Page 106 of Haunt the Mall

I did. I’d arranged the appointment with corporate. I’d managed the schedules. Now, it was time to follow through.

I strode into the store and scanned the sales floor. “Corporate’s here today, so let’s remember to greet the customers, keep the desk clear of clothes and butts, and only check our phones in the office, okay? Best behavior.”

Willow tugged her hair, then hooked it behind her ear. “Okay.”

“You’ve got it, boss.” AJ slipped his phone into his pocket.

The corporate Human Resources manager, Cathy, arrived shortly after me. “Are we ready?”

I nodded. “Let’s start with AJ.”

We went into the office together.

The HR rep propped a clipboard on her lap. “Kat suggested you may be a candidate for management down the road. Would you be interested in supplementary training for that?”

“Bet.” He bobbed his head and flashed me a grin.

The HR lady arched her eyebrow. “Bet on what?”

“’Bet’ means yes,” I told her. I doubted they used that kind of lingo in corporate.

AJ beamed at me. “Thanks.”

I hoped I was leading, inspiring, and creating opportunities for my team.

Months ago, I’d clutched Bree’s hands and shrieked when they’d offered management training to me. We’d been sure she’d be offered it in her next meeting. But then she wasn’t. Nor the time after that. Today wouldn’t be any different.

Once we finished AJ’s evaluation, he bounded to the door. “You want me to grab the next person?”

“That’d have to be Willow,” I said.

The HR rep studied our agenda. “Bree’s not here yet?”

“She’s probably stuck in traffic,” AJ said.

She flattened her brow. “That happens a lot?”

“Uh…” He swiveled to me, his eyes wide with the silent plea to help him.

I handed him a box from my desk. “We got a new shipment of bat and cat jewelry. Can you sort it out front?”

“You’ve got it, boss.” He saluted, then scurried off.

The HR rep frowned and scribbled something down on her clipboard. “I guess this gives us a stronger case against Bree. Not that we need it. Do you think AJ could discipline a friend?”

My throat clenched. “Maybe with practice.”

Wasn’t that how everyone learned? Or they avoided working with friends altogether.

Bree burst through the back door, two pieces of hair on either side of her face in stiff curls as she peered into the office. “Hi. I—traffic.”

The HR rep offered her a thin smile. “Sure. Come on in, we’d love to do your evaluation.”

Bree slammed her drink from the mall’s coffee shop on my desk and hissed under her breath. “Why didn’t you warn me HR was coming today?”

I raised my shoulder. “I sent an email. I’ve warned you about other stuff.”

“Like falling spiders? Thanks.” She rolled her eyes and turned to the HR rep, pouring out a voice sweeter than candy. “Hiii, so nice to meet you.”