Andrea appeared on the veranda of the second cottage. She frowned at his truck, then lifted her arm, shielding her eyes from the late afternoon sun. “Hi, David. The Flower Cottage has closed for the day.”
“I didn’t come here to buy flowers. I wanted to talk to you about your café. Katie said you still haven’t found an oven or a refrigerator.”
“It’s impossible to find good secondhand appliances, especially in Montana.”
He looked at the dark circles under her eyes. “How is everything else going?”
“I’m slowly working my way through our ‘to do’ list. If there were a few more hours in the day, I’d be happier.”
“It takes a lot of time to start a new business.”
“I didn’t realize how much until Penny gave me the keys. I don’t know if I’ll have everything done before I’m supposed to open the café.”
“Can you change the date?”
“I wish I could, but I need to earn some money to start repaying my bank loan.” Andrea picked up an electric drill that was sitting on the veranda. “I’m only paying the interest at the moment, but I can’t do that forever.”
“What if I could help?”
“Do you know where I can find some commercial appliances?”
“No, but I’m good at raising money. BioTech runs off donations and government grants. It’s my job to find the funding we need to keep our research facility open.”
Andrea frowned. “I didn’t know you can apply for grants to pay for appliances.”
“You’d be surprised by what’s available. Our only issue will be timing. Most organizations need a few months to consider an application. When are you opening the café?”
“In about six weeks.”
“That could be a challenge, but nothing’s impossible. If you want me to help you, I could put together a list of options and show you what they need.”
“Please don’t think I’m not grateful, because I am. But why do you want to help me?”
He’d asked himself the same question, and he still didn’t know the entire answer. “I admire anyone who works hard to achieve their goals. If I can help you succeed, then I’m happy to spend a few hours looking at different options.”
“Are you sure you have the time?”
“It shouldn’t take too long to come up with a list of funders.” He could see Andrea thinking carefully about what he’d offered to do.
She held the drill close to her chest. “I’m not used to asking people for help.”
“You didn’t. I offered.”
“You know what I mean.”
“If it makes you feel any better, I’ve spent most of my life scrambling up the corporate ladder, doing everything myself. It wasn’t until my personal life fell apart that I realized I needed help. Hitting rock bottom makes you appreciate the people who are willing to give you a hand. Even if it’s the last thing you want.”
She lifted her chin. “I haven’t hit rock bottom. I have options.”
“I know you do.” David ran his hand around the back of his neck. She was so prickly that even a porcupine would think twice about getting close to her. “I meant that sometimes you need to change the way you think. Success isn’t a destination—it’s a journey that takes lots of people to make it happen. But if you don’t want my help, that’s okay.”
Andrea’s oldest son stepped out of the café. Blue eyes the same color as his mom’s studied David. “I’ve finished opening the boxes, Mom.”
“That’s great. Tell Charlie we’re leaving soon.”
“Do you need me to do anything else?”
“You could make sure the kitchen’s tidy.” Andrea motioned toward David. “Andy, this is a friend of Katie and Peter’s. Mr. O’Dowd works for BioTech Industries.”
