A Nantucket Affair (Nantucket Beach Plum Cove #4)(22)

“I’ll be there.”

“And drinks after? I think the whole office is going today to celebrate Brad’s fourth anniversary.” They always liked to make a little fuss on each employee’s yearly anniversary with the company. Their employees appreciated the recognition and everyone enjoyed the celebration.

She shook her head. “No, not tonight. I told Lisa and Paige I’d meet them at Millie’s for dinner and drinks. But I will order a cake from Stop and Shop and bring it in when I come later today.”

“Good. I won’t have any, but I know everyone else will love it.”





Chapter 13





Sue picked up the anniversary cake on her way into the office later that afternoon. The energy in the small office was high when she stepped in the door. Brad was high-fiving Curt and Sue smiled when she saw it, guessing that he had just signed a new policy or a new client.

Curt turned at the sound of the door opening and came over to her.

“Hey, there. Great news, Brad just expanded the Rogers account. They moved all the business and automobile coverage over to us.” That was good news. The Rogers were a fairly new account. Brad had met the husband golfing and he’d been looking to lower their home insurance policy. Adding the other coverage meant they were happy with the service they’d received from Brad and the agency. Sue walked over and congratulated him.

“Curt just told me the good news. That’s really great to hear, and we have lots to celebrate. It’s hard to believe it’s your four-year anniversary.”

Brad flushed at the compliment.

“Thank you. A good excuse for cake, right?”

Sue smiled. “Yes, and you might need to have Curt’s share, too, since he’s off carbs.”

Brad laughed. “That won’t be a problem.”

Sue set the cake in the conference room and everyone in the office gathered there promptly at four. Curt led the meeting and everyone shared their wins and challenges for the week.

Brandi had a challenge with a client that was considering dropping them to go with a less expensive option, and Sue gave her some data and walked her through an approach that could hopefully save the account, to show how a slightly more expensive policy with better coverage could save the client money in the long run. Brandi took detailed notes and looked grateful.

“Thank you. The detailed numbers info might do it with them. They are so focused on the data.”

When they finished up, Curt asked Sue again if she wanted to join them for drinks.

“Come with us,” Brandi chimed in. “It’s been ages since you’ve come out.”

Sue was surprised somewhat by the comment and flattered, too. It was nice to be wanted.

“Thanks. I will soon, but I can’t tonight, I have another commitment. You guys have fun, though. You all deserve it. You’re all doing a great job.” A few minutes later, as she grabbed her coat and purse and turned to leave, Sue noticed that Brandi and Curt were deep in conversation. Brandi was smiling and Curt was leaning toward her, totally engrossed in what she was saying. Neither one of them looked her way as Sue opened the front door.





When Sue reached Millie’s restaurant, she saw Lisa’s car parked by the door. She went upstairs, and both Lisa and Paige were already sitting at a table, sipping margaritas. Sue glanced at her watch and it was only a few minutes past six.

“We both got here a little early and saw a margarita go by, so we went ahead and ordered drinks,” Lisa said with a smile as Sue shrugged her coat off and settled into a chair. A moment later, their waitress came by and Sue ordered a margarita as well. As soon as it arrived, they all tapped their glasses together and toasted to a night out.

“What’s Curt up to tonight?” Paige asked.

“He went for after-work drinks with a few others in the office. One of the guys work anniversary is today and they usually go for drinks after the weekly meeting, anyway. Just an excuse to celebrate.”

“Cheers to that.” Lisa lifted her glass and took a sip.

“You didn’t want to go out with them? We could have rescheduled,” Paige said.

Sue smiled. “No, I’d much rather be out with you two.”

“Is Brandi going with them?” Lisa asked.

“Yes, she asked if I was going to join them. Said I hadn’t been out with them in ages. I haven’t. I probably should go one of these weeks.”

Paige looked thoughtful. “I would. She’s a pretty girl. I wouldn’t want her spending too much time with my husband. If I was married.”

The image of Brandi and Curt deep in thought as Sue left came to her for a moment and she shook it off.

“I’m not worried about Brandi, or Curt. He’s a harmless flirt.”

“True. But he’s lost quite a bit of weight, you said? He’s a handsome guy. And she’s single. Might not be a bad idea to just remind her that you two have a great relationship,” Paige said.

“I’ve never had to worry about Curt,” Sue said without hesitation.

“No. But how well do you know this Brandi? She’s the one I’d maybe be a little concerned about.” Paige took the last sip of her margarita and looked around to catch the waitress’s attention to order another.

“Things are good with you and Curt, right?” Lisa asked.