ago, I started cutting him back. He never even knew. Well, he knows now because when he goes turkey hunting, I make him make the sausage for us. Nothing better than fresh turkey sausage.”
“This is turkey?”
“Sure is.”
It was delicious, but somehow the thought of a huge feathered turkey hanging by his feet over some big guy’s shoulder as he trekked through the woods was a little harder to swallow than that of pre-formed sausage patties in the grocery case.
Lilene’s face squinched. “Too much information for you?”
Vanessa swallowed. “Yeah. A little.” She slugged back some coffee, and tried to wash away that image so she could finish.
“Just rewind that. Pretend I never said anything. Oh goodness, I do sometimes ramble on.”
“Thank you for breakfast,” Vanessa said. “It was a nice surprise. And delicious.”
“Well, it was kind of two birds with one stone really. One, I wasn’t sure when you’d need a ride and wanted to show you that I’d be here for you. Two, I figured if I proved I was a good cook you’d come to Thanksgiving dinner.” She raised her hand. “I know. Norm said, ‘Lilene, don’t be pushy.’ But I have to tell you it just really bothers me to think of anyone not getting a dose of family on Thanksgiving.” She patted her chest. “I really hope you’ll come.”
“Don’t count on it. I have a lot to do, and who knows, I may even ride down to Georgia to visit my cousin for the holiday. I’ll be fine. I promise.”
“The invitation stands.” Lilene’s shoulders drooped as she headed for the door. “I put the rest of the casserole in the refrigerator. It’ll be just as tasty when you heat it up later.”
Vanessa followed Lilene out to the car, reminding herself to not become emotionally invested in these people. She was here to do a job. There was no time for anything else.
It was a short drive to Main Street, and it was already buzzing with traffic and people opening their stores. Lilene turned onto Porter House Road and went around to park in the lot behind Porter’s.
“This is where all the employees park.” She took her key out of the ignition.
Vanessa followed her to the back entrance. The brick steps were steep; it was a wonder someone hadn’t complained. Vanessa grabbed the handrail, steadying herself as they went inside.
“This is where the factory team punches in and out every day. None of us are supposed to use the front door. It’s strictly enforced. I mean, you didn’t know, but from now on you probably should come through here. It keeps the store from getting unnecessary traffic.” Lilene blushed. “I’m sorry. You can, of course, do whatever you like.”
“So, the factory workers clock in over here and then go back across the street to the factory?”
“No. There’s nothing in that building.”
“The plans showed the factory across the street in the other building.”
“Not anymore. The factory is down that hall now.”
She’d have to check into that. “Never mind. Show me the way to my office.”
“From the back entrance we’re at the other end. Your office is right next to mine,” Lilene said, while Vanessa mouthed the words in her mind.
She followed Lilene upstairs and down a long corridor.
Just beyond the stairs, Lilene stopped. “Those stairs come up from the retail area. This is my office. You’re in the next one down. It overlooks Main Street.”
“Thank you.” Vanessa walked by Lilene, who was putting her coat on a rack next to her desk.
Vanessa was pleased with her office, even if it was temporary. Leather chairs were positioned across from a masculine desk of walnut or mahogany with a timeless look to it. The ornate carved legs and edge of the desktop looked hand-done. A matching credenza held a nice bronze of a horse and carriage, similar to the one on the logo. Floor-to-ceiling built-ins held rows of awards and certificates. In the far corner of the room, a Christmas tree held years and years of collectible annual Porter’s ornaments.
She swept her fingers over the dusty branches of the Christmas tree, then rubbed her hands together to get rid of the residue.
It only took a few minutes to set up her computer and sync her calendar with the latest meeting updates from Chicago. Edward had scheduled a meeting for the top of the hour. That was only five minutes away. She unpacked her things and then called him.
“Vanessa. Good morning. You’re all settled in by now I’m sure?” his voice boomed.
A