AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I appreciate it. I feel like I’ve been stuck in this traditional model of the shop. Wanting to do something amazing, but afraid to take that step.”
“I started out with subscriptions, so I know it works. It’s still the core of my business. Any time I’ve tried to end it, people protested. They love them.”
“That’s great to hear.” I’d always been skeptical of people’s desire to have too many services or subscriptions. They were already paying for music, TV, and cell phones. Wasn’t there a limit to what people were willing to sign up for?
“You won’t know until you try,” Zoe said.
“I want to be successful, and honestly, I love the idea.”
Remi played with the straw in her mostly empty glass. “Hopefully, it gives you more money so you can start planning the renovations for the farm.”
“I did a quick search, and there are no other options for a farm wedding nearby.” Zoe showed me the search on her phone that indicated the closest option was Frederick, Maryland.
“That is far,” I said.
Zoe just showed me there was a need for what I wanted to offer, and she was willing to be my first wedding. It felt too good to be true.
“It feels so overwhelming, though. A yoga class is one thing. People bring their own mats. A wedding needs decorations, tables, linens, silverware, music, and a dance floor.” The details flew through my head, one after the other, making me feel overwhelmed.
“You work with a wedding planner. Doesn’t Gia handle those details in venues where they’re not available?” Zoe asked.
I nodded. “We use Cain Rental.”
“It would work the same way, then. You’re no different than the other vendors Gia works with. Except you have an in with her.”
Excitement tingled in my veins. I couldn’t wait to get started on everything we’d talked about.
I hugged both women, thanking them for the inspiring conversation and suggestions. Even if nothing came from our talk, I’d made a couple of friends.
Six
LILY
On the long drive home, after my deliveries were completed for the day, I worked out plans for the new subscription service and what I wanted to offer. I thought about possible arrangements that would be cost effective for me, plus provide satisfying blooms at each time of year. I made a mental list of the things I’d need to do: update my website with the options, find out who could create personalized vases, the distance I was willing to go to make deliveries.
My heart stuttered when I saw heat rising from Berta’s hood. “No, no, no.”
I slowly eased up off the gas, not sure what to do. I couldn’t exactly search online for answers while I was driving on a major highway. I didn’t want to be on the side of the road again with tractor trailers flying by. It wasn’t safe.
I was most likely out of Jake’s tow zone. I gripped the steering wheel tighter as I carefully changed lanes until I was in the far right one, hoping for an off-ramp.
“Come on. Come on.” I chewed on my lower lip as the smoke continued to rise from the hood.
What was I going to do? I didn’t want to pull over. I wasn’t sure how long I’d need to wait for a tow truck. Could I make it to an off-ramp? Was it a good idea to keep driving with the engine overheating? It didn’t sound like the best idea, but then, pulling to the side of the road on a highway wasn’t a great option either.
I wished I’d taken Jake up on his offer to do more maintenance on the vehicle.
I sighed as I tried to ease the tension in my neck and shoulders. I wished I had Bluetooth in the van so I could call and ask someone for advice. As it was, I was too nervous to take my hands off the wheel to dial my phone.
Finally, a sign indicated there was an off-ramp coming up. I eased off the highway as soon as I saw the exit lane. The smoke was heavier than when I’d first noticed it. I wished I could have made it to a lit parking lot, but I wasn’t sure it was a good idea to keep driving.
Pulling over to the shoulder on the side of the ramp, I grabbed my phone, wondering who I should call. Jake’s card sat on the console, beckoning me. I rested my head on the seat back. Jake would be pissed I was in this situation again. Would he even come?
No, he’d told me to call if I needed anything, and he had a tow service. It was quicker than calling a different service and waiting five hours for someone to show up. If they did at all. I’d been in that situation before.
I drew in a deep breath and dialed the number Jake scrawled on the back of the card. It was after-hours, so his cell was my best bet.
Jake answered, and everything in my body froze.
