“You’re perfect just like you are,” Myrtle said.Together, she and Josie unloaded the wagon, and Katie quickly began putting the baked goods on the shelves.
When Katie and Myrtle were finished with their business, Josie pressed the bag in her hands toward the middle of the counter.“I’ve been doing some knitting.”
Katie opened the bag and pulled out a multicolored hat.“Oh, it’s beautiful.I’m keeping this one for myself.”
“Oh, I thought it would be good for a man...”Josie said.
“And a woman,” Katie replied.“I’m keeping it.”She kept pulling things out of the bag and exclaiming over how beautiful they were.“These will sell out quickly.Please keep them coming!”
Josie nodded.“I’ll do my best.”
As the two women left the store, the men swarmed the items they’d brought and a line formed.
Josie looked at Myrtle.“Is it always this way?I’ve never seen the store so busy.”
Myrtle nodded.“Yes, they wait for me to come.Many of them take their lunches when they know I’ll be bringing my treats.”
Josie shook her head.“I don’t usually come to town.Agnes brought in the forage that the rest of us didn’t need.”
“Well, don’t spend every day by yourself.I know you go to lunch every day, but you need to be around people more than that.I don’t mind being alone for long periods, but it’s always bothered you.”
“You’re right.I do need to do something about being alone.I may take you up on knitting at your place.”
“Be careful...I may just force you to wash dishes.”
“Any work the two of us do together doesn’t feel like work.”
As they parted ways, Myrtle worried about Josie.Her friend really did need to spend more time with people.She was obviously sad, and that wasn’t good.
Once home, Myrtle started supper.She hadn’t wanted to speak with Katie with Josie present, so she would go back to town once the preparations for supper were made, and then she would finish cooking as soon as she arrived home.
When she set off for the store again, she hoped to catch Katie right at close.She didn’t want to keep the older woman at work longer than necessary, but she wanted to have the discussion in private.It felt strange to discuss a business matter such as this with people around.
She arrived at the store five minutes before close, and she could see everything Josie had brought and all her baked goods had already been sold.And that was with her baking double what she normally did.
The store was empty except for Katie, so Myrtle approached her.“I have something I’d like to talk to you about.”
“Yes, of course,” Katie said.
“The spot where the men meet me on my way here...there are four stumps on the side of the path.I was told you owned that property.Is that true?”
Katie nodded.“Yes, my husband and I own it.”
“I think that’s where I want to build my bakery.Would you consider allowing me to lease the property and build there?”
“I don’t see why not.We’re not using it.We could work out an arrangement where I get ten percent of your revenue?Or you could pay a flat fee every month.”
“I’ll think about it, but I’m leaning toward ten percent.It’ll be easier than coming up with a set amount.I’ll discuss it with Aaron and see what he thinks.”
“And I’ll talk to Mr.Johnson and get his opinion.Though, he mostly leaves business matters to me these days.He’s busy preparing his sermons and working on our books.”Katie shrugged.“I’m sure it won’t be a problem.”
“Then I’ll talk to Aaron and let you know what we decide.”Myrtle smiled.“I’m going to go finish supper.Thank you for seeing me.”
“And thank you for the dessert.I’m sure Mr.Johnson and I will love it!”
“I’ll need your opinion tomorrow,” Myrtle said as she headed for the door.
“You’ll have it.”
