“I’ll get it to you before the weekend. If the oven isn’t what you want, you’ll have enough money and time to order a new one.”
“A combi oven isn’t cheap. The one I saw on the Internet was twenty-five thousand dollars.” Andrea waited for him to sound concerned at that amount of money, but he didn’t say anything. “Doesn’t that worry you?”
“If it makes it possible for you to open the café, then no. It doesn’t worry me.”
“You wouldn’t have to pay for all of it. I have some money I can use. Would you like me to send you a copy of my budget?”
“Leave it until you see what I’m offering. We can negotiate the final amounts later.”
Andrea hoped he realized what he was getting into. With both of them relying on gut instinct, it would be a miracle if the café stayed open for more than a year. And an even bigger miracle if she made enough profit for David to quickly recoup his investment.
“I’ll call you as soon as I receive your email.”
“Thanks. If there’s anything in the proposal you don’t like, let me know.”
“I will. Bye.” And with the click of a button, she ended their conversation and checked the time. Charlie and Andy would be finishing their art workshop at The Welcome Center soon. After dinner, she’d have more time to think about working with David—and the offer that could be the answer to all her prayers.
Chapter 5
David looked up when Peter walked into his office in Manhattan. Over the last week he’d delivered his presentation to BioTech’s Board of Directors, answered their questions and provided the additional details they’d wanted. Creating another research facility in Sapphire Bay was an expensive project that had consequences far beyond the initial construction phase.
Peter’s grim expression didn’t bode well for the discussion he’d had with the board. “They didn’t like the staffing plans we gave them?”
Peter sat in the leather chair opposite David’s desk. “They have a few reservations, mostly around hiring new staff. They’re worried no one will want to move to Montana.”
“Did you remind them about the number of science and IT graduates working in other cities in Montana?”
“I did.”
“But?”
“They were also concerned about the immediate cash injection we’d need to start the facility.”
There was nothing David could do to soften that blow. “BioTech has strict requirements when it comes to creating new labs. It’s impossible to bring the cost down.”
“We talked at length about that. They were impressed with your presentation and the responses to their questions.”
“But not enough to proceed with the project?”
For the first time since he’d walked into David’s office, Peter smiled. “The vote was unanimous. We’re building a new facility in Sapphire Bay.” Reaching across the desk, Peter shook David’s hand. “Congratulations. All your hard work has paid off.”
“I had a lot of help from other people. I guess this means Katie will see a lot more of you.”
“I hope so. Working alternate weeks from New York City was okay for a few months, but not for the long term. But I’m not the only person who’ll be glad to hear the news. When I have lunch in the cafeteria, the question everyone asks me is when they can move to Montana.”
“Compared to the concrete jungle we call home, it’s an incredible place.”
“Incredible enough for you to move there?”
He shook his head. “I have a life here. Besides, with you spending more time in Sapphire Bay, who will look after BioTech’s head office?”
“I don’t want you spending most of your time on admin. You’ll get bored and resign.”
“I’ve been working with you since you started BioTech. The chance of that happening—”
“Is about the same as me moving to Montana.” Peter stood in front of the floor to ceiling window and studied the traffic below. “I thought I’d always live in the city, too. But look at me now.”
“Cowboy boots suit you.”
