He tapped the steering wheel."We won't know until we check it out."
"Let's go see."I opened the door and got out.
He met me on the sidewalk, and we walked side by side down the path that led to the steps and the doors.He opened the heavy wooden door.Inside, it was quiet and hushed.
"Maybe we should have called ahead," I whispered to him.
Betty came out of a side door."Our next service isn't for another hour yet, but you're welcome to have a seat."
I stepped forward."We're actually hoping you can help us with something.There was a fire in my bakery last night."
"Oh, Reina.I heard about that."She moved toward me, enveloping me in a hug."I was going to mention starting a drive for you.What do you need?Food?Clothes?"
"Actually, I wanted to see if you had a kitchen I could use to bake."
The woman frowned."I don't know what you need, but it's a large space.We use it to serve meals throughout the week."
That meant I wouldn't have free access to it.Maybe it was a bad idea to come to a church.They used the kitchen and wouldn't be able to rent it out.Especially if this was a church that routinely served meals and had volunteers prepping food.
We followed her through a door on the side that led to bathrooms, an office, and a classroom, then down the stairs to a hall they used for serving food.We walked through a swinging door to a large kitchen.
There were multiple ovens which would be perfect and more than enough counter space to prep."How often do you use the kitchen?"
"We're in here every day at ten prepping for lunch."
"I could come in early if you're open to it but then would need to clean up by nine to ensure I'm out of your way."It probably wouldn't be worth it.But it might be the only option.
"I'll talk to Minister Pete and see if he'd be willing to rent the kitchen for a few hours a day."
"I'd appreciate that."
She walked us out of the kitchen and up the stairs.
When we reached the front door, I paused."Thanks for showing us the kitchen.I really appreciate this."
"Just let us know if there’s anything else you need.We love having a bakery in town."
"I'm hoping to stay in business.I just need to find a kitchen that can accommodate me," I said.
She reached for a card on a nearby table."Write your number on this, and I'll get back to you."
I wrote my contact information and handed it to her."Thank you so much."
On the sidewalk, I let out a breath."I'm not sure that's going to work.I'd really need more than just a few hours to maintain the business at the level I'd like."
"But it's an option."
"We need to keep looking."But there was only one church in town, and I wasn't sure I wanted to go to Telluride.
My phone rang."It's Eve.I should take this."
He gestured for me to go ahead.
I hit Accept."Eve?"
"How are you doing?"Her voice was filled with concern.
I tightened my grip on the phone."I'm okay physically."
