“They’ll be excited. Even though Sapphire Bay is growing in leaps and bounds, there aren’t that many opportunities to test your newfound skills.”
Diana lifted her bridesmaid’s dress onto her lap. “BioTech’s research and development facility could change that. David thinks there’ll be at least ten new jobs created after it opens.”
Andrea picked up another pin. “From a purely selfish viewpoint, I hope so. Having more jobs available will be good for everyone.”
The community Facebook page had been full of information about the company and what the new facility would mean for the region. Almost everyone Andrea had spoken to was looking forward to seeing more people live and work in Sapphire Bay. But, for people who’d come here to get away from large crowds, the arrival of BioTech wasn’t something to celebrate. Hopefully, once the facility was open, they’d be as excited as everyone else about the changes.
Barbara added a handful of candy to the table favor she was making. “Theo wanted me to ask if he can interview you about The Starlight Café. He could play it on his radio station the week before you open.”
“That would be awesome. I’ll call him tomorrow.” She looked up at Penny and smiled. “I’ve finished hemming your dress. Be careful of the pins when you lift it over your head.”
“I will.” With more grace than Andrea could have managed, Penny stepped off the wooden box they were using as a stool.
Barbara was ready to take her place. “If you need help with your social media advertising, come and see me. We could set up some Facebook ads, take some pictures for Instagram, and create a series of TikTok videos.”
Andrea measured the distance from the ground to where Katie wanted everyone’s hemlines to sit. “I loved what you did for last year’s Christmas market, but are you sure you have the time? I know how busy you are.” She was in awe of Barbara’s social media expertise. It would be incredible if she could find even an hour showing her what to do.
“I’ll make the time to help you. I have some interesting data from other advertising campaigns I’ve run for events in Sapphire Bay. It might help target specific audiences toward the café.”
Katie grinned. “I don’t know about target audiences, but my sister’s fantastic at what she does.”
“Don’t worry about paying me, either,” Barbara said quickly. “I won’t take a cent, especially after everything you’ve done for Katie.”
“I didn’t do anything.”
“Nonsense,” Katie said. “You’ve been wonderful about changing venues and giving us a menu no one will forget. Peter and I would have been stressed to the max if you weren’t able to provide the catering for our wedding.”
“You’re helping me, too. It will give me a chance to show other people what I can do.” She looked at Barbara. “Try to keep looking at the wall. It will make it easier to get a straight hem.”
“Okay. Did David tell you I’m working on a social media campaign for BioTech Industries?”
“No, he didn’t.”
“A few articles have already been written about the redevelopment, but he wants to keep the community informed about what’s happening throughout the project. If we do it well, everyone will feel as though they’re part of the process.”
“You always do things well,” Penny said to her sister. “All you have to do is look at what you’ve achieved with The Lakeside Inn. Our bookings have never been better.”
“That has less to do with me and more to do with the inn. David seems like a nice person.”
Andrea kept her eyes focused on Barbara’s hem. He was nice. More than nice, but she didn’t want Penny and her sisters thinking he was anything other than her business partner.
For the first time since she’d arrived, everyone was silent. When she lifted her gaze, each of the Terry sisters was looking at her. “Why are you staring at me?”
Katie grinned. “We’re all happily married or soon to be married and you’re single. David talks non-stop about the café after he’s seen you.”
“He does?”
Penny nodded. “He’ll be at Katie’s wedding.”
Barbara looked down at Andrea. “You should ask him to join you after dinner. There’ll be plenty of dancing.”
Katie grinned. “If you invite him to the wedding, the love bug might bite him.”
Diana frowned at her sisters. “Stop teasing Andrea. I know what it feels like to date another man after your marriage ends. It’s hard.”
Andrea cleared her throat. “Does it make any difference if I told you he’s already asked if I can spend time with him at the wedding?”
Katie’s eyebrows rose. “Good for you. You’ll make a cute couple.”
