Page 70 of Love in Riverbend
“I’ll take anyone and everyone.”
“Do you need to do any closing before we go, add receipts…?”
I shake my head. “All of this with the store and Dax has me wiped out. I’ll come tomorrow with Molly and get caught up. After all, I’m now the boss.”
“Yes, you are.”
After locking the store, Chloe and I walk two doors down to the diner and find an open booth.
“I could eat a giant burger,” I say, looking at the menu.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were pregnant again.”
My lips come together as I shake my head. “Nope. There’s a prerequisite to that, and we haven’t done that.”
“What can I get you ladies,” Cheryl asks.
My stomach growls as I sip on an iced tea waiting for our meal. “I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”
“The sales were amazing today,” Chloe says. “That one woman, the one with the dog?”
“I mean, who brings a dog shopping?” I shake my head. “It was cute, but I was afraid it would wet on something. I’m going to need a no-dogs sign.”
Chloe laughs. “It was cute. And she bought over three hundred dollars’ worth of merchandise. As I rang her up, I told her that Quintessential Treasures is going online. She said that she’s excited to tell her friends.”
“Dax is right,” I say as our food arrives. “Thank you.”
“What is Dax right about?” Chloe asks.
“I need to invest in more inventory before going online. If I can’t fulfill orders in a timely manner, I’ll lose customers.”
“Maybe I can help you tomorrow. We can figure out which items sell best and when you start online, have a limited selection. That way you don’t have to stock up on everything.”
“I still need more room.” After a bite of my burger, I add, “You don’t want to be with Mick tomorrow?”
“The Gordon farm takes five times the workers and at least two weekends.”
“Dax could help next weekend.” I grin at volunteering him. His hands should be better by then.
“Maybe you can store things at his house,” Chloe suggests.
“Upstairs makes the most sense.”
Chloe sighs as she lowers her BLT to the plate. “Kandi, that’s your dream, your home for you and Molly.”
“I know, but I’ve been thinking about it. Maybe it should be more space for the store. I mean, living at my parents’ house isn’t awful, and like now, Molly’s with Mom and Dad.” I look down at my plate of French fries. “It will be less expensive, and I can spend money on the inventory.”
“Can you do both?”
I shrug. “I guess I’ll see what Lynell says after he looks at the space.”
“How much money do you think Dax makes?”
“I have no idea, and I don’t care.”
“I get that, but if he’s willing to help…”
I shake my head. “Nope. Not interested.” Remembering something Dax said, I grin.
