“She’s at the café,” Andy said with a frown. “Someone’s coming to look at the dishwasher.”
“It’s making funny noises again,” Charlie whispered. “Mom got annoyed ’cos it was only fixed the other week.”
David looked at his watch. The last thing Andrea would want is her appliances breaking down. His meeting with John should only take ten minutes. That would leave him another hour before he needed to drive to the airport. “If you want me to call your mom, I could take you back to the café after I’ve spoken to Pastor John?”
Andy looked at him suspiciously. “Mom’s probably on her way by now.”
Charlie looked up at his brother. “If the repairman can’t fix the dishwasher, Mr. O’Dowd could look at it. He knows all about machines.”
The conflict on Andy’s face was endearing. He wanted what was best for his mom, but not if it involved David. “If it can’t be fixed, I could help your mom buy another one. That’s what business partners do.”
“Okay,” Andy said reluctantly.
“I’ll collect you from the meeting room after I’ve spoken to Pastor John.”
“Remember to call mom,” Charlie said.
“I will.”
John opened the door to the meeting room. “They’ll be fine with Shelley. There are plenty of things they can do while they wait.”
David took out his cell phone. “Andrea will be disappointed about the dishwasher. She wanted the last few days before the grand opening to be stress-free.”
“It’s part of the joy of owning your own business. You never know what’s around the corner.”
That summed up most of the businesses David had been involved in. But, in Andrea’s case, he’d hoped her careful planning and budgeting would eliminate any last-minute issues.
“While you’re talking to Andrea, I’ll be in my office. Come on through when you’re finished.”
“I’ll be there soon.” He wasn’t looking forward to this conversation. Offering to buy her a new dishwasher would be the last thing she’d want.
Chapter 10
Andrea was scrolling through the Internet for a dishwasher when David and the boys came into the café. “I’m in here,” she yelled.
Andy was the first person to walk into the kitchen. “Did the repair person come?”
“He did. It wasn’t good news.”
Charlie touched the front of the dishwasher. “Mr. O’Dowd might be able to fix it.”
“The electronics are damaged and it needs a new motor, Charlie. No one will be able to fix it.”
“Does that mean we need a new one?”
She rubbed her forehead, hoping the headache that was building behind her eyes disappeared. “It does. I’m trying to find a good secondhand one.” She didn’t dare glance at David. He knew how difficult it would be to find what she needed.
“Are any available?” he asked.
“I’ve contacted two of the stores I dealt with last time. Even if I could find a secondhand dishwasher, it wouldn’t arrive in time to be installed. I hate doing this, but I need to buy a new one.” Scrolling through the images she’d saved on her phone, she showed him the best option.
David studied the image. “Does it fit under the counter?”
Andrea nodded. “It can hold more plates and glasses than the old one and its wash cycle is a lot faster.”
“It sounds like the perfect choice. The price isn’t too bad, either.”
It was a great price, but that didn’t help how she felt about borrowing more money from him. “You know how I feel about using your money.”
