Game for Trouble (Game for It 2)

“The main reason we’re having such a large party for Mandy is because she’s launching a new business,” Phil said excitedly. “And we are inviting every female we know in the Monterey and Carmel area to come for the weekend. We’ll host a fabulous party, offer them swag bags and hopefully, have completed a lot of orders by Sunday afternoon.”

Mandy rolled her eyes and smoothed her bright blond hair back from her face, her gigantic diamond ring catching the light and nearly blinding Willow. “So cheesy,” she murmured.

Phil glared at his daughter. “We’ll see what you’re saying when the business truly starts gaining speed after your party.”

“May I ask what sort of product you’re selling?” Willow tapped away at her iPad, taking copious notes. This wasn’t so much a celebration of Amanda’s impending marriage. More like an executive business decision—a party they could write off as an expense.

Funny how Amanda was giving her nothing but grief when she was doing the very thing she’d hassled Willow over—starting a business on her own.

“Hair extensions,” Amanda said with a heavy sigh.

Willow paused her fingers above the keyboard, flicking her gaze up to watch the Whitmores carefully. “Extensions?”

Phil nodded. “They’re the latest craze, you know.”

“More like the latest craze three years ago,” Amanda retorted, her voice rising. Okay…clearly there was some tension between them.

“As if you understand the current market. Your personal experience is with expensive extensions that cost what the average person makes in a year and they only last three months.” Phil waved his hand, shooting a smile in Willow’s direction. “We’re trying to sell quality extensions that any woman can afford.”

Willow hated to even think it, but she had to agree with Amanda. There were so many other inexpensive hair extensions out there, why would they want to launch yet another one? They’d most likely get lost in the gigantic sea of brands already available on the market. “Sounds wonderful,” she said with a fake smile. She needed to steer them back to the matter at hand, not let them continue arguing. “So you’re serious when you say five hundred people will be in attendance?”

“I certainly hope so,” he boomed, looking affronted. “The guest list has been cultivated, and invitations will be sent out soon. I wanted to confirm your participation first, though. I’d like you to create a signature drink for Mandy’s new business venture.”

“All right. What were you thinking?” Shit. They’d probably want to name it something stupid, too.

“Something similar to the cotton candy cocktail you serve currently but with a little more edge. I was thinking of calling it…” Phil grinned. “Hair on the dog. Or maybe…hair on the head. You know, a play on words and all that?”

“Daddy, that sucks so bad, I can’t believe you said it.” Amanda rolled her eyes again, which helped them launch into another argument.

Willow waited patiently, checking her email real quick on her iPad, letting them hammer out the angry details amongst themselves. Maybe she’d been too quick to agree to do this party. The potential for future clientele was enormous but at what price? She could already tell Phil Whitmore might be a bit of a handful. Not to mention his bitchy, confrontational daughter.

At least her own dad didn’t push this hard and take over her business. She got tired of his constant, let me give you money, make sure you’re making the right decisions speeches, but at least he didn’t push himself on her.

“May I ask you a question, Mr. Whitmore?” Willow asked once they’d stopped squabbling.

“By all means.” He beamed at her, looking quite pleased with himself.

“How exactly did you find out about my business?” She offered him a serene smile, her curiosity growing with every increasingly uncomfortable moment as he squirmed in his seat.

“Um…” His voice trailed off. “Saw you on the Internet.”

“Give me a break.” More eye rolling from Amanda. They’d fall right out of her head if she didn’t watch it. “Your dad talked to my dad. Thought it would be fun to keep us both entertained with our businesses and all, right Daddy?”

Willow immediately saw red. No way would she allow herself to be compared to this dumb girl and her playing pretend with a business she didn’t even believe in. Sweet Treats was nothing like whatever the hell they were calling Mandy’s hair extensions business.

“That isn’t how it happened at all,” Phil whispered harshly. “You need to learn when to keep your mouth shut.”

“No really, I appreciate Mandy’s honesty.” Willow set the iPad on her desk and clasped her hands together. “Nice to know my father thinks it’s so cute that I’m playing with my business like a game of Monopoly.”

“Now Willow…”

“Oh Daddy, stop. I think you’ve stepped in it enough.” Good ol’ Mandy actually shot her a sympathetic glance. “We need to get going, but are we definitely confirmed for the weekend of December twentieth through the twenty-second? We plan on having a meet and greet on Friday night and would love it if you worked that event as well.”

Willow nodded, making more notes. Funny how Amanda could be serious when she wanted to be. “Can I send you a contract agreement to the email address you provided?”

“Sounds great.” Amanda stood, her father following her lead. “I’ll call you next week, and we can make firmer arrangements. Perhaps we can meet again and plan the logistics of the weekend?”

“Sounds fabulous. Thanks so much.?