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“You think it’s necessary for me to be at the initial meetings?” I wasn’t sure how I’d swing that and be at the bakery when I needed to be.
“The brides expect the vendors to be present. Besides, you’re better able to discuss cakes than me.”
I licked my lips. “That makes sense.”
Gia’s gaze scanned the lobby. “You’re worried about the bakery?”
“How many meetings do you think it would be?” I asked, racking my brain for options. I had a couple of front counter people, but I’d need to hire more, maybe even a manager and a baker.
“Right now, five per week, but I’d like to increase that. I think once word gets out that we’re a one-stop shop, it will increase.”
“Okay. Wow.” She was saying this was going to increase my business load significantly. It was a good thing, but the logistics had me worried.
“This is going to be huge for us.” Gia’s energy was infectious.
“Won’t there be some weddings at venues where the extras are included?”
“That’s true. Some couples will still go directly to the venues and use their wedding planners and in-house bakers.”
My nose scrunched at “in-house bakers.” “Those are never as good.”
“We’re offering quality options for our couples and removing the stress from picking vendors. It’s a win-win for them and for us.”
“I agree.”
“Can you make this happen? I’d really like you to be my sole baker.”
We’d worked together on several weddings in the past, and I loved getting her referrals, but this was so much more. “I’ll make it happen.”
“Perfect. My assistant, Chloe, will be in touch regarding the contract and scheduling.” Gia started packing up her laptop and notes.
“I’ll get to work on hiring a few more people around here.” I’d resisted, but it was time.
I moved to get her a to-go box for the muffin.
Gia took the offered box and hugged me. “Thanks, Sophie. I’m so excited to work together on this project.”
When Gia left, I turned to Courtney, whose eyes were wide. “What’s going on?”
“Looks like we’re going to be a lot busier.” Wedding cakes meant long hours on the weekends. I’d probably need a van to deliver them, too. If Gia was offering full service, then her customers would expect the cake to be delivered directly to the venue.
I needed to look at the numbers to see if a vehicle and more employees were in the budget. I’d resisted hiring when it was just me, but the potential of this arrangement was huge. If it worked out, I’d need to hire a baker to help with the morning baking and maybe even the cakes. It was a good position to be in; I was just scared to take that leap.
I’d always wanted to own a bakery, but expanding was a huge risk. Things were moving along nicely now, but what would happen if I hired extra employees and wedding clients didn’t increase? What if this venture failed?
The muscles in my neck tightened. The other business owners at the Shops on Main meetings were always talking about taking calculated risks. Was this a smart one, or was I getting in over my head?
ChapterSix
MARK
On my run the next morning, my mind drifted to Sophie’s invitation to eat dinner with her family. I hadn’t expected it, and it was under the guise of welcoming Kendall and helping her, but it felt like more.
I loved her father, Travis, because he’d always supported me. I felt guilty that I hadn’t kept in touch when I left, but I assumed he hadn’t approved of me leaving.
He was aware of my dad’s pressure to work in the family business, and he always encouraged me to follow my heart. I just didn’t think he meant for me to leave his daughter and the town in pursuit of my dreams. It was nerve-wracking wondering how he’d react to me sitting at his dinner table.
It hadn’t escaped my attention that my current reality was starting to intertwine more and more with Sophie’s. I’d offered to build her shelves at her bakery. I’d introduced her to Kendall. We were eating dinner with her family.
