New Beginnings

Chapter 14

The next few months went by quickly. I got close to Jason and Saralynn and they were right. We were close. Closer than I had ever been to Chantelle. Jackson and I were getting close and I started to wonder if I was ready for the next step in our relationship.

I was deep in my thoughts when an argument from the office got my attention.

“Nicky, for the last time I don’t have the bandwidth to open a second location.”

“Susan, I just feel like we could do so much more. You have Marie and she has increased our sales by 30% since last year. With her help we could.”

“No, not a second store. Not right now.”

“We need to do more.”

I couldn’t help myself. “What if we reached out to local restaurants or even hotels with restaurants in them and try to supply the dessert?”

Both Susan and Nicky looked at me surprised.

“I’m listening.” Susan said.

“Well, if we could get a chain to agree to carry our desserts. I could mass produce them on Monday morning and we deliver them in the afternoon. We position the desserts that can be frozen and won’t change the taste or texture.”

“That is brilliant,” Nicky added.

“If you can make this happen, Marie, I will increase your wages.”

“Deal. I will start making calls this afternoon.”

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My excitement about my idea was short-lived. I made multiple phone calls and nobody seemed to be interested in even giving my idea a try.

Jackson would be home today, so I knew he would make me feel better.

During the entire time we had been dating I hadn’t thought about Luca once.

Jackson made me feel wanted and beautiful and smart. I couldn’t get enough of him.

“Hey babe.” He said, walking through the door and wrapping his arms around me.

“Hey. Dinner will be ready in about an hour.”

“Good cause I am starved.” He said, kissing my neck.

It was at that moment I couldn’t wait any longer. I turned and pulled him down for a passionate kiss.

Pulling away, he looked into my eyes and genuinely asked, “How was your day?”

I told him about my idea and he agreed my idea was great.

“Instead of pitching your idea over the phone, ask for a meeting and take the dessert with you. Like a sampler and have them serve it to some of the customers.”

“That is a great idea. Thank you.”

“Anytime babe.”

After dinner, we watched a movie and things got heated. I still wasn’t ready to take it to the next step, but I knew I was close.

“Are you staying the night?”

“I want to but I can’t. I have to take care of Granny in the morning and then I have to go back to the city.”

“When will you be back?”

“Not till Monday.”

“That’s almost a whole week.”

“I know, babe, but I will make it up to you when I get back.”

He kissed me goodnight and made his way out the door.

I realized this would be the perfect weekend to contact a restaurant and get this deal underway.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

First thing the following morning, I made a call to Alberto’s. I had never heard of it but Jackson always had receipts from Alberto’s. He said he ordered take out at least once a week.

I was surprised at how easy it was to set up a meeting with the owner.

We scheduled one for Saturday. I figured I could get him to try my dessert and leave a few cheesecakes for him to serve at dinner.

I knew this would work and I was beyond excited. I decided not to tell anybody except Susan so I could have the time to make the cakes on Friday.

I talked to Jackson on Friday and he said he would call me Saturday night because he had a really busy day ahead of him.

Saralynn and Jason left early Friday morning, leaving me nothing to do on Friday night, so I decided to work over for Susan.

As I was getting ready to close the shop, when in walked Colton and Hunter. These boys were beyond handsome. I feel like it should be against the law to look as good as they do.

I had been avoiding both of them for months. But right now it is only me and I have no way of avoiding them.

I locked the door behind them.

“Hey Marie.” Hunter said, smiling at me.

“Hi Hunter. What can I get for you boys?”

“Usually Mom closes on Friday and she gives us the left over donuts and scones you make.” Colton said with an amazing smile.

I knew she did but I assumed she told them it was me closing. “Oh give me a minute and I will get those for you.”

“How have you been?” Colton asked. I looked up just in time to see Hunter roll his eyes.

“Fine and you?”

“Good. I miss seeing you around.”

Now it was my turn to roll my eyes. He and his girlfriend were the reason I didn’t come around.

“Here you go.” I said, putting the desserts on the counter. “I added some of my newest creations. You’ll have to let your mom know what you think.”

“Awesome!” Hunter said with a little too much enthusiasm.

I raised my eyebrows at him. “Sorry Marie, but you can bake and I will always be a test dummy for your baking.” Hunter said with a smile.

I smiled back. This was the first time Hunter said something to me and it was nice.

After letting the guys out, I finished closing up and made my way home so I could get to bed and have an early start.