This Saturday was the first day of the Christmas in July Festival.The town was busy preparing for the influx of people and setting up tables that would line Candy Cane Lane with goods to purchase.At the end of the street, a makeshift stage was assembled for live bands to play.
As usual, the town was decorated with wreaths, garland, and lights.There was a banner on each end of the street announcing the festival, and smaller trees were placed in pots on the sidewalks, all decorated to match.Even though it was warm, I felt the magic of the season.
I was somewhat insulated from the preparations, since my responsibility was to continue the renovation.But I listened to Reina talk about it every night, and I was aware of what was going on.
On the morning of the festival, I helped pack her baked goods and transport them to the tables in front of her bakery.
If you looked in the windows, you could see recently hung drywall and the new floors in the process of being installed.
Today, my plan was just to be there for Reina and help in any way that I could.She already had Jill to ring up customers.I was here for moral support.
When Reina was finished arranging the baked goods on trays, she stepped back and asked, "Do you think this is enough?Should I have made more?"
"You have more in the refrigerator at town hall.Just say the word, and I'll grab it for you," I offered.
She shook her head, a line appearing between her brows."That's not what I meant.I'm wondering if I should have made different things.Am I offering enough variety?"
"I don't think I'm the best person to ask about that."
"You have the lemonade and hot chocolate cupcakes.The holiday sugar cookies alongside the watermelon shaped ones.Then you have the various breads and pastries.I don't think you would have had time to create anything else.Remember, you want to keep these events simple.Offer a few things.You want to give them a taste of your products.There's no way we could give them everything," Jill said reasonably.
"I'm just nervous.Ever since the fire, I've felt like an imposter.Like maybe this isn't what I'm supposed to be doing.Like I failed, and the fire was a sign that I should give up."
I tipped my head to the side to consider her."You never said you were feeling like that."
She chewed on her lower lip."I didn't tell anyone."
"You're not an imposter.You're a legit baker, whose building was damaged in a fire.It has nothing to do with you or your ability to run a business," Jill said confidently.
"I think about what my parents or Tom would say, and I doubt myself."
I let out a breath."You shouldn't listen to anyone who doesn't support you.Your family means well, but they want to keep you safe.Running a business comes with risks.That doesn't mean that they're right about you.In fact, you should probably question the source of any comments like that."
Jill raised a brow at me, probably surprised I'd said so much.
"I'm so proud of you.Your ability to be resilient and to create something out of nothing.You're so strong."
"You really think that?"Reina asked me.
"Of course I do.You're impressive, and if your family can't see that, then that's their problem.Although, you might not be letting them in.You never told them about the fire, how you've adapted and become stronger."
Reina's nose wrinkled."I still don't think telling them before the renovations are done is a good idea."
I shrugged."It's up to you.But never doubt yourself.We support you, and we don't think you shouldn't be here.You have a ton of loyal customers who would agree with us."
"We believe in you," Jill said.
I nodded toward where the festival goers were just coming down the street."We have customers.You want to see what they think?"
Reina hustled around the table, and I caught her wrist, dropping a kiss on her lips."Never doubt yourself."
She drew her lip between her teeth."You're right."
I grinned."Of course I am.Now go shine."
She stood next to Jill, greeting people and answering their questions as they came up to the table.I sat in a lawn chair, content to watch her work.Whenever she talked about her baked goods, she was passionate about them.Her eyes were bright, and her hands moved as she talked.You could feel her energy.She was riveting.
Within an hour, I had to run to town hall to grab more items.I was glad to have something to do, but the sidewalks and the street were crowded.
