“About that—oh, wait a minute.” She held up a finger as more people arrived to be seated. A server gave them menus and showed them to their table. Another couple took their places at the counter. “I’ll be right back.”
Jo poured more coffee and put in an order for two breakfast croissants and green smoothies.
When she returned, Rocky said, “If you add more coffee and merchandise, you can create more tiers. And you need a stretch goal. If you hit the base target, what’s next? A fourth blend? A collaboration with another woman-owned brand? Give backers a reason to keep sharing after you’ve funded.”
“I have some ideas.” Jo made a note on a scratch pad. She loved this creative energy. “Why don’t you all come to my place tonight? I’ll make my grandmother’s jambalaya, and we can figure out additions.”
Maileah and Rocky agreed.
They worked a little longer, pausing when customers came in. Maileah had a green protein smoothie, and Rocky had the classic egg, bacon, and toast breakfast.
Hugo stopped by for breakfast before he left for the ferry. They all sat together and talked, except for Jo, who was busy taking orders and pouring coffee.
While Maileah and Rocky chatted, working at their laptops, Hank and Sherri took their usual stools. They were interested, maybe eavesdropping a little.
There were few secrets on Crown Island.
“New boyfriend?” Sherri asked when Rocky went to the restroom.
“Just a friend helping me on a new business project,” Jo replied.
“Uh-huh.” Sherri sipped her dark roast and exchanged a look with Hank.
“The new project sounds interesting,” Hank said. “You’re going all in on your gourmet coffee line. I couldn’t help but overhear.”
“I saw you straining to listen, Hank.” Jo winked at him. “You know I’m kidding, but I’ll let you in on a secret.”
“What’s that?” Hank asked, and Sherri leaned in, too.
Jo lowered her voice. “New week, I’m starting a crowdfunder online for preorders of my new premium coffees, along with limited-edition items. I like to take care of my regular customers here on Crown Island first. But some items might sell out.”
The couple looked pleased with that information.
Jo knew that would spread like wildfire. Or so she hoped.
By noon, Hugo had taken off, and the campaign was nearly finished. Maileah cut the copy in half, just as she’d promised, and what remained was strong and compelling.
Jo had sent Maileah several images: One of her behind the counter in her uniform, some packaging mockups, the Colombian women’s cooperative, and Jo and Mahina in her coffee grove.
In between orders, Jo swept over to refill their cups.
“What do you think of this?” Maileah asked, swinging the laptop around. She had pulled a line from Jo’s draft: Sourced by women. Roasted with grit. Poured with pride.
Jo read it through. It was her story in a script that looked like handwriting. She wouldn’t have thought of that.
“Catchy, I like it.”
Maileah grinned. “You wrote it.”
Jo smiled, proud of the work they were all doing. “I love having you and Rocky helping me on this.”
“It’s fun, and we get bragging rights,” Maileah said. “Rocky can put this on his resume.”
That reminded Jo of their dinner. “Did you follow up with Ryan?” she asked him.
Rocky nodded. “It took me a while to get on his schedule. There was an old project they’d looked at before that resurfaced, so Ryan is working on an offer. Maybe I shouldn’t be telling you that.”
“Your secret is safe with me,” Jo said.
