Page 33 of Coffee Shop Girl
“How long will it take?”
“How hard will you work?”
“Harder than you expect.”
Despite having heard this before, I believed her. Most failing business owners were at their wits’ end, but Bethany’s desperation was palpable. Something else was driving her to this, and it wasn’t just mountains of debt.
“Depending on the state of your financials, we could start turning a profit within three months.”
“Consider them to be in the worst possible state you can imagine.”
“That bad?”
“That bad. And I need it profitable in ... one month.”
I thought that over, calculating. A month? It would take that long to get the systems created and running, debt consolidated, and financials mapped out. Not to mention inventory, delivery, and repair work. She was trying to cram a six-month overhaul into thirty days.
Still, those blue eyes had me. I couldn’t tell her no. Didn’t want to tell her no. What did I love more than a business challenge?
Nothing.
Except maybe a frisky glare from her.
“We’ll figure it out,” I said, and that was the best I could do. “Let’s start first thing in the morning, at seven, after the commuter rush. Be ready with whatever documentation you have on financials, operations, titles, leases, whatever. Bring it with you.”
“Don’t you have to work?”
“This is my work.”
“But all the meetings?”
“Have been building what I’m about to do with you.”
Her frown grew, and I wondered if she’d puzzled out that I’d been working for this moment since I stepped into the shop. I left the question unanswered between us. Right now, it didn’t matter. All she needed was something solid in this sea of failure that she was floating in. I could give her that.
That didn’t mean I should reach across the table and grab her arm, but I found it happening. I didn’t stop it. Her arm was warm, firm, and the touch sent a shiver all the way to my work boots.
“We’re going to fix this, Bethany. I promise. I have a process I’ve worked through. It’s mostly proven, but not totally. At least not for small businesses like yours. If you’re willing to work and take a chance, I’m willing to teach. Together, we’ll get your company back on its feet.”
“What will it cost?”
“Nothing except your feedback and cooperation and total transparency.”
“Nothing?”
“Nothing.”
Her lack of fight was another brutal blow. She really was that desperate. The woman hadn’t even taken the change I’d left her when I bought the scone and water, but now she accepted free help.
Color me intrigued.
And a bit disappointed. Chasing her had been a great time.
She shivered,but stuck out her hand. When I accepted, that damn shiver skittered through me like a cruising firework.
“I’ll see you in the morning,” she murmured.
“See you then.”
