“Raine must have everyone’s favorite drink order memorized. She wanted to come over, but she’s too busy.” Anna motioned to the display case. Most trays were less than half full. “Looks like you are, too.”
“Business has quadrupled since the summer fair.” That had been over a week ago.
“Did you hear that Nick and Robin’s house went on the market?”
“Yes. He’s worn out his welcome around here and in Summit Ridge. I’m not sure how Brandt stood to be in the same room as Nick. I couldn’t. But at least the other bakery is playing fair now.”
“The recipe and idea funnel is permanently closed.”
“Yes. They raised their prices. Couple that with the hits on their reputation, and people aren’t driving there as much.”
“It must make you happy having customers return.”
“I’m carefully optimistic.” The bakery had suffered from months of lower sales, but Taryn knew they would recover. But she’d learned a valuable lesson. “Those who left us purchase based on prices, not loyalty, so I’ll keep that in mind and add in an occasional sale. I have some ideas to discuss with my dad.”
Taryn was meeting with her parents tonight. They still hadn’t mentioned her buying the bakery. Still, she wanted to review some pricing strategies she’d researched and suggest her dad promote Jayden. He should be a manager. The bakery needed two—her and Jayden. The raise and title were well earned and thanks for him sticking with them, but Margot had heard Rachelle might be pregnant. No official announcement had been made, so Taryn wasn’t saying a word. But she knew how long they’d been trying and was thrilled for them.
Anna took another sip. “You’ve got a brain for business.”
“I’m learning all I can.” Taryn put on a new glove and removed a blueberry scone—one of Anna’s favorites—stuck it in a bag, and handed it to her friend. She would drop off something for Raine later. “Here you go.”
“Thank you.” Anna peeked inside. “I should bring over coffee more often.”
“I’ll be here.” Taryn only wished Garrett was there, too. But it wasn’t fair of her to ask, just as it hadn’t been fair of him. She had to believe they would find a way.
“Well, I should get back to the shop. Callie left me in charge during her honeymoon.”
“I hope they are having a wonderful time.”
“I prefer to stand beside a grooming table than behind the front counter. But it’s the least I can do. Callie deserves the long break. And it’ll be good for her and Brandt.”
“We should grab dinner. See if Raine wants to join us. Pippa, too.”
“I’d love that. I’ll find out when people are free.” Anna grabbed a napkin from the dispenser. “Talk to you soon.”
The door beeped when she opened it and again when it closed.
Taryn drank her mocha. This hit the spot. It also reminded her she should make more time for her friends. All relationships needed attention, not be taken for granted and only nurtured when convenient.
She half laughed. Isn’t that what she’d initially and mistakenly thought she was to Garrett—a convenience?
Taryn picked up a rag from the bleach bucket under the counter and walked to the eating area, where she washed tables before returning and removing her gloves.
Jayden headed out of the kitchen. “If you need more to clean, please come over to my house.”
“Be careful, or you might find me at your doorstep with a dust rag and vacuum cleaner.”
“Don’t say that in front of Rachelle, or she’ll be expecting you.”
That would have been the perfect opening for a baby announcement, but Jayden said nothing. His facial expression remained neutral, too. Margot’s gossip could be wrong this time.
He leaned against the counter. “Have you talked to Garrett?”
Her throat tightened, and the ache in her chest grew. “Yesterday. We plan to talk later.”
“Good.”
She hated to ask, but curiosity got the best of her. “Do you think it’ll last?”
