Friday evening, a man in a business suit entered The Coffee Shop carrying his briefcase. He took a seat at a table and pulled out some papers.
Isabella was working the evening shift again.
Ferb entered the coffee shop and approached the counter. Isabella smiled her perfect smile, "The usual?" She inquired and Ferb nodded. She got to work preparing his beverage. "How's your throat? Gretchen said you lost your voice a couple of days ago."
Ferb quirked an eyebrow then pulled out his phone and sent her a text. Still can't speak. I hope it doesn't last too long. Isabella read the text when it appeared on her phone. "That sucks. Feel better soon, here," she handed him his drink, "on the house." Ferb shook his head as he handed her a $5.
Ferb took his hot beverage to a table and sat down. He pulled out his phone and texted someone.
The current manager of The Coffee Shop came out from the back and sat with the professional. They went through a stack of papers. "My client has reviewed the accounting and has some concerns that they feel could be rectified." The lawyer pointed to the areas of concern. The manager nodded, "I've had some difficulties with some staff."
The lawyer agreed, "Concerning the current staff, my client would like to keep an eye on them for a time." The manager sighed and shrugged, "That would be their prerogative."
Isabella finished behind the counter and went to see her friend. "Hey Ferb, what's new?" Ferb raised an eyebrow at her. She blushed, "Right… can't talk." She took a seat beside him, "Did you hear? They're selling The Coffee Shop." Ferb nodded and texted her, You told Phineas, and he told me.
Isabella nodded sadly, "Yeah. I don't know what's going to happen. I really enjoy working here. I heard the manager say that the new owners are going to do employee reviews. Ferb texted something to her. Isabella read it, "You don't think I have anything to worry about?" Ferb shrugged.
"Isabella, can you come here a moment?" The manager beckoned. Isabella complied and went to see her manager. "Yes?" The lawyer motioned for the teen to have a seat.
"I understand you've been working here for three years." The lawyer stated and Isabella agreed. "Do you know of any employees who give their friends free beverages?" He inquired. Isabella seemed nervous, "I've given my friends a drink or a square on occasion… I usually put the money in the till myself."
The manager agreed, "Isabella is one of my best baristas. I hope the new manager is willing to keep some of the current staff." The lawyer looked for a point in his papers, "Here it is," he pointed out the paragraph in question, "All current staff will be retained until such time as their employment is terminated by either the management team or by their own choosing."
Isabella glanced between the lawyer and her departing manager. "Have you met the new owners?" The manager shook her head, "I've not met them." The lawyer glanced at his paperwork, "The Coffee Shop has been purchased by a corporation who is looking to expand into other areas. They are also in talks with other businesses."
Isabella frowned, "I wish I could meet with the new owners… to see if I want to keep working here." She looked down at her phone, then up at Ferb then back to her phone.
The lawyer and the former manager were signing the papers to close the sale. "I think that's all." He said. "Thank you for your time." Isabella's jaw dropped, "Just like that? The sale is final? No meeting? No handshake? No 'don't run my business into the ground'?"
The lawyer tapped his papers into a neat stack. "I was hoping that Frederick would have been here. He said he might stop by." Isabella frowned again, "Maybe Frederick's busy with his corporation…" she said, unimpressed.
Ferb walked over to the table where the lawyer and manager were sitting with Isabella. "I would have joined the meeting, but I'm finding it difficult to speak." He forced the words out, they were scratchy and harsh; not the smooth, soft voice Isabella associates with her friend.
Isabella shook her head, "The Coffee Shop sold. Ferb, I don't know what I'm going to do. I have to get used to a new manager... " Ferb sighed and held out his hand, "I'm Frederick. I represent PF Enterprises, I will be your new manager."