Ameeting in a restaurant was classy, Kaylie felt. Soothing lights and suave waiters and fine cuisine — a good backdrop for professional negotiations. But Menny Langer from The Hive and his auburn sidekick asked her to meet them at Sushi To Go, a tiny, gaudy place with glaring red walls and a collection of men behind the counter, barking at each other in guttural voices. No white-gloved waiters, no sir.
Kaylie swallowed her disappointment and trailed into the shop.
Menny Langer was sitting at the center table, paunchy as ever, cracking up with one of the sushi guys. Sometimes, he reminded her so much of Daddy, it was scary. Auburn Sidekick smiled politely.
Kaylie offered a stiff smile. This guy had no class.
Kaylie swallowed and said nothing.
“Of course,” Kaylie said coolly. Worse than anything, the man was right.
Langer lowered his voice and donned a contemplative expression. “Between you and me, Mrs. Zoberman, sales are going to be a struggle. For both of us. That’s the nature of the market.” He gave a long sigh.
“We’re looking for a nearby location to set up our takeout,” Auburn spoke up, rather suddenly. Her voice was thin and sweet. She seemed uncomfortable with the way Langer — her father? The nose had some resemblance — was conducting the conversation. Kaylie tried not to glare.
He sat back, pleased as punch, waiting to be prompted.