Page 28 of Falling for You
Evan took a breath and finished chopping his vegetables before he interjected. He wanted to look interested, but not overly eager. “What type of site are they looking for? Just created, or supported after creation?”
Natalie stood a little straighter and turned her attention to Evan. “The whole enchilada. They need it built from scratch, but also need someone to post weekly updates and sales. Maintenance included.”
Ginny, clearly missing what Natalie was picking up, sighed. “Which is a huge undertaking. We need to get back to the office and start looking for web developers to hire on contract. Damn, I wish I had some of my New York contacts.”
When Ginny left her old job in New York, she ruffled a lot of feathers. While some of her old contacts stayed in touch, a lot still showed loyalty to her old boss. Evan didn’t know the whole story, but Max had told him enough to know it was a good thing Ginny was out of New York and onto new things.
Max plated the last three orders of the morning and rang the bell for Helen to pick them up. He wiped his hands on his apron and joined the trio at the counter. “Gin, I think you’re missing some contacts in Buckeye Falls. We have tech people here,” he said.
Natalie’s gaze hadn’t left Evan, and she tapped his forearm. “I have a feeling our tech people are a lot closer than we think. What did you study at OSU?”
Everyone turned their attention to Evan, who shrunk under their collective gazes. Being the center of attention wasn’t his favorite thing. “Business and web development,” he said, not able to meet Natalie’s eyes.
Ginny gasped and swatted at Max’s side. “Why didn’t you mention this?” She turned to Evan and her smile grew. “Could you look at the specs and tell us if you could make a site for the boutique? We’d get you on contract, of course.”
This was the moment Evan had been waiting for. He was being looked at as an adult, as a professional. “I’d love to see the specs. I can swing by your office after my shift to see their wish list.”
Natalie shook her head and started digging through her massive purse. “No need.” She retrieved a file folder and slapped it on the counter. Before she continued, she looked at Max and asked, “Can I steal your employee for a moment?”
Max chuckled, knowing it wasn’t really a question. “We’re good; Helen just delivered our last order of the morning. I’ll go switch the sign and close up before lunch starts.” Max stepped over to Evan and cupped his shoulder. “Take my office.”
Evan wanted to hug Max. He knew how Evan felt about his web skills and the fact that he couldn’t find the right place to use them. This project could grow his portfolio, and it was a big deal. “Thanks, Max.”
Natalie wasted no time and strode into Max’s office. She gathered up invoices and moved them to the far corner of the cluttered desk. Ginny gave Max another quick peck before following her partner into the office.
Evan poured another round of coffees and took the remaining seat. “Here we go, ladies.” He offered their drinks and ran a hand through his hair. Flinching, he smelled cheese and bacon on his skin. He’d envisioned being a little more spruced up before his first pitch meeting. “Let me show you some of my other websites. I have a portfolio I started in school and built during my post-grad internship.” He logged into Max’s computer and pulled up a website that featured his other projects.
Thirty minutes later, it was obvious his experience and age weren’t an issue. The three had agreed on a contract, schedule, and general plan of attack. The boutique would have a new website within a month, with full support and updates on contract through Evan. He had his first long-term client, and he felt weightless.
Ginny clicked away on her iPad and turned the screen to Evan and Natalie. “I’ll send the official contract when I’m back at my computer, but does this pay scale look good to you?”
Natalie flashed a thumbs-up and went back to her cup of coffee. Evan had to bite his cheek so he didn’t scream with delight. The contract offered more money than he thought possible for a job like this.
Clearing his throat, he nodded. “That looks reasonable. Thanks, Ginny.”
“Perfect,” Natalie said, glancing at her phone. “I need to swing home real quick and check on the kids. We’ll email you the contract to e-sign.” She gathered her things and waved over her shoulder as she disappeared into the kitchen.
Ginny collected her things, and Evan held the office door open for her. She reached out to shake his hand. “This is such a pleasant surprise. I’m so glad we get to work together.”
Evan shook her hand and couldn’t fight the smile anymore. He’d done it—he’d gotten his first contract in Buckeye Falls.
As they walked out of the office, Evan saw the only sight that could make his smile bigger. CeCe stood with Max by the stove, a stack of papers in her hands. Max beamed, nodding like he’d won the lottery. “If you’re sure, I’m sure,” Max said to CeCe.
“I’m positive,” CeCe said.
“What’s going on?” Ginny asked.
CeCe saw them and gave Ginny a quick hug. “Well, I have some news to share.”
Max elbowed her and laughed. “I think we have some news.”
Ginny and Evan exchanged a look, assuming the other knew what was going on.
“We just entered the food truck competition,” CeCe said.
Evan searched her face for signs of concern, but all he saw was excitement. “We did?” he asked, looking to Max for his reaction—he seemed content, no worry lines creasing his brow, not a stammer to be heard. “You’re sure you want to?”
CeCe waved the papers in the air. “I’m serious as a heart attack. We can win this thing, and I’ve spent the morning drafting some recipe ideas. Let’s do this. Let’s kick Eric’s ass.”
