Page 78 of A New Year In The Presidential Suite

Her cell phone rang. Cristina.

“Hello,” said Lori. “Are you ready for a busy day?”

“Oh, yes. I’m here at the store reviewing the items for sale,” said Cristina. “I’ve checked out the inventory system here and have all the pricing tags and stickers ready. If you don’t mind, I’ve got a routine set up that I think will work.”

“I bow to your expertise,” Lori said.

“And I am appreciative of your taking care of the displays,” Cristina said. “The shop has a lot going for it.”

“I agree,” said Lori. “I think there’s plenty of potential for a stronger marketing program, in general. I’ll meet you in a few minutes.”

“Okay, I’ll have coffee and a breakfast treat ready for you.”

Lori took care of her morning routines and managed to get to the store in record time.

Cristina greeted her and led her to the employee kitchen, where she poured her a cup of coffee and handed her a plate with a slice of coffee cake.”

“Sarita made this for us,” said Cristina, taking a seat opposite Lori at the kitchen table. “How did you become involved with Adeline Hills Winery?”

Lori told her about meeting Griff at The Beach House Hotel and how they’d spent some time together and became friends.

Cristina’s eyes widened. “I’ve seen pictures of that hotel. It’s on my ‘someday’ list. Very nice.”

“It’s gorgeous, and the owners are especially caring. I can’t wait to go back someday,” said Lori. “Let me tell you the rest of the story.”

Cristina listened and said, “It’s almost as if fate was stepping in with a plan for the two of you to be together.”

“There’s one problem. Distance,” said Lori. “It’s keeping us from moving on to anything serious.”

“Just take it one day at a time,” Cristina advised her. “When you’re finished, I want to walk through the store with you while we discuss the changes. I’ve looked over the orders, and it’s a lot of merchandise.”

“The shop could use it. We just have to display it in a way that is enticing,” said Lori. “Rosie and I had similar ideas when we talked. And though you work with clothing, you’ll see what we were saying.”

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

GRIFF

Unobserved, Griff stood at the doorway to the shop’s workroom and watched as Cristina and Lori worked together, checking inventory and tagging items, chatting away like old friends.

He knew that Sarita was right to direct Pete’s attention to someone as down-to-earth, kind, and unassuming as Cristina. He also recognized that Lori was perfect for him.

Seeing the way Lori worked and how happy she was to help out, he couldn’t help comparing his past girlfriends to her. He’d fallen for the glamorous young women in the area instead of someone with substance. Somehow, he’d have to convince Lori to give him a chance without pushing too hard and scaring her off.

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

LORI

Lori was barely aware of the time as she and Cristina worked together. It wasn’t until they took a break that she realized how much her feet and back hurt from standing without moving. At the school, helping kids, she was in constant motion, not standing still for hours.

She checked her watch. Two o’clock. No wonder she was hungry.

Just then, Sarita walked into the room carrying a tray of sandwiches, chips, and cookies. “Thought you might be hungry.”

“You’re a lifesaver,” said Cristina. She lifted a sandwich. “Oh, yum. I remember your chicken salad sandwiches. They were one of my favorites back then.”

Sarita beamed at Christina. “Oh, I’m well aware.”

Cristina laughed. “I know what you and my mother are doing.”