AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“My name is Ilan Vi’Exleden. These are my friends, Janlor Airston and Dean Li’Morlin. Did you say you were adding espresso machines here? Are you now the owner of this fine establishment?”
Meryn shook her head quickly. “No, I’m here with Izzy, my brother Oron Vi’Eirlea’s mate. In the human world, she was a master-level barista. Peter asked for her advice on adding espressos to his menu.”
The men bowed again in unison. “Lady Izzy.”
“Gentlemen,” Izzy responded.
Ilan extended a card to Peter. “If you need assistance with financing, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I frequent here enough that I’m surprised I’m not turning into the apple fritters I devour so much. I would love to see espressos and coffees added to the menu.”
Peter took the card, looking gobsmacked. “Are you sure?”
Ilan nodded. “If Lady Izzy and Princess Meryn are this interested, I know it will do well.” He inclined his head. “I wish you success in your planning discussions.” He then gave a little wave, and he and his friends walked out.
Peter reached up and pinched his own cheek. Flinching, he looked to Meryn and Izzy. “The rumors are true. The two of you cause waves of change around you.”
Meryn’s expression turned thoughtful. “Most people say chaos instead of change.”
Peter gave her a sly smile. “For creatures that eschew any deviation from the norm, change is viewed as chaos.”
Izzy dug into her ever-present backpack and pulled out a notebook. She began scribbling down things.
Peter stared. “Did she say something about moving a wall?”
Meryn nodded. “Where did you think the machines would go? Your kitchen area is kinda tight as it is.”
Peter winced. “Space is at a premium here in the city.”
Gage looked at Meryn. “What was it you told us? Go up.”
Meryn brightened. “Yeah, you could do that.” She pointed to the ceiling. “Do you think you could add an entire cafe on a second floor?”
Peter looked up, and his mouth moved silently. “If I could hire a few witches to add some basement storage, I could add on upstairs.”
Meryn smiled. “I happen to know two very good earth witches who can help.”
Peter shook his head. “I won’t be able to afford them for a while.”
Meryn took out her phone and tapped a message. Moments later, there was a ding. “You don’t have to pay them. They said they needed a large project like this to test some new things they learned. So, just toss them some sweets, and they’ll get it done in record time.”
Peter’s hand slammed the counter. “You can’t be serious!”
Meryn frowned. “I am. Why?”
“These things don’t happen.”
“What things?”
“You coming in, willing to help, then Ilan Vi’Exleden of all people offering financing, then you arranging for few earth witches!” he exclaimed.
Meryn glanced around the room, looking confused. “Weren’t we supposed to help?”
Pierce cleared his throat. “Most people would be considered kind just for stopping by. They would be considered amazing for providing the numbers for trustworthy vendors. What you and Lady Izzy are doing borders on miraculous. He is well within his rights to be flabbergasted,” Pierce explained.
“Oh.” Meryn scrunched up her nose. “I just wanted a place to eat donuts and drink coffee when I visited Uncle Bren.”
Peter slapped his forehead with his palm.
Izzy ignored his high emotion and walked over to where he stood behind the case. Casually she ripped out several sheets of paper. “I have my recommendations. Two options, really, depending on what you can secure for financing. One is you extend the counter all the way around that wall. You’d lose seating, but from what I’ve observed, not many stick around to eat. That would give you room for some machines and supplies. Your second option would be pricer. Covert your upstairs space into a cafe. You’d gain more seating, but remodeling may be too expensive.” She pointed to the lower half of the page. “Here’s a human website to apply to that will distinguish you as a distributor. Once you get that, it’s easier to order from wholesalers. I can help with that later.” She handed him the papers.
