The sincerity in his voice had to be a good sign, right? Or he was using the acting skills he’d honed during trials.
No. She should think positive, but after a string of bad luck, it was difficult, which was why she second-guessed everything, including herself.
“How long did you say it took you to put the booth together the first time?” he asked.
She crinkled the papers in her hand. “Every night for two weeks.”
“And we have three days.” No judgment sounded in his tone, but lines tightened around his mouth.
His “we” sent warmth flowing through her. “I’ve brainstormed ways of simplifying the original design. I…we can’t redo it the same, or it’ll never be ready in time.”
“Sounds smart.”
“More like a Hail Mary pass.”
He laughed. “I forgot you were a big football fan.”
She shrugged, not wanting to care he hadn’t remembered that when they’d watched games, as in plural, over the holidays. “It will only take us a few minutes to go over the plans.”
Garrett stretched out his legs. “I’m in no rush.”
Unfortunately, she was. “I won’t be long.”
Part of the reason she’d hurt her hand was not sleeping last night. If she’d had the materials, Taryn would have worked on the booth. Instead, she’d lain in bed, going over what she needed to do and simplifying the design without affecting the quality too much.
Thinking won’t get it done.
She hurried into the kitchen. Jayden and Brecken stood at the stainless steel table working. Typical. But the usual chatter was subdued. That happened on Carl’s day off. That guy was a regular magpie. Finley would be there to work from six until close so she could stay home tonight.
“How’d the tasting go?” Jayden held a pastry bag full of chocolate buttercream icing.
“Great. Margot and Garrett both loved your brownie bites.”
“Score!” He pumped his free fist. “So glad I remembered brownies are Brandt’s favorite.”
“Yep. I need to grab stuff from the office before I head home.”
“Good luck.” Jayden winked. “And the hammer.”
“Not funny.”
Brecken laughed. “Yes, it is, Boss.”
“I’ll laugh when my hand doesn’t hurt.” Taryn headed into her office. She glanced at the plans on the bulletin board before picking up the copies she’d made at lunchtime so she’d have a set at home, too.
Clothes were in her locker, but she would change out of whites—Lawson’s uniform for the past fifty years—when she got home. That way, Garrett didn’t have to wait longer. She removed her hat and hairnet before grabbing her purse.
“The specials are on the board and ready to go outside.” That was the only task she’d needed to complete since Carl was off. He had the best handwriting, so he usually wrote that night’s menu. “Take care.”
“Good luck with the booth.” Brecken glanced up from the bread he’d pulled from the oven. “We’ve got everything under control.”
“I know.” And why Taryn could turn off her cell phone if she wanted. “But if you get slammed with customers—”
“Finley will be here later.” Jayden shooed her away. “Go build us the winning booth.”
“On my way.” She adjusted her purse strap before heading out of the kitchen.
As soon as she saw Garrett at the table, her hand tightened around the plans, crinkling the paper. He sat as if being the only non-bakery employee in the place was normal at two o’clock on a Tuesday. At least her parents weren’t there to see it.
