Mary set down the cup in her hand. “I’ve seen you rush people out over one coffee. I’ve never heard you invent a dog rule before.”
Victoria’s face fell.
Christopher looked at her. “You know how hard I’ve worked for this place.”
“Don’t drag my staff into this.”
“I do. That’s why I kept asking you to change.”
He rubbed his forehead. “Can we talk privately?”
“No. Carol shouldn’t have to disappear from the conversation about what happened to her.”
Steven finally spoke.
“I came because Victoria told me how proud you were of this place.”
“Can we talk privately?”
Christopher turned toward him. “You understand what it’s like trying to grow something.”
“I do.”
Steven looked around the café.
“In fact, Victoria and I had talked about your plans to expand.”
Victoria frowned. “Dad?”
“I hadn’t told either of you yet,” Steven said. “I was considering helping after the wedding.”
