Overall, he was happy with their progress. He’d be even happier when his next delivery of supplies arrived. “Lean the drywall against here,” he said to Tommy, one of the students in the Connect Church’s construction program. “After we’ve brought the last sheet inside, we’ll screw them to the walls.”
Anyone would think he’d told him there was a check for a million dollars waiting outside. He moved twice as fast as they placed the sheets of drywall in front of some others.
If it weren’t for Pastor John’s apprenticeship program, Tommy and most of the teenagers Richard worked with would have left Sapphire Bay. Even with all the issues they’d had to overcome, taking on young people as apprentices was one of the most rewarding things he’d done.
“Excuse me,” a familiar female voice said from the doorway. “Can I talk to you for a moment, Richard?”
He turned and had to look twice at Paris. Instead of the colorful clothes she usually wore, the black jeans and white T-shirt were oddly normal. “You aren’t wearing your Dorothy of Oz dress.”
“It’s in my closet. I’ve finished work for the day.”
“You’re lucky. We still have another couple of hours ahead of us.”
“That’s why I’m here. Do you need a hand? I don’t know much about construction, but I’m willing to learn.”
Richard tried not to look surprised but, judging by Paris’ reaction, he’d failed.
“Pastor John said you have a team of volunteers working on the cottages. I’m volunteering.”
“Why? I thought you’d be busy at Blooming Lovely.”
“When I saw what you’re doing with the cottage, it inspired me. I thought about the types of businesses that could work from here and what they’d need.”
Tommy bounced from one foot to the other. “While you’re talking, I’ll grab more drywall.”
“Don’t carry it inside on your own. Ask one of the other apprentices to help.”
Paris moved out of Tommy’s way as he hurried outside. “Did I interrupt what you’re doing?”
“Don’t worry. Tommy likes to be busy. Otherwise, he doesn’t know what to do with himself.”
“I used to be like that. Flower arranging helped me relax and focus on one thing at a time.”
Richard picked up an electric drill. “If you know people who want to lease the cottages, you should speak to Penny. She’s organizing the tenancy agreements.”
“I’ve done that.” Taking a sheet of paper out of her pocket, Paris dangled it in front of his nose. “Guess who’s signed a conditional lease on this building?”
He looked into her eyes and frowned. She couldn’t mean what he thought she did. Paris had a good job. Why would she give that up to lease one of the cottages? “I don’t understand. You told me you enjoy working at Blooming Lovely.”
Her eyes gleamed. “I do, but this was such an amazing opportunity. Kylie needs to work fewer hours and I want to own my own business. As long as the bank loans me some money, I’ll be working full time from here.”
“You’ll be competing for the same customers.”
“That’s the great thing about what we’ve organized. Instead of doing the same thing, we’re specializing in different types of clients. I’ll provide the flower arrangements for large events and Blooming Lovely will provide the flowers for smaller gatherings. If an event is extra-large, we’ll work on it together.”
Richard checked the scaffolding they’d placed in front of a wall. “Owning a business isn’t easy. Apart from making sure you have enough cash flow, you’ll need a solid marketing plan to let people know you exist.”
“Kylie has shown Jackie and me everything she does. I’m organized and a hard worker. I’m not scared of working long hours if it means creating a better future for myself.”
“All I’m saying is that owning a business is a big decision. Most small businesses don’t make it past the first year.”
“Why do you always have to be so negative?”
“I’m being realistic.” Richard glanced over Paris’ shoulder. Tommy and another apprentice were carrying a few sheets of drywall into the room. “If you think you can start a new business, go for it.”
Her mouth clamped together in a straight line. “I shouldn’t have said anything.” She stepped out of Tommy’s way. “Good luck with the cottage. I’ll let you know what happens.”
Before Richard could reply, Paris left the room.
