Page 33 of The Floral Arrangement

“Roz wants to build a function space and taphouse at Red Tractor Farm and the investor asked for more information about her ‘competition.’” I rolled my eyes. “I said I’d come up with a list of venues of a similar size nearby she could visit.”

Jenny’s face brightened. “Oh, awesome! What capacity is she thinking?”

“Two hundred people.” My hand bumped against George’s as we both reached into the bowl of fries at the same time. “Sorry George.”

“If she can make it even bigger, say two hundred fifty or three hundred, that would be best. We’re really lacking spaces that can accommodate that many people around here, and there’s definitely demand for it.” Jenny’s eyes sparkled.

“That’s good to know,” I replied, filing the information away to report back to Roz later.

Jenny tilted her head. “In terms of similar event spaces, I’d look at Lawson Grove Dairy and Rosedale Estate. And for the taphouse, Terry’s Apple Orchards.”

“Okay, great. Those are the ones I was thinking of too. Do you have any idea how many customers you’re turning away because the event spaces are too small?” I suspected Roz would like firm numbers for her business plan.

My sister-in-law chewed on her lip for a moment. “Off the top of my head, no. But I can take a look tomorrow if that would be helpful? We do keep records of all the inquiries we get.”

“That would be amazing.” I leaned back, taking a sip of rosé. How would tomorrow go? I didn’t fancy being driven around by Roz in that gas-guzzling old truck she’d used for the farm tour the other day, especially after learning about her questionable driving skills. A thought struck me. Gorgeous weather was forecast tomorrow, and the venues Jenny had suggested were all relatively close together.

I pulled out my phone and shot off a text to Roz.

Do you have a bike?

My phone buzzed before I’d pushed it all the way back into my pocket.

No. Why?

I turned to Blake. “Hey, could Roz borrow your bike tomorrow?”

She eyed me for a moment and then nodded. “Sure.”

“Awesome. Thanks.”

Let’s meet at my sister’s house instead. You can borrow her bike. 23 Apple Blossom Way. Everything is within cycling distance.

I’d prefer to drive.

I frowned. If things went badly, it would be best if I could just cycle away rather than being reliant on Roz for a lift home.

Cycling between the venues is very popular with tourists and locals. For research purposes, it’s important you experience it.

Three dots pulsed on my phone screen. When the text finally came through, it was short.

Fine.

I grinned at Blake. “It’s all sorted. We’re meeting outside your house tomorrow at ten a.m.”

“Hmm. I’m not sure how I feel about being an accessory to this,” Blake said, rubbing her arm.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

Dan delivered a plate of nachos to the table next to me. Damn, they smelled good. If we were going to stay much longer, I’d order some to share.

“Going on a bar crawl with the fake girlfriend you dislike doesn’t sound like a terrible idea at all. What could possibly go wrong?” Blake arched an eyebrow.

“It’s not a bar crawl. It’s all for research. Don’t worry, we’re not going to drink irresponsibly and total your bike.” At least, I didn’t think so. Probably best not to mention Roz’s recent run-in with the tractor in case Blake retracted her offer.

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

ROZ

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