Chapter 72
Chapter 72
Josie took a sip of her milkshake, then chomped down on her cheeseburger. There was something about the care package from her folks that made everything taste like home.
"I'm settling in fine at the firm, but there's a bit of a backlog I need to get through, so I might be working late. Mom, Dad, haven't you had someone to oversee the place before?"
Garrett replied, "We had Mike on it for a while, but once you stepped in, we handed the reins to Sue."
Josie understood. With an empire so vast, some nooks were bound to gather dust. Well, if there was chaos in the ranks, she was just the one to sort it out.
Hattie, ever so sharp, sensed something amiss and chimed in, "Sweetheart, are there troubles at the office? Let us know what's up, and we can send over some top manager to lend a hand."
Josie chuckled and shook her head. "No need, I can handle it. If it's too hot to touch, I'll holler for help."
So, Hattie and Garrett were content to let her be. Josie would need to learn the ropes solo if she was to helm other ventures in the future.
They pulled up to Gourmet Galaxy, and Josie followed her parents in for dinner. They'd just settled into their private dining room when Oliver and Brandon knocked and entered.
Brandon grinned wide. "Josie, you and Oliver are like two peas in a pod. What are the odds, right? Spooky coincidence!"
Oliver nodded politely. "Mr. Garrett, Ms. Hattie, Josie, good evening."
Josie was just as taken aback. "Good evening." What were the chances?
Garrett and Hattie were equally intrigued. What brought Brandon and Oliver here? It was just too serendipitous.
Brandon took a seat, giving Oliver a sly wink, who sat beside Josie, all smiles.
Oliver explained, "Grandpa and I came for a bite. We saw you folks and thought we'd say hello."
Brandon, ever the jester, proposed, "Josie, since fate's thrown us together, let's merge tables. More company, more feast!"
Garrett could only nod in agreement, "Sure, let's do as Mr. Brandon suggests."
Oliver poured Josie some water, ensuring it was cool enough. "Here, not too hot."
Thirsty from the day's hustle, Josie eagerly grabbed the glass. "Thanks." She took a generous gulp, quenching her thirst.
As the dishes arrived, Oliver's hands, refined and nimble, elegantly peeled shrimp for her, leaving Brandon suppressing his chuckles. "Josie, you and Oliver side by side are a match made in heaven. I'll talk to your granddad tonight. Let's get that marriage pact going. What do you say, Josie? Oliver's a catch, and he's got a pretty penny to his name."
Just how badly did Brandon want great-grandkids? Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.
Hattie, with a laugh, declined, "Mr. Brandon, we've just got Josie back and want her around for a few more years, you know."
Brandon, dead serious, added, "That's exactly why I'm considering having Oliver marry into your family."
Josie suddenly spat out her water, dousing Oliver's leg. By reflex, she turned away, but as luck would have it, her aim was all on his trousers.
Apologizing profusely, she reached for a napkin, but as she dabbed at the spill, her hand brushed against something... rather firm. The moment she realized what it was, her face turned beet red.
Oliver caught her hand, his voice a low murmur, "What are you fishing for there?"