Luck of the Draw

Chapter 24 - Some Can, Some Can't

Teddy roared into Sally's driveway and skidded to a noisy stop beside her Lexus. The Lincoln was gone, and he humphed his satisfaction as he stomped up to the front door and banged the large knocker.

"A gentle tap accomplishes the same thing, Teddy," she said, stepping aside as he barged in.

"This goddamn town is- they all conspire against anyone new!"

"Problems?"

"Nobody will put up a poster for Christ's sake! They all have this policy of fair business competition. What a lot of bullshit! There's nothing fair about business, it should be about competition!"

She swept past him to the sitting room. "Teddy needs a drinky."

"I need a break is what I need." He complained, trailing after her, and grasping the huge snifter she thrust into his hand. "What the hell is this?"

"Drink up, Teddy, it's a nerve calmer. You need a nerve calmer. I'll talk to Edgar and get permission for you to put them up on public property."

"Who's, Edgar?"

"The current mayor."

"You own everyone in this burg?"

She chuckled. "Are you over your snit?"

He looked into the large glass and tipped it back. "Whoof! That's some calmer."

"Well?"

"If they won't even let me put up a sign what makes you think they'll buy any of the trees?"

"You're the salesman, Teddy. I've done what I can."

He replayed her words in his head and thought about his earlier glee over showing the company and his father just who Teddy Playford was. Sally was right, he was the salesman.

"I wouldn't mind something else to calm me down then."

She took the glass and poured another portion. "This'll have to do, I'm about to get ready to go out."

Teddy frowned and nodded. "Sorry, I just thought..." He finished the drink and felt it sear his stomach lining. "Whew, that's strong stuff."

"Don't drive too far. You'd better head back to your room." She took the snifter and then his arm and led him out to the driveway and made sure he was seated properly behind the wheel. "Remember, Teddy, straight home."

The car crawled down the drive and out onto the road and out of sight. Sally hurried back inside and up to her bedroom. She dialled a number and began stripping down while she waited for an answer.

"Hi, I'm returning your call."

"Ah, Sal. I think I might have another problem."

She sat on the bed and cupped her elbow in her hand. These NaturGro men were becoming too intrusive. "What's wrong now, Harry?"

!!!!!

"Katherine this looks spectacular!" Carly picked her way through the winter wonderland that was Eden's Accessories.

"Do you like it? Really?"

"It's spectacular. What do you think, Mickey?"

"I'm with you. It looks super, Katherine."

"I said spectacular."

Mickey gave a Katherine a look of mild despair. "What does Mac think?"

"He's lying down in the office. I get the feeling he thinks I overspent a little."