Page 19 of Bear Creek Valentine
“You already know about my plans to expandDelicious, but now it’s time to hire full-time employees. I have a joint interview shortly for assistant managers—one for the shop and another for the production facility. The three of us used to work together in Scranton, and I think they’re just what we need. I’ll give them a quick tour, let them sample some of our products, and then finish the interview at D2. Do either of you have questions?”
Blanche gave Toby a reassuring nod, and he spoke for both of them.
“Are we going to lose our jobs?”
Aiden knew this would come up and was happy to put them at ease.
“Absolutely not! In fact, I’m counting on you to help train whoever I hire, and you’ll both be getting a pay increase. They’ll need to learn the product and prices, the register, our regular customers, how to do online orders—the works. As we get closer to fall, I’ll hire more part-time employees for both locations. Things will change around here, and it will be confusing for a while, but I hope the two of you will stay with me.”
Now it was Blanche’s turn to reassure Aiden.
“Don’t worry, son, we loveDeliciousand are excited by the changes. Will you be working here at the shop or at D2?”
Oops. Aiden should have provided a better explanation.
“I’m glad you asked. I’ll shuttle back and forth between buildings as needed but will work from here most of the time. Whoever I hire will have the authority to make decisions, but I’ll always be available if you have questions or problems. My goal is to choose people who are passionate about what we do and know how to care for my employees and customers.
“Oh, one other thing—if you want to learn something new or even transfer to D2, you’ll have the first shot at any available positions. Selfishly, I’d love to keep both of you at the shop, but I won’t stand in your way if you want to spread your wings. Toby,we’ll plan your schedule around classes and homework. And in case you decide not to pursue college, I’ll hire you as my full-time assistant confectioner.”
Toby’s jaw dropped, eyes like saucers.
“Really, Mr. Romero? I never thought... wow. Thanks!”
Aiden patted his shoulder as Blanche went to answer the phone. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a familiar, beat-up, red sedan pull into a parking space out front. Could his friends be convinced to quit their jobs, move to Bear Creek, and take a risk on his fledgling company? An image of Dash’s smiling face flashed through his mind, and Aiden knew he’d feel a lot more confident if the sweet man was here right now.
Chapter 7
Through the front windows, Aiden could see his old pals hadn’t changed much. Leo’s Korean good looks were on full display, enhanced by a few days of dark scruff and some obvious time in the gym. Serena was easily recognized by her mop of red curls and ever-present smile. They paused out front to look over the shop and adjoining businesses before coming inside. Never the shy, demurring type, Serena nearly tackled Aiden with a hug.
“Damn, it’s good to see you! I better get a taste of whatever smells so good in here.”
Aiden laughed and then reached out to hug a grinning Leo.
“It’s been too long, and I know it’s my fault, but I’ve missed you two. Did you have any trouble findingDelicious?”
Leo waved away the question.
“Nope. The directions were perfect, and we spotted the sign all the way up the street. Bear Creek is tiny compared to Scranton!”
Aiden half-grimaced.
“I hope that won’t be a problem for either of you. I know small-town life isn’t for everyone, but we’re close to Wilkes-Barre, and it has whatever you might need. I’ll show you around later so you can see for yourself, but first, I’d like you to meet my staff.”
They followed Aiden behind the counter, where he began the introductions.
“This is Blanche Kramer, our current expert in online order fulfillment and the one who devised the system we use during the busy season. Over here is Toby Finch, who is currently finishing up his senior year at Tri-County High School. Toby usually mans the register from mid-afternoon until closingduring the week. He also assists me in the kitchen and has some great ideas.
“I’d like you to meet Serena Thompson and Leo Park. Serena has a lot of customer service experience and knows how to lead a team. She’s being considered for the Assistant Manager position here in the shop and would be your immediate supervisor.
“Leo knows his way around a kitchen, primarily as a baker, and has a way of making work fun. He’s here to consider our Production Manager position at D2 and will train and oversee the crew there. He and Serena would run day-to-day operations while I oversee the business and create new products.”
They chatted for a few moments until several customers arrived, and Aiden took his friends into the back of the shop to show them around. He explained how they’d been operating and the enormous changes coming due to the contract with the Pocono Ridge Resort.
“The resort doesn’t open until September, but I’d like you to start no later than the middle of June. You’ll have a lot to learn, but I know you can handle it. How about we go out front and have you try a few things? Afterward, I’ll take you to the other location.”
They went out and stood on the customer side of the counter to get the total experience. Blanche kept an eye on the door and an ear on the phone while Toby focused on giving their guests a display case tour and handing out samples. Aiden stood back out of the way, observing what they tried and their reactions. He also noted how they interacted with Toby, treating him with respect despite his age. If Aiden wasn’t mistaken, he’d say the randy teen was crushing on Leo just a little bit, and it was cute to watch.
Neither Leo nor Serena knew this was part of the interview, and more revealing than they could imagine. Saying what you thought someone wanted to hear was one thing, but actions always spoke louder than words. He needed the right peopleto manage his business the way he would. It required honesty, trust, cooperation, and a supportive team environment—things often lacking in the retail food industry. So far, his old pals were meeting his expectations.
