Iheld my breath as we opened the door to the town hall's kitchen.We'd already been disappointed twice this morning.The damage to the bakery's kitchen was shocking for Reina, and access to the church's kitchen wasn't ideal.
Reina was quiet as she moved around the space, opening and closing ovens and running her hand over the stainless-steel counter.There were several huge refrigerators along the wall.She opened one and then the other."This is more refrigerator space than I have now."
Her eyes were suspiciously shiny.
I gripped the counter so I wouldn't cross the room and pull her into my arms."You think it could work for you?"
She nodded."It's absolutely perfect.I could do so many more orders with all of this storage."
"You tell me what you want in your kitchen, and we'll make it happen.This is your opportunity to get exactly what you want."I wanted her to think of the renovation as an upgrade, not just restoring what she had before.
She chewed her lip."I can't believe that Eve is going to let me use this kitchen."
"No one else is using it.Why not?"
"I'm going to call my clients and let them know that I can keep their orders, and then I'll reach out to everyone to let them know that I'm available for new ones."
"Do you have an online ordering option?"
"I do."
"I would take a look at it and make sure it has everything you want to offer now that you don't have a shop before you say anything."
"That's a good idea."
"Let's pick up lunch, and then we can head home to work."
"I'm sure you have other things you need to do," she said as we locked up and headed outside.
"Not today."Tomorrow, I'd have to work on my schedule with Cooper.But today, I could help Reina.I might have said it was because of the promise I'd made to her brother, but seeing her so emotional over the loss of her bakery, it was more than that.I wanted to help her.
When she had something to focus on, she felt better.And right now, finding a kitchen and letting her customers know about the development was the priority.
We picked up a pizza and subs at the local pizzeria, then headed home.I brought in the luggage she'd packed while she carried in the food.
We ate at the counter.Then she pulled out her laptop from her duffle and got to work."You're right.This isn't going to be able to handle regular orders.It's mostly for wedding cakes and parties.I need options for people who want a pie for their family dinner night or cupcakes just because.This is my shop until the physical bakery is open again."
When she was focused on something, she couldn't be upset about the damage to her bakery.I vowed to keep her focused on this new part of her business and away from the charred remains of her kitchen for a while.
I didn't like seeing her upset.The bakery was her dream, and it had to hurt that it had gone up in flames.
She looked over at me."You don't think the fire was foul play, do you?Maddox said if it was, the investigation would take longer."
My stomach tightened at the idea."It appeared to be an electrical issue to me."
She sighed."I hope you're right.I can't handle any more bad news."
"You secured a kitchen, and you already have an online ordering system.It should be easy to tweak.You can contact your existing customers and then get the word out to others that you're open for business online."
She chewed her lip."How will I get the food to people?"
"You could have them pick it up at the town hall or maybe deliver it to them?"
"I don't have a car, remember?"
"We don't have to have the answers now.We'll figure it out," I said, not wanting her to spiral again."One thing at a time."
She looked at her computer."I'll tweak the online ordering system, tell everyone about it, and then get ingredients.I'll start baking tomorrow."
