AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Surprised at his admission, I said, “But you’re fixing the vehicles. You need someone to answer the phone.”
“That’s what Ryan said, but I didn’t think it was necessary. I worried hiring someone would be more work than it was worth. That we wouldn’t be able to find someone reliable. I didn’t want to babysit an employee when I could be fixing cars.”
“My work isn’t so consuming. I can handle the phones and the online store.”
He tipped his head. “But you can’t leave the store when it’s open.”
I nodded. “That’s true, but I can change my hours.”
“With the search function on everyone’s phone, they go by the hours listed online. It’s not easy to change them.”
I frowned. “That’s why I don’t.”
“You don’t have any freedom.” There was sympathy in his tone.
“Everyone says it’s freeing to be your own boss—”
“But with a store, you have to be physically there or hire someone you trust to represent you and your brand.”
I thought of the beautiful boutique on Main. I loved their décor and their products, but the employees never knew about the advertised fundraisers, discounts, or anything about the store. That was part of the reason why I was reluctant to hire anyone. No one represented your business better than yourself. “Once the store is more successful, I’ll be able to hire employees.”
Yet I wasn’t sure I was being honest. Fear of someone misrepresenting the store concerned me.
“That’s the lie we tell ourselves. The fact is, we can’t grow if we don’t take a few risks by investing more into our businesses or hiring help.”
He held up a hand. “I get where you’re coming from because it took me a long time to come around to the idea. I drove Ryan crazy before I gave in and hired Maisy. But even I can admit she’s been a huge help.”
“I just can’t justify the cost. Not yet.” Especially with the cost of Berta’s repairs. Jake said it would be covered, but it seemed too good to be true. Even if it was free, I wouldn’t feel right accepting it.
“Are you starting the subscription service soon?”
“As soon as I can get the options on my website. My designer is working on that now. Then I’ll need to come up with a marketing plan.” It was as exciting as it was daunting.
“That might be the catalyst you need. Extra income to do your other project or hire someone at the store so you can focus on the farm.”
“You don’t think it’s too much?” I respected Jake’s opinion. He’d said he was slow and methodical about making decisions, which meant he carefully thought through each one.
“What? Tying the farm to your business?”
I nodded.
“Not if it’s what you want to do. The thing about business is that we need to do what excites us, or we’ll get bored. I enjoy restoring antique vehicles, but as a garage, we need to do the oil changes and tire rotations to fund those pet projects.”
I nibbled on my bottom lip. “That makes sense.”
“You’ll get there.” Jake popped another roll into his mouth, chewing, then swallowing before adding, “Besides, you don’t have any competition in town.”
“I consider my competitors the online flower delivery services. A new one pops up on my feed all the time.” When he raised a brow, I quickly added, “And yes, I’m essentially stalking those businesses to see what they’re offering so I can adjust accordingly.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that. We do the same with other garages in the area. Remember, your business is unique because you’re running it. Whatever you’re passionate about or what makes you original will entice people to buy from you.”
His support encouraged me to be honest about my dreams. “I envision a flower farm where people come to take pictures or hold their special events, whether it’s a yoga class, a baby shower, or a wedding. I keep getting this image of Berta with my old bike propped next to her, with flowers everywhere. It’s something I could use as an advertisement.”
Jake’s lips tugged upward. “I can picture that. It’s you.”
Warmth flooded me as if I were sitting in the sun. “Not only does Berta represent my past, but she’s tied to the future of the store and the farm.”
Jake nodded thoughtfully. “I think you’re on to something with this.”
