Page 71 of Forbidden Flame

“But you’re working with me now.”

“I might have a contact to provide pies at Max’s Bar and Grill too. I’m bringing pies tomorrow as a trial.”

“There you go. You’re involved with Main Street shops and restaurants. No one is going to turn you away, and it’s great to get advice and network.”

“When do they meet?” I wondered if I could make it work.

“It’s one day a month. Let’s exchange numbers so I can send you the information. I’ll introduce you to everyone.”

“That would be amazing. Thank you so much.”

We exchanged numbers. “To think I came in here just to take a break and came out with a new contact.”

Violet smiled softly. “And hopefully a new friend. Did you say your last name was Calloway?”

“That’s right. My family owns a Christmas tree farm right outside of town.”

“Is that the one who puts fliers on the bulletin board?” She gestured toward the board by the door.

“Oh, no, that’s Monroe Christmas Tree Farm. They’re a little farther out.”

“They’re doing amazing things there, an Easter egg hunt for the kids, and movie nights for the couples and families.

They were doing a lot, and with my brothers so involved in their day jobs, our business wasn’t getting that same attention. We usually relied on our proximity to town for our sales. But the Monroes were stepping up their game.

“I hope that’s not hurting you.”

“We won’t know for sure until we open for the season.”

“Are you involved at the farm too?”

“My brothers run it with my dad. I focus on the pies and my daughter,” I said as I ate the last spoonful of ice cream, then threw the cup into the trash.

“Are you married?”

“Oh, no. It’s just me and my daughter.”

“If you ever get a night off, I’d love to chat some more about business.”

“That would be amazing.”

The bell over the door rang, and a mom with a stroller walked in.

I smiled at her and waved at Violet as I walked out, stepping lighter than before. I couldn’t believe I’d made so much progress in just one day. The one thing I hadn’t thought much about was networking. I’d hoped for customer referrals, but maybe this shop owner group would be good for me too.

I stopped at one more restaurant on my list, and they promised to save the pies for the owner when he returned from the grocery store.

Tonight was the evening that Cole had arranged a playdate with his cousins, Ember and Addy. They lived on the farm and were close in age, so I assumed they were good friends. I hoped Izzy would fit in even though she was a year younger.

I went home, showered, and pulled on jeans and a light sweater. Fall was rapidly approaching. When Izzy got home from school, she was excited to eat a quick snack and head to the Monroes.

On the way over, I told her about my meeting at the ice cream shop.

“Your pies are going to be in ice cream?” Izzy asked, seemingly confused by the prospect.

“That’s right. They make all sorts of things with ice cream these days.”

“Like birthday cake.”

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