Page 30 of The Sweetest Ingredient

“Bishop.” I tapped my book against my floral dress-clad hip. “Have you ever thought about updating? Giving the bakery a much-needed facelift?”

He straightened, brushing a lock of dark-brown hair from his forehead. “What do you mean?”

“Look around.” I gestured to the empty bakery, surveying the scene. “You do a decent business in the morning, but by afternoon, it’s a graveyard for forgotten pastries. Could be time to modernize and do more marketing.”

He licked his lips, the crease beneath his bottom lip deepening. “What do you suggest?”

“Outdoor seating would be great.” I gestured out the front window. “People love to soak up the sun while sipping their coffee. Plus, we could add music, serve designer teas, and even offer delivery services. And—oh! New signage and branding, too.”

Bishop crossed his muscular arms. “Those are all good ideas, Kenzi, but big changes.”

My confidence bloomed like the flowers on my dress. “I know, but I’m good at marketing and design.”

His mouth formed a grimace twitch. “It sounds expensive and a lot of work. I don’t think so.”

“It won’t cost that much. My designs are free and everyone can pitch in and help, so no labor costs. I promise you, I won’t steer you wrong.”

He grunted. “Do you even understand the meaning of the word no?”

“Come on, it’s a bake or break situation. The world is changing, and we have to adapt if we want to keep up. Sometimes, taking a risk is the only way to survive. Sweet Sensations is taking your business and I want to get it back.” I leaned closer and lowered my voice. “And if business picks up, I can decline Maxwell’s job offer and you can give me a modest raise.”

His stare darkened as he studied me, making me want to struggle for purchase.

“You really believe these changes will make a difference?”

“Yes. The bakery needs more oomph and some rebranding to attract more customers.”

His staid expression remained and I swear that man’s muscles couldn’t form a smile if they tried.

“Let’s call a group meeting to discuss this. Lucia! Jordan!”

They walked out of the kitchen, and I ran into the backroom to grab my backpack, then rejoined the others.

We gathered around a table in the empty seating area. Bishop, with his perpetual scowl, towered above us. I casually placed my backpack on the floor beside my chair.

“As you all know, Maxwell’s rumors are hurting business,” Bishop said.

“Maxwell’s tactics may be devious, but they’re effective.” Lucia’s voice sounded full of scorn. “Our sales have suffered. We need to do something before this gets out of hand.”

Jordan inclined his head. “Yeah. We can’t let him tarnish our reputation.”

Bishop nodded. “All right, team. We need to come up with a plan to counter Maxwell’s lies. Kenzi thinks a bakery makeover and rebranding will help.”

I glanced at the others, who were deep in thought. “And we need a powerful marketing strategy.”

“Right,” Jordan said.

“We could do limited-time promotions,” Lucia suggested.

“Wait!” Jordan exclaimed. “What about edible menus?”

Lucia shook her head. “We’re a bakery, not Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.”

Bishop rubbed his temples. “We need practical solutions.”

“Like social media adverts,” I said.

Jordan bounced in his seat. “I bet I could create an Instagram-worthy scone.”

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