Page 33 of Of Literature and Lattes
“What will all that tell you?”
“Everything. Data tells a story, and by hearing it and acting upon it, we might get that boulder up the hill and keep it there. Basically that’s what numbers do if you know how to read them. If you can discover who comes in here and when, and what they order, you know a lot. If you can bring that person back, entice them to purchase something different or more or more often, the story gets better, because there’s a lower cost to drawing an existing customer back. Then if you find others like that person, and answer their needs, better still... This goes on and on. If you have a strong foundation, you’ve got a place to stand, and the numbers give you a lever. With those, as Archimedes said, you can move the earth—or at least the needle at one small-town coffee shop.”
“Sisyphus and Archimedes on a Thursday morning in Winsome? I think I love you.”
“I got a little carried away.” Alyssa blushed again. This time her whole face glowed a beautiful rose tipping to a berry tone. “As I said, it’s been a long time since I’ve talked to anyone.”
“You’ve forgotten one small but vital detail.”
Alyssa waved her hand. “Pay me in lattes.”
“You can’t be serious. That’s absurd.”
“Thank Lexi for that, if you want. Or you can thank Jasper’s Garage.” At Jeremy’s quizzical glance, she continued. “My car broke down and I can’t pay for the repairs. He’s letting me work to pay them off. As much as I need the money—and I’m super happy Lexi can pay me, don’t get me wrong—I need the work.”
She leaned forward, and Jeremy got the impression she was about to share a secret. He tipped forward too.
“I don’t know if you’ve ever been there—out of work, unhirable really, but it’s horrible. It’s... it’s almost a dirty, hopeless feeling you can’t wash away. So yes, I am serious. Pay me in lattes for now, and if we make a difference, and this place soars, do what you want later.”
Jeremy watched her a few beats, and once again she didn’t look away. “Okay then... Thank you.”
She pulled out a pen, jotted her email on her napkin, and slid it to him. “Dropbox all the files to this email or text me if you have an Apple and I’ll come back in so you can AirDrop.” As he reached for the paper, she pulled it back. “Oh... and my cell phone for that, if that’s what you want to do.” Her face bloomed berry again.
“I definitely need that.” He folded the paper into his palm. “I’ll pull them together, then text you.”
She hiccupped then, still pressing her hand to her cheek. “I’m getting out of here. I’ve got to go acquire more social skills before we meet again.”
Jeremy laughed as she rushed to collect her things and dashed out the door.
And for the first time, he thought things might work out after all.
Chapter 15
Father Luke McCullough locked the sacristy door and ambled down the stairs. There weren’t too many opportunities for an amble, with nowhere to go and nothing to do, so he savored each step. A full half hour. He chuckled at the wonder of it and paused to watch a cloud skitter across the blue sky.
At the bottom of the stairs he stopped completely and listened to at least three types of birds chirp, and remembered there was one last slice of the Trager-Howard wedding cake in his rectory refrigerator. But it would still be there in a few minutes, he reminded himself, as he rounded the side of the church and faced the garden. Time to smell the flowers.
He grinned and picked up his pace. His brother sat twenty feet away on his favorite bench. “I didn’t expect to see you today.”
“I think best here.” Chris threw him a sideways glance as Luke plopped next to him. “Must be all that good gardening I did.”
Luke slapped him on the back. In doing so, he felt the paternal nature of the gesture and almost lifted his hand. Being fourteen years older than his brother, and a priest, made it all too easy to step into that role. When Chris had left the army after two tours as a doctor in Afghanistan, he needed Luke in that role—to guide, shelter, pray, and even direct. And unable to return to medicine, to such a stressful role, he needed to learn green things could grow and thrive, and that his hand could help make that happen.
But that time was over. Luke smiled. They grow up so fast.
“What’s the stupid grin for?” Chris pulled back with a befuddled expression.
“Absolutely nothing. I’m glad to see you.”
“You too, man.” Chris faced forward again. “I’m going to propose.”
Luke nodded. “Are you asking me or telling me?”
Chris chuckled. “I’ve been trying to figure that out myself. I talked to Madeline’s dad already, even our dad, but... I’ve been sitting here for twenty minutes wondering about you.”
“I’m your brother. First and foremost.”
“The brother who taught me to drive, taught me to tie a tie, pull out a chair and open doors for dates, and probably saved my life last year.”
