Page 21 of Sweet Dreams
I wrinkled my nose in disapproval, and just thinking about Nancy turns my stomach. “Nancy and myshop. I need your advice on something, and you are the only one that doesn’t have beef with her.”
“Okay, shoot.”
“The back room is going be coming down. John says to turn it into the café I wanted when I first thought of the shop, and I say leave it for retail or more book space. If we did the café, it would be more money and a permit. To get said permit would be coming from Nancy. I’m not sure what to do.”
He sits there, staring past my shoulder for a minute. “Okay. With getting this café, would that bring in more customers to the book side or just to grab food and leave? Would the other café in town get pissed off with you? More work means more employees. Can you handle that?”
“That’s what I’m worried about, or would it be easier to have a self-serve coffee bar?”
“That’s not a bad idea. Create a reward system where they get a discount on a book or something. This way, it gets Nancy off your back. You don’t need a large renovation, the permit shouldn’t be needed, and you still have some sort of uniqueness to the shop.”
I let out a small exhale. Relief that something has been worked out. “Thank you, Silas. I’ve been stressing over that all day.”
“There wasn’t much to it. I only asked a few questions, and you came up with the solution on your own. What’s gonna happen to the Mom and Tot program, though?”
I slump forward and hang my head. “I don’t know. I love having it.” I glance up at him. “But it’s loud, and I’m afraid it’s driving away business. You saw it firsthand. It’s crazy.”
“I’m sure they will understand, especially with the flood and whatnot. They can’t expect things to stay the same. You have to think of what’s right for your business.”
“I guess. I feel bad.”
“Don’t. Where are they having it now?”
“Down at the community hall.”
He shrugs, giving me my answer. It’s probably better down there anyway; the kids have more room to run around and won’t mess with my books or annoy customers.
“Now finish eating.”
“God, you are so bossy.”
He chuckles. “You have no idea.”
In a way, I want to find out, but something is holding me back. Or is it someone?
As I step out of Silas’ house, the wind picks up, kicking leaves across the sidewalk. A reminder that October is a few weeks away. And the best time of the year will be here. Halloween. I can’t wait to see all the kids in their costumes and hand out candy. It is the only time of the year when you aren’t judged for dressing how you truly want.
“Are you sure I can’t walk you home?”
“Yes, Silas. I’m fine. I need to clear my head before I go to sleep anyway. I had a great time. Thank you again for supper.”
“And hey, you didn’t die. That’s a success.” He reaches his hand out for a high five.
I smack his hand. “Yeah,I’ll cook next time, and we’ll see if I pass the test.”
“I’m sure you will.” He pulls me in for a hug, holding me tight. “Be safe walking home. Weirdos are out this late.”
“I’ll be okay. I can take care of myself. But thank you for caring.” He releases me, rolling his eyes.
“Stubborn like an ox, aren’t you.”
“Yes. The sooner you figure it out, the easier it is for you. Goodnight, Silas.”
“Sweet dreams, Teagan.”
I leave his place, feeling a sense of relief. I’m glad we came to a solution about the room, and now I need to break it to the moms that they need to rehome their group. I should consider what's best for the business, and potentially expanding into retail with a coffee bar could be the right move.
I was so deep in thought that I completely missed the person sneaking up behind me. I cross the street, giving us space. I don't have to look back to figure out who it is; my instincts are already on high alert. My masked stalker has come to play.