I felt marginally better now that I showered and unpacked my things, but was still feeling a little weary from traveling. Vowing to not stay in the office past eight, so I could finally get a good night’s sleep in my own bed, I lifted my chin to Carol in greeting, and headed into my office.

With my mind intent on firing up my computer and getting through some emails before my appointment, I didn’t register the leggy blonde sitting in the chair at my desk until she stood up quickly, and had to hold onto the edge of the desk to keep from falling over.

“Sorry, I’m a little early, but Carol said it was okay if I waited in here…”

I tried to hold back my scowl, but figured I’d failed when I saw Laurel’s hopeful expression turn apprehensive as she watched me move behind my desk and sit down.

I didn’t like the idea of Laurel being in my office without me; for all I knew she’d planted booby traps for me to fall into at inopportune times.

After a few seconds of her wary eyes on me, I began to grow frustrated, not just because she’d showed up early and ruined my plans for catching up, but because she was looking at me like I was going to bite her.

“Have a seat,” I said, the words coming out a little harsher than I’d intended.

Laurel fell into the chair and shifted back, fidgeting and wringing her hands like a frightened rabbit, and I let out a sigh.

“Let’s try this again … Hello, Laurel, how are you this evening?” I managed in an even tone, even though I half expected to see a snake in my wastebasket.

Laurel cleared her throat, her blue eyes wide on me.

“I’m, uh, pretty good, Dillon, thanks for asking,” Laurel said, her voice conveying her unease. “How are you?”

“Tired,” I admitted, hoping she’d assume at least part of my assholery was because of that. “I’ve been travelling.”

“Oh, yeah, Jazzy told me about the expansion. It’s really wonderful, Dillon.”

The mention of my sister reminded me of who I was talking to, and I realized I needed to stop with the pleasantries, get down to business, and have Laurel on her way so I could get to work.

“Right, thanks,” I began, folding my hands on my desk. “So, Jasmine said you needed some help with a business plan?”

“Yes,” she replied, sitting up a little taller in her seat. “I’ve been running the flower shop for my parents, but I’d like to expand it to a party planning business, and maybe wedding planning too … I need a business plan for my parents, and for the bank in order to get a loan.”

“Your parents don’t want you to expand?”

“It’s not that they don’t want me to, the problem is that they don’t think I can do it. They want to give me the shop, but to keep it as is. They’re worried it’ll fail if I try to change things.”

Laurel was frowning as she talked, and I didn’t blame her; it sounded like her parents were still the same assholes they’d always been. Part of the reason Laurel was always at my house growing up was because she didn’t want to be at hers.

“So, they have conditions for you taking over the shop… And, if you have a solid business plan, you think they’ll be okay with the changes you want to make,” I surmised.

Laurel nodded. “I’m hoping if I have a great business plan, one that gets the bank to agree to a business loan so that I can get the necessary equipment and everything, they will see that I am serious and that it is possible for me to make the flower shop even more successful.”

Knowing her parents, I wasn’t sure that was true, but I’d promised Jasmine I’d help Laurel out, so that’s what I’d do. I couldn’t promise her parents would change their minds and get on board, but I’d agreed to the business plan, and that’s what Laurel would get.

“Right,” I began, turning on my computer and logging in as I spoke. “Get with Carol and set up a meeting for next week. In that week, I want you to write out the structure of your proposed business, your goals for the business, and your financial needs. I also want you to list any potential employees, and list their skills and experience. We’ll focus on that next week, and they we’ll start a marketing plan, sound good?”

When I’d started listing what I wanted her to do, Laurel had whipped out her phone and began jotting down notes.

At least she’s taking this seriously, I thought. I had to admit, one small part of me had thought this whole meeting could be a hoax, but it seemed Laurel was being genuine. Huh, maybe she’s grown up some after all.

Laurel looked up from her phone and asked, “Is that all? Are you sure you don’t need a list of past lovers as references?”

“Why would I need that?” I asked, honestly bewildered.

“I don’t know,” Laurel whispered, her face turning bright red.

She stood up suddenly, clutching her phone tightly in her hand and saying a little too loudly, “Well, okay then. I’ll get with Carol and get this information for next week,” then she walked out of my office like her ass was on fire.

I watched her leave, shaking my head and dismissing my earlier thought about her growing up; she was obviously just as immature as ever. Hopefully, after a couple of meetings we’d have her business plan squared away and she’d be out of my hair.

Then I could go back to ignoring her at family gatherings, and my life could get back to normal.