“That’s fabulous,” Deb said, giving her a high-five. “I think we should all scream with you.”
Sherri grinned and started the countdown. “Let’s go! Three, two, one!”
The four of them let out a scream of joy, loud enough to bring Dulcie and the kitchen staff racing out to see what happened.
Dulcie cried out, “What happened?”
“The crowdfunder made it!” Laughing, Jo came around the front of the counter, hugged Dulcie, then Deb.
Hugs and cheers exploded all around.
“Oh, my gosh, thank you all for this,” Jo said, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes. “I really needed it.”
“Life is tough,” Deb said, smiling. “We have to cheer each other on and celebrate our wins together.”
Mid-morning, between the last of the breakfast plates and the first of the lunch orders, Mahina called from Hawaii.
“It’s official,” Mahina said. “Leilani and Noe signed our agreement this morning. We’re a cooperative now, and we can meet your needs.”
Jo pressed the phone to her ear. “And they’re happy with my terms?”
“Lani’s been growing Kona for twenty years, and she said it was about time somebody built a coffee brand that looked like the women who grow the beans.” Mahina chuckled. “Noe took over her grandmother’s groves. She teared up when I told her the good news.”
“Tell them I said mahalo from the bottom of my heart,” Jo said, her voice cracking with emotion.
“That’s fantastic news. We’ll have the beans when you need them.”
“Soon,” Jo said, smiling as she told her about the crowdfunding success. “We’re praying the campaign goes higher.”
“We’ll send all our good vibes your way,” Mahina said. “I’ll post your campaign on our social media, too.”
Jo hung up and went back to the counter, feeling lighter than she had in a long time.
Right away, she posted a notice on their community board just outside the diner. Part-time packaging and fulfillment, flexible hours.
She had more applicants than spots by the end of the day. She interviewed them in a booth between shifts, with a pot of coffee and her notebook, until she found two who could start soon. One was a young mother who needed hours that fit around the school day, and the second was a retired empty nester who wanted something to do.
They would label bags, fill gift boxes, and pack, working out of a large storeroom behind the kitchen Jo had never fully utilized. She would let them know when they could start.
Jo was thrilled. The project was starting to become real.
Later that day, Jo saw Rocky come into the diner and slide onto a counter stool. When she finished serving a customer, she walked over to check on him. “What’ll be? A late lunch or early dinner?”
“I came to congratulate you in person.” He drummed his fingers on the counter. “When’s the last time you got out of here and did something fun?”
“It’s been a while. I’ve been focused on this project.”
Rocky laced his fingers. “It helps to step away and refresh. Since you just had a major win, this is a good time to celebrate and unwind before the second phase takes off. If your crew can cover for you, let’s go to the beach. I hear the snorkeling is pretty good on the other side of the island.”
Jo nodded. How long had it been since she'd done that? Being out in the sun and recharging in the water sounded good to her.
“Technically, tomorrow is my day off,” she said. “Though I haven’t taken a day off in a while.”
“That’s what I thought. I’ll pick you up at ten.”
Jo laughed. “What happened to asking?”
He pressed his hands together. “Please?”
