“What would that entail?” Jill asked.
“I don’t think it would necessarily be too expensive. New carpet, definitely. What’s there is worn and needs replacing. And a fresh coat of paint on the dining room walls.”
“It does look a little dingy,” Emma agreed.
“He also suggested that we hang some new artwork, maybe on consignment from local artists.”
“Oh, that’s a great idea. It would keep costs down too,” Jill said.
“Right. I thought that was a great suggestion.” Mandy paused before continuing because she knew the consultant’s next one wasn’t going to be popular.
“He also suggested that we look for ways to cut back on staff. Maybe not have as many servers on and see about less help in the kitchen too.”
Jill frowned. “What do you think about that idea?”
Mandy laughed. “I hate it. And I think Grams would have hated it, too. We don’t have to take all the consultant’s suggestions. Of course Cory would be all for cutting staff. He guessed that would be one of the recommendations.”
“I don’t think we should make any drastic changes with the staff either. What else did he say?” Emma asked.
“His other suggestions were marketing related such as implementing more promotions and maybe a loyalty program.”
“How would a loyalty program work? That sounds intriguing,” Jill asked.
“It could be whatever we want. As an example, he suggested something like after ten meals, they get a free entrée. And that we should make sure we get the word out on social media, and see about online advertising, and coupons that we can give to local hotels and bed and breakfasts and of course, an updated website.”
“Those all seem like good ideas. We should probably run all this by Paul too, as he will have a say in everything,” Jill said.
Mandy nodded. “I agree. I figured we could discuss and then meet with him at the restaurant. He might have some other ideas and I have one too.” Mandy had been thinking of ways to get the word out more about Mimi’s Place and had an idea she was excited about.
“What are you thinking of?” Emma asked.
“Once we replace the carpet, do some redecorating and have a new menu all set, I thought maybe we’d have a big grand re-opening party and invite a lot of the local businesses and our regular customers too. We can do a cocktail hour type of thing, with a cash bar but provide complimentary appetizers so they can all see the place and try the food—and Paul can introduce any new items.”
“I love that idea,” Jill said enthusiastically.
“I do too,” Emma agreed. “And I can help with some of the social media marketing. I was thinking about starting a blog and linking to it on Facebook.”
“That would be great,” Mandy said and then paused before changing the subject.
“So, there is something else. Not about the restaurant.” She hadn’t been planning on saying anything, but she couldn’t stop thinking about the bill she’d found and she was curious what her sisters would think.
“I was doing laundry earlier and found something odd in Cory’s duffle bag.” She told them about the second cell phone. Emma and Jill exchanged glances and were both quiet for a moment before Emma spoke.
“You said Scott is his middle name? I hate to be negative, but given what I’m going through, there’s only one explanation that comes to mind. Have you considered that he might be having an affair?”
Before Mandy could answer, Jill chimed in. “Have you noticed anything different about him lately? Has he lost weight or started dressing better? And is he away more, late nights, working weekends?”
Mandy sighed. “Honestly, it never crossed my mind, ever, ‘til I found that bill. I thought things were fine, I guess.”
“Didn’t you say you dropped Cory off at the airport earlier today?” Jill leaned forward. “And he’s going to Vegas. Maybe it’s not just a work thing?”
“Hmm. He did seem unusually excited about going. But, to be fair, he’s never been to Vegas before. He’s always been a workaholic, but he is working more late nights at the office. He says he gets more done there.”
“If he’s there.” Jill said what Mandy had been wondering since she’d found the envelope.
“He has been hitting the gym more lately too. I didn’t think anything of it.”
“How are things with you two?” Emma asked.
“We’ve been together so long that I thought things were fine. Good enough. We don’t really do much as a couple and haven’t for years. I focus on the kids and Cory focuses on work.”