suspect he’s doing a little of both.
“Luke, you have a lot of qualities that are going to make you very successful here. I’m only trying to help.”
Luke stands, so I do, too.
“Thank you,” his deep voice vibrates through the room.
“I mean it. You’ve got this.”
He gives me a small smile before walking out ahead of me. It’s not clear how my words were received by him. I don’t know what Nicolette is up to exactly, but I hope someone figures her out before she has the opportunity to inflict too much damage.
Chapter 16
I’m thinking about the upcoming weekend, about finishing back to school shopping with Amelia, as I walk up the path to my office. Monica is waiting for me, pacing in front of the door to the small building. It’s only Wednesday and it’s already been a long week without Linda here. By the look on Monica’s face, it’s about to get longer.
“What’s going on, Monica?” As I enter my code into the keypad, I notice she’s curling and uncurling her fingers.
“I messed up, Jessica.”
“Whatever it is I’m sure we can fix it.” I attempt to calm her as she follows me into the office.
As I round my desk, Monica has a seat on the other side. She twists the bracelet on her wrist waiting until I’ve taken my seat before beginning. “I had a meeting with Nicolette on Monday evening to discuss last minute details about the photo shoot. It was getting late and we were spit-balling ideas about the image and what message we wanted to send to our patrons.”
“Okay?” I press the button on my comp
uter and it beeps indicating its attempt to wake up.
“We discussed how we want the winery to retain its family feel. It’s the vision the Bianchis had and one that has served us well.” Monica clears her throat and clasps her hands together to quiet them. “We talked about the shoot and how we wanted to get updated shots of the grounds with the new logo in place as well as new pictures of the staff, including Luke. She mentioned we should do something on the website to introduce him as the new owner.”
“Sounds good.” I have no idea where this is going, but based on the sickly look Monica is wearing, it’s clearly about to take a sharp turn.
“I don’t know what Nicolette did after our meeting, but I think maybe she called her.” Monica’s eyes widen.
I give a small headshake. “Back up, called who?”
Monica stares at me a moment before continuing in an apologetic tone. “Claire. She’s in the tasting room. She’s here with the baby.”
I feel the color drain from my face.
Monica places a hand on her chest. “I can’t imagine this was Luke’s idea. The only thing that makes sense is Nicolette called and invited her. I’m not one hundred percent sure, but if this wasn’t Luke’s idea, he’s going to be pissed. If she tells Luke this was my idea, I’m going to knock her right out of her expensive stilettos.”
I can’t help but crack a smile at the image of Monica engaging Nicolette. Monica is a slight, little thing, but she’s feisty. Nicolette may have a good four inches on her, but my money would still be on Monica.
“Maybe it was Luke’s idea? Nicolette has his ear for the moment, maybe she convinced him this was a good idea.” Monica’s right, if Nicolette went behind Luke’s back he won’t be happy, but I wouldn’t expect such a large miscalculation on her part.
“I doubt it.” Monica looks a little embarrassed. “I asked if he was inviting Claire to something months ago and got an earful about how inappropriate that would be.” Monica waves a finger at me. “If that woman even tries to throw me under the bus for this, things are going to get ugly. I can’t believe you haven’t called her out yet.”
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