Big Pickle: A Secret Boss Romantic Comedy - JJ Knight Page 0,17
I do have to be there. I’ve caught them opening the register to take out cash twice. And this acting manager hasn’t had access to the books in months. So in addition to looking at the digital trail, I have to be there to see what the hell’s going on inside the operation.”
“You think they’re stealing from you?”
“They have to be. That place is hopping. There’s no reason we’re practically in the red. I’ll use the accounting files to make sure there’s nothing weird with the profit and loss. But I have to be in the store to keep an eye on the employees themselves.”
“Sounds like you’re in a hell of a mess. What do you need me to do?”
“This acting manager, Nova Strong, wants to talk directly to Jace. I need someone to be me, someone who knows enough about the chain and the family to convince her this Jason guy is legit and, while possibly annoying, practically part of the family.”
Max pauses a moment, then he says, “If I do this, do you swear you will not be so stupid as to blow your cover again by using your keys or passwords while there are other people around?”
“I will.”
“You just do your job. Like an average Joe. And keep your eyes open.”
“I will.”
“I’ll do this, not because I think you deserve it, or because you have been legitimately put upon by the deli you never even bother to visit. But your deli is part of our family business, and I don’t like the idea of somebody stealing from it. So we all ought to pull together on something like that.”
“Thank you.”
“Forward me some information about this woman and what you want me to say.”
“Thanks.”
“And you tell me how this turns out. I don’t want any of our stores falling apart.”
“I hear you. Got it.”
He hangs up, and I stare at the ceiling for a while.
Max is right on every count. I’ve let my deli go. I haven’t paid attention. I haven’t cared, and I should’ve. Because of that, everything’s falling apart, and worst of all, I’ve disappointed Dad.
I’m going to fix this. The deli isn’t so far gone that it can’t be resurrected.
Max is good. He’ll get me back in. This time I’ll do whatever Nova Strong tells me to do. I’ll snoop on my own time, keep my head down and eyes open.
And hopefully, I’ll catch a thief.
And it won’t be her.
I really hope it isn’t her.
8
Nova
The deli is different without Jason around.
He’d only been there a day and a bit, but I feel his absence.
I don’t know what it is. Maybe it was fun teaching someone who knew nothing. Maybe I like bossing around someone with money. I’m not so naïve as to think that didn’t feel good.
But it seems like we have unfinished business.
And it’s definitely not because of the hate spark. Although just thinking about it makes me rub my arm.
I have a full crew today, so I don’t need any extra help. Arush takes over the chopping. Kate and Lamonte man the sandwich line. Elda keeps the tables moving. I get to feel like a manager, making sure things run smoothly, filling in where needed, and managing deliveries.
It’s a good day, and our totals as we go into our last half hour before close are higher than average. I think about doing a free cheesecake promotion. I missed Valentine’s Day, but St. Patrick’s Day is coming up. Maybe I can come up with something clever to put on the chalkboard easel out on the sidewalk. If I can get our averages up every day, maybe that will look good to somebody.
But who? Audra? The assistant? The invisible owner? The absent manager?
Who, exactly, am I doing this for?
The phone rings, but Kate is busy with a customer, so I pick it up myself.
“Austin Pickle, this is Nova.”
“Oh, good. I caught you.” It’s Audra, Jace’s assistant.
“I told you, I’m only going to speak to Jace.”
“I have him on the line. I’ll transfer you to him. I just wanted to start the call, so you knew it was him.”
“Fine.” I start rehearsing all the nasty, horrible things I want to say to him.
“I think you’ll find he’s nicer than you expect. He’s just distracted.”
“Put him on.”
I hear a faint click, then a deep friendly voice fills my ear. “Nova Strong. I’ve been hearing a lot about you.”
For some reason, my throat goes dry. I’ve never spoken directly to the owner. “I’m sure it’s all terrible.”