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As I hang up the phone, I think about the problem Val is having at Carlucci’s.
I take the stairs to Carson’s office. Suzanne isn’t at her desk, so I make my way into the office.
“Carson, do you have a few minutes?”
“Actually, I do. What’s up, Chase?”
“I wanted to talk to you about Val’s software.”
“Sure. Are you talking about the camera imaging software?”
“Yes, she just found out her major buyer backed out of the deal. The company sold cameras, and they were going to bundle the software as a package.”
“From what I’ve read and heard about the software, it sounds like something we’d be interested in.”
“I thought you might say that. I appreciate it, Carson. I wouldn’t normally mix personal with business, but this is a family business.”
“Yes, it is. If the software does what it promises, we could add it to our services and possibly include the cost as an upcharge to our existing customers.”
“Great. I’ll talk to Val. Thanks again.”
I arrive home early. I’m home before Val.
It sounded like Val was having a hectic day. So, I call in a food order to be delivered and then I get everything ready for Val to take a bubble bath.
I grin because I overheard one of the women bragging about how her husband surprised her with dinner and a bubble bath. She thought it was great. I hope Val feels the same way.
There was something else— Oh yeah, candles. I don’t know if I have any candles. I look in the cabinet and pull out two Christmas candles. They’re bright red and green, but I don’t think Val will mind. I place them around the sides of the tub and light them.
Yeah, that looks romantic. I get out the fluffiest towel we have and then lay out her robe. I get down a fluted glass and check to make sure there’s a bottle of white wine chilling in the fridge. What else?
She likes jazz music. I turn on the stereo and look at the time. She should be home any minute now. I go into the bathroom and finish filling up the tub. Now I just need the girl.
I hear the door open, and Val walks in. She looks tired.
“Hey, Babe. Let me take your briefcase. I know you had a bad day.”
“Yes, but it’s better now. I wanted to thank you for your help earlier.”
“Sure, do you want to relax in a bubble bath? I already ordered dinner.”
Val looks at the stereo and then gives me a smile. I see her dimples flash.
“You fixed me a bubble bath?”
“Yeah, I hope you like it.”
She walks into the bathroom and sees the filled tub with plenty of bubbles and the lighted candles.
“Thank you, Chase, this was so thoughtful.”
“Do you want to get undressed and get in the tub? I’ll leave you alone so you can just relax and listen to your favorite jazz music.”
I hear her get in the tub and give a big, relieved sigh.
I send a silent thank you to the woman in the breakroom for this idea.
I take in a small folded towel and place it behind her head. She gives me a tired smile in thanks.
