“Why don’t we get started?” she said. “In front of you, you’ll see the information I’d like to go over today.”
For the next twenty minutes, she filled them in on the details of the new product and her ideas for the launch and how Perkins Foods could be a part of it. But her mind was only partially on the presentation. She couldn’t stop looking at Ollie who couldn’t seem to stop looking at his phone. What was going on at the hospital? How was everyone?
She wrapped things up without going over the details for the television commercials in local markets or the Facebook ad plan.
“I’d love to hear your thoughts,” she said, closing the folder in front of her.
But just then she noticed Ollie scowling at his phone.
Dammit. What had happened?
Gordon opened his mouth, but Whitney put up a finger. “But if you could just give us one minute, Gordon?” she asked. “I need to speak with Oliver about something pressing. Why don’t we take a short break? You can refill your coffees.” She pushed her chair back and stood. “Please help yourself to more muffins. The restrooms are just down the hall to the left,” she spoke as she moved toward Ollie’s chair. She snagged the sleeve of his shirt and tugged. “Can I see you in my office for a moment?”
He looked confused and it was clear that he hadn’t been paying attention. “Uh, yeah. Sure.” He got to his feet and followed her out the door and to the right.
Once they were in her office she faced him. “What’s wrong?”
“They were going to do a bypass for two blockages. Now it’s three.”
“Dammit.”
He nodded. “Yeah.”
“You should go over there.”
“What?” He frowned. “No. I’ll wait until you’re done.”
“No. Go. You’re worried sick and they would want you there with them. I’ve got this.”
“But—”
“Ollie, what are the in-store displays going to look like?”
“Uh…”
“Come on. Are they going to have alpacas or bobcats on them?”
“Alpacas.”
“Wrong.” She smiled. “Neither.”
He sighed. “I’m sorry. I’m just distracted.”
“I know. And I get it. But I don’t need you in there. I can answer all of their questions. I promise.”
He was thinking about it, she could tell. So she pressed.
“Do you trust me?”
“Of course.”
“Then please go. Take care of your friends. And send me an update as soon as you get there.”
He finally breathed out. “Okay. I know you’ve got this. You’ll be fine without me. I just wanted you to know you were supported.”
She felt her chest warm as she realized that she already knew that. “I do know. The people who need your in-person support right this minute are in Dubuque.”
She wanted those people—all of them but, yes, one in particular—to have everything, and everyone, they needed to feel supported. Ollie being there would make them feel better. He’d make Cam feel better. Piper would too.
“Go get Piper from the bakery. If it’s too busy for Paige on her own, just close it up again. I think Piper needs to be at the hospital too.”
Ollie nodded. “She’s worried.”
“I know.”
Ollie reached out and squeezed her arm. “Go kick ass. I’ll text you.”
“Thanks.”
He left and she stood staring at a door through which someone had left her again. But this was okay. She was where she needed to be.
She rejoined the other men in the conference room. They’d just settled back in with fresh coffee. She smiled as she took her seat.
“Where’s Oliver?” Gordon asked.
“A friend’s mother is in the hospital,” Whitney said. “He left to be with him.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.”
It sounded like he said it more because he felt it was the right thing to say, but Whitney nodded.
“What questions do you have?” she asked.
“I’m curious what your father thinks of the plan.”
She blinked, then stared at Gordon. Then frowned. Then blinked again. “My father?” she finally asked.
“Yes. I haven’t spoken to him in a while but he didn’t mention anything about a new product the last time we did talk.”
“I’m sure he didn’t,” Whitney said, confused. “He doesn’t know anything about it.”
Gordon seemed confused now. “He doesn’t?”
“No.” Whitney leaned in. “My father doesn’t own Hot Cakes anymore, Gordon. He’s not a part of any new plans or products anymore.”
“Well, yes, I know that’s technically true,” Gordon said. “But surely you’re talking with him about decisions and turning to him for advice.”
Whitney felt her eyebrows rise. “Actually, no, I’m not. There are four men who are making the decisions now and who I get advice from. And give it to, incidentally. Aiden Anderson, Grant Lorre, Oliver Caprinelli, and Camden McCaffery. The new owners.”
“All young men with no previous experience in the food industry,” Gordon said.
She nodded. “Which is why I’m here.”
“Also young and inexperienced.”
“Young, perhaps, but I’ve been involved with Hot Cakes all my life. It’s been my family’s business for almost fifty-two years.”
“I’m aware of that.” Gordon gave her a placating smile. “But I meant inexperienced in actual business.”
Whitney expected to feel the typical frustration welling up. The anger at being dismissed. The exasperation.
Then… she started to laugh.
Gordon’s eyes widened. He looked at Matt and Stephen.
Whitney glanced at them as well, laughing and shaking her head. She was actually… amused. These men were misogynistic fools. They were treating her the way her own father, grandfather, and brother always had. They wouldn’t get it, no matter how she explained it to them.
And it didn’t matter.
It didn’t matter who they thought had come up with the ideas or who thought they were great. It didn’t matter if Gordon Fucking Perkins thought she could handle this.
All that mattered was that Aiden, Grant, Ollie, and Cam thought she could handle this.
And they did.
All Gordon Perkins needed to know was that Hot Cakes was no longer a Lancaster family business.
She was the idiot. She’d put time and energy into this.
