“Ty, you mentioned before you arrive early to prep the desserts before everyone else reports for work, correct?” she asked.
“Yes. I usually arrived early enough to trade a donut with Debbie and a cup of coffee,” he agreed.
“What if you and Bryanna pooled your resources together?” she suggested. “Bryanna has an excellent bakery, and both of you have crossover patrons who eat a meal at Ty’s and then visit Bryanna’s for dessert. What if they got both of your worlds in one place? It’ll give you more time at home, and since Bryanna closes in the afternoon, this gives her a chance to make an extra profit since the restaurant closes at ten.”
“If we combine, my left overs will go to Ty’s restaurant. I gave my leftover goodies to the center for the seniors and families. It’ll mean they’ll miss out,” Bryanna said, sitting up and working the problem in her head.
Ty glanced at Saint and Bryanna before speaking, “Before Kassie purchased the community center, we talked about expanding our business. We didn’t have the funds with the vandalism happening on your end.”
Kassie grabbed a napkin from the table and began to sketch. “Scarlett may be on to something. What if we tore the remaining building down and started again? If we added one large kitchen to one end instead of three, Bryanna can bake in the early morning. You can go in later and prep for the lunch and dinner people. If we take up this entire wall and leave an opening in the back, we can have multiple stations. We can have your crew, Bryanna’s and the community center at the end.”
Ty leaned in, scanning the crude drawing. “If I didn’t have to work on the desserts, my employees could do food prep the night before and stock the kitchen for the next day. What about you, Bryanna?” he asked, passing the sketch to her.
“If we made a kitchen like Kassie suggested, it’ll double my space. Saint and I discussed my hours before the bakery disaster. With Gabe at daycare and Nugget’sschool schedule, I wanted to cut my afternoon hours. With Becky in college classes, it left only the teens. I didn’t have a supervisor,” Bryanna said, studying the design.
“My team works efficiently on my days off. I haven’t taken many lately because the town’s grown and it’s gotten busier. My sous chef wanted more hours. If we gave him a pay increase and spread the cost between our two businesses, I’m confident he can effectively oversee your workers. What time do you plan to close?” Ty asked.
“I want to work from five a.m. to noon. Then keep the bakery open until four. Becky comes in four days a week. Between my teen employees and her, I need coverage for three days a week unless we go out of town or plan a vacation,” Bryanna said excitedly.
“Edie and Barb, can you still manage the community center? I know Tess does the ordering, and the teens will still help you,” Kassie murmured, working out the kinks.
“We can do it. Perhaps some veterans will volunteer to monitor the dining area. Debbie always added a special touch and an ear to listen. I don’t think we’ll find anyone to replace her,” Barb added.
“Why don’t we think about it for a few days and then revisit it?” Chase suggested.
“Bryanna and Saint have welcomed me with open arms, but they’re a young family. I don’t want to smother them,” Edie chimed in. “Do you plan to rebuild the apartments? I’m sure Barb doesn’t want to live at the Bed and Breakfast permanently.”
“Mama, we love having you there,” Saint insisted.
“I know you do, my dear boy. You and Bryanna need time together as a family without me. You’re newly married and don’t need to cater to me,” Edie insisted.
“You’re a great help with the kids, and who can complain when their mother-in-law makes dinner?” Bryanna added.
“I love you like a daughter, Bryanna, but too many cooks in the kitchen lead to dissension. I want the kids to see me as the cool gran, not some old woman underfoot,” Edie argued.
“I have something in the works which might suit both of you. Why don’t we reconvene in a few days after we’ve given this some time to mull over?” Kassie advised.
“You know I can punish my men and make them work at the community center. All those running kids and demanding seniors will drive them mad,” Ivan said, stroking his chin and grinning evilly.
“We want people to come to the center, not run from it,” Kassie said, laughing. “Although Aleski might like a job. With Victoria and Nick spending time together, he seems bored. The man can bake bread that melts in your mouth.”
“It’s something to think about,” Ty said, mulling it over.
“Before we leave, can we discuss one more item?” Scarlett asked.
“Sure,” Chase agreed.
“Don’t take offense, but from what I understand, this town acts like a community. Yet they want you to solve all their problems. We still have residents without meals from the kitchen and needy families. Barb and Edie can’t keep it up on their own. Why don’t we ask the town to step in and get them involved? They’re benefiting from all you have done. It’s time they help one another and not expect you to throw money at the situation. I don’t mean to step on anyone’s toes, but if you want this place to keep its small town appeal and work together, you have to give them a reason to do it.”
“Darling, you’re preaching to the choir. Neither Kassie nor Chase understands that charity begins at home. If the school needs something, Kassie’s the first person they contact. If the library or the fire department runs low on funds, they hit up Chase,” Victoria said,shaking her head. “They’re a new family with an entire zoo and don’t have the time anymore to cater to everyone’s needs.”
“You’re right,” Chase murmured. “I grew up here. People helped one another all the time. Since we’ve established the hospital and free clinic, I don’t see neighbors helping neighbors anymore. Our phones have rung off the hook from families needing food and demanding when we’ll reopen. No one volunteered to bring anything or help in any way.”
“Maybe they need a reason,” Scarlett suggested. “We have a man creating havoc in their town, and the cops can’t seem to do anything. I know Leo’s men patrolled the area, but what about a neighborhood watch? They lost a valuable member of the community, and it’s time they watched each other’s backs.”
“You’re one intelligent woman,” Ty said, leaning close to her ear. “I may have to reward you later.”
He watched as her cheeks pinkened. “Why don’t we bring this up at the town meeting on Thursday? Can you have the teens set up flyers around town?”
