Page 18 of Bear Creek Valentine
“Knox says his bear was picking up some heavy attraction between them that night. I’m happy for him, of course, but what do we know about Dash? Apparently, he’s a rich and successful businessman, but what kind of person is he? Have you heard anything?”
Eden shrugged.
“Not really. I haven’t had time to do any digging. I’m told Dash guards his privacy, and no one seems to know much about his past. Calvin says the name sounds familiar to him for some reason, but he can’t place it. We both think he’s older than Aiden, but shifters don’t show their years like we do. It’s really none of my business, but I’ll let you know if I hear something.
“How are things looking for the Spring Concert? The entire school is humming show tunes, and I heard that our esteemed principal asked if you could dotwoperformances to handle the crowds. Quite a change from the last decade or so!”
Levi acknowledged the compliment with a deferential nod.
“I’m used to multiple concert dates from my last school in Cleveland, though I wasn’t expecting it my first year here. My students are excited and eager to perform, and we have some great songs the crowd will love. We’ve been forced to require reserved seats so we don’t violate the fire code! As much as I enjoy it, I can’t wait to head out for break.”
Eden’s ears perked up.
“Out where? A romantic getaway?”
Levi hurried to finish his lunch, eager to get his hands on theDelicioustreats.
“No, nothing like that. We’re going to see my family in Ohio. Jett’s college break is at the same time, and Erin is finally donewith morning sickness. Mom, Dad, and Rachel are taking some time off work so we can just chill as a family. I plan to take Knox to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park while we’re there and let his bear explore. And, uh... since I’m talking about my mate, I could use some advice about the best time for a wedding this summer.”
Eden stopped eating and looked up to find Levi in mid-blush.
“Oh, Levi, I’m so happy for you! I wondered if the two of you would tie the knot someday. Will this be a big bash or a quiet affair?”
Levi squirmed in his chair but knew his best friend wouldn’t blab the news all over town.
“We don’t plan to announce it, and the guest list will be on the small side. I promised Knox to keep it simple and quick, with plenty to eat afterward. We’re going to have it outdoors on our property somewhere.”
Eden thought for a minute and then realized what an outdoorsummerwedding would mean in a shifter community.
“You realize that mating season runs from June through August, right? You’ll need to hold the ceremony as early in June as possible to avoid anything... embarrassing. The last day of school is on the second, so the third or fourth would be ideal. Anything later is asking for trouble. Don’t worry; we have plenty of time, and I’ll help you with the planning. Besides my own, I’ve helped with a few other shifter weddings over the years. It will work out just fine—trust me.”
Levi looked like he’d dodged a bullet.
“Yikes—I forgot about mating season! I can’t imagine having to explain a bunch of horny bears to our human guests on my wedding day! You may have saved me from permanent emotional scarring.”
They enjoyed a good laugh, and Eden brought out the goodies fromDelicious, dividing them equally.
“Seriously though, let me give you one other piece of advice—only you and Knox get to decide what happens on your big day. So sit down with him and work it out before sending invitations, or people will have you tied up in knots with helpful suggestions. Enough said.
“Now, lunch is almost over, and I need my chocolate fix. Aiden asked for feedback, so don’t forget to tell him what you think of his new recipes.”
####
The end of March
Tuesdays were typically on the slower side atDelicious, giving Aiden more time than usual to contemplate the insane pace of the last two weeks. The kitchen, wrecked since this morning, desperately needed cleaning, and with Blanche and Toby up front, he dove into the mindless task while considering what had already been accomplished.
Once he and Dash signed the partnership agreement, the pair toured the properties he owned in town, looking for a temporary production space. The only suitable location was a now-vacant family restaurant one block north of the shop. It wasn’t the wide open, spacious, and ergonomic set-up he’d envisioned, but it was already designed for food preparation and available immediately.
Even so, Aiden still needed a long list of equipment and supplies to transform the space into a production facility. He preferred to make his sweets and treats by hand, but Dash had convinced him to purchase automated machines to help create certain items. Aiden winced at the enormous cost, but it would save time and money in the long run. He was still struggling to wrap his mind around the volumeDeliciouswas expected to produce by September.
Being his second location, the new space was christened D2, and the name stuck. While they waited for everything to arrive, the walk-in cooler, freezer, and all other mechanicals were serviced. Afterward, a company was hired to do a deep cleaning of the food prep areas, restrooms, and break room. Eager to help Aiden in his new venture, DeeDee Tillman pulled some strings and got D2’s permits and inspections fast-tracked. If all went as planned, they could begin producing candy by the end of April.
All Aiden needed were the employees to staff it, and he had terrific prospects for both assistant manager positions. In fact, they were both due for their combined interview in about an hour. Aiden followed Dash’s advice about looking up former coworkers from his pastry chef days in Scranton. Six years ago, he, Serena Thompson, and Leo Park were employed at an upscale restaurant called the Manor House. They were all hired around the same time—Aiden as a junior pastry chef, Serena as a hostess, and Leo as a baker.
They became good friends, and Aiden grew to respect and appreciate their skills. Soon after he left the restaurant, Serena and Leo also resigned to take new positions elsewhere in the Scranton area. They’d stayed in touch via email but hadn’t seen one another since Aiden moved to Bear Creek. When he called them up out of the blue with a tempting job offer, they both agreed to hear him out. Since Aiden requested a joint interview, the pair drove down together and were expected to arrive soon.
Aiden finished cleaning the kitchen with a few minutes to spare, took off his soiled apron, and went up front for a quick chat with Blanche and Toby. They would be directly affected by the addition of management-level employees and deserved to know what was happening. With no customers in the shop, he was free to explain things without interruption, and they gathered by the register to keep an eye on the main entrance.
