“I’m sorry, but we’re unable to process your request at this time,” Bridgette explained. “Without Alex here, there’s not much I can do. He’s familiar with your account. Can I provide some other assistance?” She appeared deeply apologetic.
Daniella could feel her fear mounting. They were giving her the brush off. “Surely there’s someone else here who can help me. Alex’s supervisor, perhaps?” What could possibly be wrong? If they were going to decline her loan request, they needed to let her know.
“Um…I…” Bridgette searched the bank lobby for someone. “One moment, please,” she said, and rushed off.
Now Daniella was even more concerned.
Her phone vibrated and she looked down to see a text from her office manager asking how everything was going. She ignored it for now. She didn’t have an answer yet.
“Ms. Barrett, I’m so sorry for the delay.” Her head lifted at the sound of a man’s voice. She recognized him as the bank manager. He wore a suit and had an affable round face. He laughed, an uneasy sound that suggested that they’d screwed up somehow. “We’ve had this all cleared up. Bridgette is new here and didn’t realize we should not keep you waiting. Whatever you need is not a problem.”
Daniella blinked, surprised at the turnabout. “Oh. Well, you don’t know how much I need.”
“How much do you need?” he asked in a cheerful voice. He clasped his hands in front of him.
“I need another five hundred thousand dollars to do some renovations and purchase inventory for my new gallery in New York. I have the business plan right here.” She held it up, but he didn’t take it. “I realize I’m asking for a lot of money, but—”
“Absolutely you can!” He laughed heartily and waved his hand as if she was being foolish to suggest otherwise. He didn’t even acknowledge the plan she held out to him. “Why don’t we make it an even one million?”
Taken aback, Daniella stared at him. “Excuse me?”
“Just in case. Your business is thriving, growing fast, and we don’t want you to have to be in this situation again where you need to wait. That will not do. Business decisions need to be made in a split second.” He snapped his fingers. “No time for delays.”
At a loss for words, Daniella could only look at the man. He was being beyond accommodating by offering twice the requested amount. Had he lost his mind? “I suppose,” she said cautiously.
“Wonderful. Stay right there, and we’ll type up the paperwork and bring it for you to sign.”
“Okay…thank you.”
Bridgette brought her water to drink while she waited. Daniella was so stunned she almost forgot to reply to the text and let her employee know the increased line of credit was a go.
Squeeee!! her office manager texted back.
She smiled and texted her back. LOL. Yes, squee! Finally, a bit of good news in the mess her life had become.
I’ll get started on our plans. So excited!!!
A few days ago, her office manager had suggested they have a party to celebrate the move to New York once the lease had been signed. She suggested sending out invitations to the customers on their mailing list and having a big bash. Even though her heart wasn’t in it, Daniella knew she’d have to put on her happy face and go along with the party because it was a good idea. It would allow them to get the word out and plug the New York location at the same time they indulged in a bit of celebration at their success. And her staff deserved this moment to celebrate because they’d worked hard right along with her.
A short time later, Bridgette ushered Daniella into her office to sign the documents for the expanded line of credit. “Thank you so much. I appreciate it,” she said, as she scribbled her signature on the appropriate lines.
“It’s no problem, of course,” Bridgette said. She took the completed paperwork and tapped the ends on the desk. “I’ll make a copy for you. Did you need a set for your husband, too?”
Daniella frowned, surprised by the question. “Why would my husband need a set of the documents?”