Page 97 of Cooking Up My Comeback
The compliment surprises me. “Was that an actual nice thing you just said?”
“Don’t get used to it.”
But he almost smiles when he speaks, and I catch a glimpse of who Brett might become when he stops protecting himself so fiercely from disappointment.
“There’s something I need you to know,” I say as we near the dock. “About my decision-making process.”
“Okay.”
“I do think with my heart sometimes. But I also think with my brain and my experience and my knowledge of this community. When I choose relationship-based suppliers, it’s not just sentiment. It’s because I know these people will show up when Ineed them.”
“Even when it’s inconvenient?”
“Especially then. That’s what relationships mean here.”
Brett considers this. “I’m still going to want contracts.”
“And I’m still going to want handshake deals with people I trust.”
“This is going to be interesting.”
“Very.”
As we dock, several familiar faces wait on the pier. Jack’s parents from the hardware store, Mrs. Clarkson from the library, other townspeople I recognize.
“Word travels fast,” Brett observes.
“Small town,” I say, waving at the gathering crowd. “Probably half the town knows we went fishing this morning.”
We unload gear and the day’s catch. Janet hurries over, practically bouncing with excitement.
“Amber! How did it go?”
“Better than expected,” I tell her, holding up my napkin full of notes. “Fresh fish lined up for the next six months.”
“See?” I murmur to Brett. “Relationships.”
“Don’t gloat,” he murmurs back. “It’s unattractive.”
But he’s definitely almost smiling now.
Their enthusiasm proves infectious. It’s one thing to dream about restaurant success, another to see actual excitement in people’s faces.
“The knitting club needs a new meeting place,” Mrs. Sanders says thoughtfully. “Once you’re open, would you consider hosting us monthly?”
My eyes widen. “Really?”
“Of course! Support local business, enjoy good food, work on our projects. Perfect combination.”
Brett squeezes my hand. “Community events could be regular revenue.”
“I’d love that.”
More people gather as we load fish into coolers. The mayor appears, wanting to discuss permits and grand opening possibilities.
“This is really happening,” I whisper to Brett.
“Yeah, it is,” he agrees. “The whole town’s invested in your success.”
