Free Memories by Deanna Lynn Sletten Page A

buying season was still a couple of months away so there was still a chance she might get out of going on the actual buying trip. She clung to that thought as she took the elevator up to her apartment.
     There were two calls waiting for her on her answering machine and she listened to them as she changed into comfortable sweats. The first was her mother calling to say hello and telling her how happy they were that she was coming up for a visit Labor Day weekend. Dani had sent them a note last week telling of her plans to come. She hadn't had time to visit all summer and wanted to make it up there before the warm weather completely disappeared. They lived only four-and-a-half hours away on a quiet lake outside of Walker. She was looking forward to a peaceful weekend of sun, fishing and tranquility.
     The second message was from Cathy. She only wanted to say hi and said to call her if she had a chance. So Dani did.
     "Hi Cathy, I got your message. What's up?"
     On the other end of the line, Dani could hear music playing over the stereo speakers. As Cathy answered, she told someone to turn the stereo down. For a moment, Dani wondered if it might be Miguel.
     "Hi Dani. I'm glad you called. How have you been?"
     "Fine," Dani replied. "The same. Working too much, playing too little." She hesitated. "Did I interrupt something? It sounds like you have company."
     "It's only Gary," Cathy told her. "You remember, my accountant friend."
     Dani laughed. "That's right. You two must be hitting it off well, huh?"
     "Not too bad. So, tell me, what did you do all day?"
     Dani told Cathy about her visit with Janette. "She's changed so much I can hardly believe it. I always thought she'd make her career an important part of her life. It's such a surprise."
     "People change as life changes," Cathy said matter-of-factly. "Speaking of change, Michael was asking about you again the other day."
     Dani groaned. "I wouldn't use the words Michael and change in the same sentence. What did he want this time?"
     "Oh, he was just wondering if you were still in charge of coats at Chance's. I told him I didn't know." Cathy hesitated a moment. "You know, Dani, he still wants a chance to talk with you."
     Dani sighed. "Why doesn't he just give up? I've told him as plain as I can. I'm not interested."
     "You really should give him a chance to explain," Cathy told her softly. "You know, people do change."
     "So everyone keeps telling me," was all Dani said.

 
     
    Chapter Ten
     
     
     Dani sat at her desk going over price cuts on various sportswear items. The office was quiet today; many of the buyers were down in their various departments preparing for the upcoming Labor Day Weekend sale. Traycee sat at Janette's desk going over coat prices Dani had given her to reduce. She'd taken over the desk for the time being until Janette made her decision. Dani was proud of the way Traycee handled her work. She really was a fast learner and competent assistant.
     As Dani studied the figures in front of her, Carl Trindell walked up to her desk. "Dani, could I see you privately a moment?"
     "Sure." She followed Trindell into his office and sat in one of the chairs in front of his desk. Trindell closed the door and than sat, placing his elbows on the desk in front of him touching his fingertips together thoughtfully.
     "I received a phone call today from Michael DeCara of Regal Coats," he began. He studied Dani's face a moment as if gauging her reaction. When he didn't see any, he continued. "He'd like to come this weekend for a tour of our store, especially the coat department. He says he's interested in seeing how we display our merchandise and thinks he might be able to offer some helpful advice."
     Dani held her composure. "That shouldn't be a problem," she told him. "We could ask Traycee to give him the tour and introduce him to the department manager. Traycee's quite knowledgeable with the coat department and I don't think she has any plans this