“You have the wrong screwdriver. You need a flat head.”
“A what?”
Reaching into the box, he pulled out a different screwdriver. “This one.” Her smile told him she wasn’t intimidated by his superior knowledge.
“I was testing you.” And with an efficiency that surprised him, she attached the bracket. “Easy.”
“I’m impressed.” Reluctantly, he checked his watch. “As much as I’ve enjoyed helping you, I need to leave. Jack’s after-school program is nearly finished, and I have more work to do.”
Paris seemed almost as disappointed as he was that he had to leave.
“Before you go, I’ve got something for you.” She left the screwdriver with the others and disappeared inside.
By the time he’d closed his toolbox, Paris was back holding a container. “Jack said you like chocolate muffins.”
“You didn’t need to bake me anything.”
“Yes, I did. I appreciate you helping me with the shelves. I know how busy you are.”
Richard lifted a corner of the lid. The sweet, rich scent of chocolate wafted through the air.
“I used my gran’s recipe. I hope you like them.”
“I’m sure I will. Thanks.” He looked at Paris. Now would be a good time to tell her why he was cautious when she spoke about her new business. “There’s a reason I don’t get excited when you talk about The Flower Cottage.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Yes, it does. I know what it’s like to start a business. Last year, I made some furniture for a friend. After a lot of hard work, I opened a part-time business making furniture for other people. It’s easy to underestimate how much time and energy it will take.” He handed her a business card and watched her expression change from confusion to surprise.
“I’ve seen your furniture. Kylie and Ben said a local craftsperson made their dining room table. It’s beautiful.”
“It was one of the first pieces I sold. I’m focusing on outdoor furniture, but l create commission pieces if my clients want them.”
Paris frowned. “Why didn’t you tell me about your business earlier?”
He closed the lid on the muffin container. “Before you saw the cottage on Anchor Lane, we didn’t talk to each other very often.”
“And when we did, I usually got all prickly.” Paris sighed. “How do you find the time to look after the construction crews and run your own business?”
“It’s hard, but I manage. When I started as site foreman at the tiny home village, I spent all my time managing the volunteers and paid staff. Now, another person does the day-to-day operations. I make sure the projects are on time and have the materials they need. Eventually, I’d like to work full time in my own business.”
“Do you get paid for what you’re doing at the cottages?”
Richard shook his head. “I didn’t want to be paid. It’s my way of giving back to the community.”
Paris looked uncertainly at him. “Is that why you warned me about how difficult it is to start your own business?”
“It can consume your life. I was lucky. The church helped me with childcare options, John let me use the old steamboat museum for my workshop, and I was able to borrow enough money to buy the wood I needed. Without everyone’s support, I wouldn’t still be in business.”
“What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome?”
Richard frowned. She wouldn’t want to open her flower shop if he told her everything. “I had to ask Shelley to be my accountant. The tax and financial side of owning a business drove me insane. The best thing I ever did was pay someone to build my website and automate my online ordering. It saves a lot of time.”
“I don’t know anything about setting up a website. Shelley suggested I talk to Emma Devlin.”
“She helped me, too. Whatever she charges is worth it.” He glanced at his watch before picking up his toolbox. “I’d better leave. Let me know if you have any issues with the next shelving units.”
“I will. I’m glad you told me about your business.”
