“We don’t have a license,” Levi shared.
“A license?”
“Of course we don’t have a driver’s license,” Laney added, still bawling, “we’re kids.”
Cavin contained a smile.“Where is the lady now?”he asked.“Did you tell your mom?”
“She’s inside talking to Mom.”
“She called someone who is going to shut us down.”
“The health inspector?”Cavin inquired.
Levi and Laney shrugged their little shoulders.
“I will see if I can help,” Cavin offered.“I am a pro at conflict resolution.”
“A pro at what?”Laney asked, puzzled.
“At helping,” Cavin clarified.“First I will take a hot chocolate, please.”
“The mean lady told us not to sell any more,” Levi shared.
Cavin reached into his wallet and dropped a twenty-dollar bill into the tip jar.“You are not selling the hot chocolate to me,” he explained.“You are giving it to me,” he added with a wink.
A slow smile crept onto the kids’ faces, and then Laney held a cup while Levi flipped the spout.In that moment a short man with a bald head hurriedly approached the table.
“I’m sorry, sir, these kids can’t sell you hot chocolate,” the man proclaimed authoritatively.“They don’t have a street vendor’s license.”
Cavin purposely stood in front of the cute posters, blocking the price.“These kids are giving away hot chocolate to Small Business Saturday shoppers,” Cavin announced.“The jar is for donations, and the money goes to help a good cause,” he explained.
The man’s brow furrowed, and for a moment he remained motionless with a puzzled expression on his face.“She didn’t mention that,” he muttered to himself.
When the guy scurried towards the candy shop’s window that showcased a stunning array of irresistible sweets, Cavin quickly ripped the taped signs off the table skirt and shoved them beneath the table.
Levi smirked while Laney monitored the man cupping his hands on the glass that Noel cleaned earlier this morning.
“Surely in a small town like Beaufort, a couple of local kids can help the community by giving away hot chocolate during the Christmas season.”
The man turned from the window.“I don’t see the harm in that, but...”he trailed off as if not sure what else to add.
“I am Cavin Dawson,” Cavin announced politely introducing himself to the stranger.
“I’m Samuel Lowe, town councilperson.”
About the time that Cavin took in the title, Noel came rushing out the front door.
“Kids, I’m afraid...,” she started before trailing off when she spotted Cavin and Sam.
Then someone else hurried out the door behind her, but Cavin focused his attention on Noel.
“I think we have come to a resolution,” Cavin announced.
“A resolution,” the woman trailing behind questioned defensively, and when Cavin turned to her, she added, “Cavin, why are you here?”with a surprised expression.
Noel’s eyebrows lifted toward the Santa hat atop her head.“You two know each other?”Noel inquired.“I thought you just arrived in town yesterday,” she said to Cavin.
Georgia didn’t wait for any further responses.“What is this resolution talk?”she questioned interrupting.
