Page 19 of If You Give a Grump a Christmas Tree Farm
“Let me guess. A pumpkin-spiced latte.”
“Yes, please.”
He moves off to order. My eyes drop to his cute ass, and I have to admit the man has a sexy walk.
I open my laptop and, sure enough, I’m able to get on their free Wi-Fi. Once I’ve got my design program pulled up, I scan branding templates for ideas.
A thought comes to me, and I do a quick search for local photographers.
When JJ returns with our coffees, I spring my idea on him.
“I had a thought.”
“Yeah, what about?” He sips his coffee.
“I was thinking it’d be great if we could make a video of a happy couple picking out a Christmas tree. We could put it out on social media as advertising.”
“Great. Who’re we gonna get to play the happy couple?”
“Us.”
“You and me?”
“Why not? Surely you can fake being a happy customer. We can dress in winter clothes with hats and scarves. You know, look festive. There are a couple of photographers in town. I’m sure I can find someone to come out and film it for us. Maybe do some still photos as well.”
“How much is all this gonna cost?”
“I don’t know yet. Do you like the idea?”
He shrugs. “Sounds kind of cheesy, but you’re the one with all the ideas. You want to try it, I’m game.”
“Great. I’ll make some inquiries. Of course, we’ll need that Instagram spot.”
“I’m working on it.” He toys with his coffee cup. “I asked the manager if we could trade a tree in exchange for putting a sign up.”
“You did?” I lean forward, my brows lifting. “That’s awesome. What’d they say?”
“The guy said they get their tree from Angel Ridge Tree Farm over in Fairfield.”
“Oh.” My shoulders deflate.
“He said they’re the biggest place around. Ever heard of them?”
“Yes. They do a lot of advertising. There’s usually a big billboard out on the interstate, and I’ve seen their ads on social media, but I’ve never been there. Have you?”
“Nope.” He sips his coffee. “Maybe we should check out our competition. I wonder if the owners knew my gramps.”
“Possibly.”
“Maybe he’d give us some advice.”
“Why would he help us? We’re his competition.”
JJ shrugs. “Depends if he was friends with my grandfather. If I make it sound like we’re planning to sell, but have to keep it open one last year per the terms of the will, he might be nice about it.”
“Maybe. I wonder if they’re open.”
“Even if they’re not, we could drive by and look at the place.”
