Something More

Chapter Four

After a weekend filled with work, Jen, her team, and Harrison had presented their proposal to their new client, a sports drink company. Like always, Harrison had taken most of the credit when the client praised the work they'd seen. She'd had to smile and nod like it'd been the truth, only venting her frustrations when she was back in her office with Kate.

Now she sat waiting in the office of the JKLM Group when she should have been working. Damn her mother for interrupting her life with this nonsense. Not that it was surprising. Her mother liked to inconvenience herself the least, especially when it concerned her womanizing husband.

Jennie was pulled from her musings by the sound of her name.

"Ms.Kim?" asked a woman with warm asian skin, regal looking black hair, nailed in vest and button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows.

"Jennie Kim," she replied, extending her hand for a firm
shake.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Jisoo Kim, co-owner of JKLM and executive chef at LiSoo. We'll head down the hall into the conference room so I can hear more about your ideas for this party. Birthday, right?"

Jennie followed Jisoo down the hall and into a room with a long table and about ten chairs around it. Several folders and papers were lined up in front of the chair at the end of the table closest to the door. "Yes, that's right. Sixtieth birthday party for my stepfather."

Jisoo motioned for her to take the seat next to the one with the papers. "Great. Well, this will just be a preliminary meeting so you can tell me what you envision, and I'll tell you a little about how our process works. Any questions?"

"Yes. How available will you be to field questions should they arise? Are you one of those people that shuts their phone off at five or do you have enough decency to be available to your clients whenever they need you?"

Jisoo's eyes widened before she schooled her features. "Well, I can't say I'll be available at all hours of the day. Like I mentioned earlier, I'm still the executive chef at LiSoo so there will be times when I can't answer. But if I can't take your call, I'll make sure to return it as soon as I can."

Jennie held back a sigh. If her mother was going to spend an extravagant amount of money on this party, then Jen would make sure that everything was done right down to every last detail. It was unacceptable that
the hired help would be unavailable at times, but that was a fight for a different day. "We can address that later. What can you tell me about menu options?"

Jisoo's smile lit up her face and she jumped right in and went through all the options. Buffet, plated, or family style. Beef, chicken, fish, or vegetarian. As she droned on and on about side dishes and salads, Jennie made a mental list of everything she'd need to do and how much input she'd still need from her mother. Just what I want—more time with my mother.

After going through every option, Jen realized Jisoo really enjoyed talking about food and if she didn't stop her soon, she'd be there all day. When Jisoo took a breath and reached for another folder, Jennie interrupted her. "I need to get to work. Send me proposals for every combination you mentioned for a hundred and fifty people. Get them to me by the end of the week. I'll discuss everything with my mother so we can set up a tasting. You do provide complimentary tastings, correct?"

"Yes. But we should really talk over more options about linens and tables and chairs."

"Not now. I don't have time. This project was given to me only a few days ago. I'll have my assistant find time in my calendar and call you."

Jen stood and slung her purse over her shoulder. She reached to shake Jisoo's hand. "I expect to hear from you by the end of the week."

"You will. Have a nice day, Ms.Kim."