Page 19 of The Funnel to You

“Your client is using your card for coffee?” She asks a bit incredulously. “Isn’t that a bit inappropriate?”

“No. She, um, she doesn’t know I’m paying for it for her. I just don’t want her worrying about it.” I’m suddenly a bit worried on how this may come across. The look my mom gives me is anything but worried. She seems…elated. “What is that face for? It’s just coffee, mom.”

“You like this girl, don’t you?” She definitely has a smug undertone to her question.

“Maybe a little bit. We are working together a lot right now.” I try to pass it off as not a big deal. I’m not sure if I was successful though. I try to brush it off a bit while I prepare my own cup of coffee now that mom has filled her mug – she does just a splash of flavored creamer like I do when I’m making my own at home.

“Is she the one I get to meet this morning at the market?”

“Only if you behave yourself.”

“I’ll be on my best behavior. Your dad on the other hand…he’s the one you should be worried about.”

I roll my eyes. She is not wrong.

“Okay, let’s get things together and get this over with.”

Chapter Twelve

Sasha

Iced caramel latte with an extra shot of espresso and then a splash of chocolate milk

Social Post: How cute is this?? I am already loving this setup and can’t wait to see everyone! #sashaloveslipstick #farmersmarket #summerthings #coloradogirl #noco #windsormarket #tablesetup

Image Description: Table setup at the market.

It’s only ten in the morning and I am finally able to sit down and take a breath. The table is set up and we have everything working really well. Even though the market just technically opened, we’ve already had a steady stream of people coming by to say hi – mostly other vendors, but it’s been good to connect with people before it gets too crazy. It’s started slow so I’ve been able to get comfortable with those around us and settle into a system with Ashley. She’s the one in front of the table and I’m behind it so I have a bit of something to hide behind.

By eleven, my email list is growing and we have been able to connect with several local businesses in between talking with others that come up to our table. Ashley has been able to schedule a few coffee chats too for her brand and we have already met a few of our followers. I can’t believe we have this many people close to us that have been wanting to meet us in person. I double check that Ashley is good to go and then take a quick walk through the market. I want to see who all is here just as an attendee and not a vendor and I am ready for another cup of coffee and probably something to eat.

It takes me longer than expected to even find where the food vendors are and I’m enjoying looking at the different tables on my way to the far end of the market. I’ve stopped at a jewelry stand that makes earrings out of Aspen leaves and am seriously debating buying myself a pair when I hear a familiar voice close by. I know that voice. I smile to myself as I turn my head to meet Matt’s gaze.

“Did you see the copper ones?” Matt asks me over my shoulder.

“No, where are they?” I ask as I spin around, grinning even bigger when he hands me an iced coffee. “What did you get me this time?”

“It’s an iced caramel latte with an extra shot of espresso and then a splash of chocolate milk. The barista was very excited about it. And the copper ones are over there.” He points at a display on the other side of the table. “You wear a lot of silver jewelry already, and the copper will stand out when you start switching over to fall makeup looks.”

“Well, that’s quite the observation.” I chuckle to myself a little bit. This man really does pick up on everything. I don’t understand how he does it, but he does. In such a short amount of time, he is understanding who I am, what I like, and what I need even before I ask for it. Not gonna lie, I’m not mad about it. I go to pick up the earrings, but he is faster, grabbing the earrings and then looking for a coordinating necklace. He hands them to the lady behind the table and pays before I even have time to register what he is doing.

“You really didn’t have to do that, Matt. I could have paid for those.” I mildly scold him.

“I know. But these are a Colorado staple and they are going to look great on you. Now you can’t say I never got you anything.” He winks at me before handing me the bag. “Are you wanting to wander around a little more or head over to the table again? I checked on Ashley when I first got here and things were looking good over there.”

“Let’s head back. But I want to find something to grab for food first. I’m officially starving.”

“Did you not eat this morning before you left to head over here?” He asks, stopping mid stride to make eye contact with me. If I’m not mistaken, he is now the one taking on the mildly scolding tone.

“I had a granola bar and then an apple. I ate. I’m a big girl that knows how to take care of herself,” I remind him as we make our way back to our table. I spot a booth making breakfast burritos with a very big sign proclaiming “smothered in green chili” and I squeal. “Okay, another Colorado staple right here. And don’t even think about it, I’m buying this time.” He just shakes his head at me and then puts his hands up in mock surrender.

I purchase a handful of burritos, all in individual covered bowls to accommodate the sauce from the chili, and then we are on our way back to the table where it looks like a few others are now hanging out at the table.

“Do you know who’s over at the table with Ashley?” I ask Matt as we get a little closer to see that they’re having a full conversation and not just looking at the table.

“I guess it’s time you met the parents.” He says, then leads me over to the table. I don’t even have the time to process what he just said before I’m being introduced. “Mom, Dad, I want you to meet Sasha. This is the client I have been working with for the last few weeks and she’s been helping Ashley out along the way too.”

His mom immediately gives me a hug. Okay, guess we aren’t shy in this family. I have to mentally tell myself to relax and that this is okay. “It’s so good to meet you! Ashley has been so excited about working with you and about the market today. I really appreciate you helping her with her content.”

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