Page 38 of Wanting Happily Ever After

She rolled her eyes and tucked the phone away. If she wasn’t so relieved to have something off her plate, she might have given a shit about the passive-aggressiveness of Audrey’s reply.

But she just couldn’t find it in herself to care.

After spending the afternoon in his office working out some more catering menu options and a new price list for Faith, Brody needed to stretch his legs. Thankfully, Sweetie Pies was right down the street. A fresh baked muffin and an iced coffee would be the perfect reward for coming up with a whole new catering plan so quickly. After Faith had agreed—with her photography stipulation—there was no way Brody was going to risk her changing her mind, so he’d gotten right to work.

He’d also had a bit of time to crunch the numbers. The extra catering would be a huge revenue influx, and it would help, but things would still be a little tight. He’d planned so carefully before buying the restaurant. He had money set aside for the renovations and a savings account in case things didn’t go according to his detailed business plan. But still. There’d been too much he hadn’t planned for.

Brody couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so defeated. If one more thing went sideways, he could be in trouble. He’d need to come up with something else.

A few minutes later, his treats in hand, Brody headed toward the park in the middle of Main Street. He needed the space to think and roll through some options in his head before returning to Birchwood.

He stopped short before crossing the street to the park, and looked instead to the Hub. There was a brand-new business that was definitely thriving. Of course, it probably didn’t hurt that a billionaire had funded the start-up. Even allowing himself to entertain the thought made Brody feel bad. Because everyone knew it wasn’t the funding from her mega-rich husband that was making the Hub a booming success. It was all Katie: her planning, her business model, and the atmosphere she’d created there.

Still, maybe he needed to find himself a billionaire.He shook his head with a laugh. No way. He didn’t need an investor. He’d figure it out. But still, the idea of spending a few minutes surrounded by his successful friends suddenly sounded a lot more appealing than sitting alone.

“Hey, Brody.”

The moment he walked through the door, Katie waved at him from across the room where she was stacking piles of books. He moved across the room toward her and glanced down at the hiking guides she was arranging.

“Can I help you find something today? Or were you looking at renting a bike again?”

He had definitely been enjoying mountain biking and exploring the trails around town. So much so that he was starting to think about buying his own bike instead of constantly renting them. Not that he had the cash flow at the moment. But hopefully soon.

“I was hoping that some of your good business juju vibes would rub off on me, actually.” Something about her kind face and easy smile made him open up. Besides, she’d just recently graduated with a business degree; if anyone would have some advice, it very well could be her.

Her brow furrowed and her smile faded. “Uh-oh. Don’t tell me Birchwood is in trouble. I absolutely love eating there.”

Trouble? There was definitely some trouble.

“Well, not trouble so much. At least not yet. But if things don’t start going in the opposite direction, meaning more money in than out, there will absolutely be some trouble.”

He’d had no intention of airing his issues when he’d walked into the shop, but once he started talking, he couldn’t seem to stop. A few minutes later, and he’d told Katie all about the broken air conditioner and stove.

“I need a really solid summer season, or I’ll be looking for an investor or a For Sale sign.”

With a book still in her hand, Katie reached out and squeezed his arm. “I know it’s hard, Brody. A new business is never easy. And I’m so sorry you’re having so many start-up issues. You know, an investor might not be a bad idea.” She shrugged as she said it. “It’s probably not what you want to hear, but sometimes it’s okay to play to your strengths and bring in someone else to benefit from their strengths.”

“Like their money?” He laughed. That was a strength he could absolutely get behind.

Katie smiled. “Yes, money. But also business experience.” She looked very serious as she spoke. “I know I had an investor who made things easy,” she said, as if she’d read his mind. “But I also spent a lot of time learning and studying about business. And I don’t know yet if the Hub will be the success I hope it will be, but the business stuff? It’s a bit of a strength.” She shrugged and the seriousness on her face vanished, replaced once again by a big smile. “I don’t know,” she said. “It’s just a thought. And it could be an option for you. Damon’s buddy Nick is still in town, and he’s been thinking about getting involved in the economy here. Says it’s a good investment.” She winked. “And he’s right. Glacier Falls is a town on the rise. Besides, Nick definitely has more money than he knows what to do with. It would do him some good to channel it into something productive.” She laughed.

Brody shook his head. He’d only met Nick a few times. Together, Nick and Damon had developed some sort of computer chip and sold it for a ridiculous sum of money a few years back. Nick had come out for Damon and Katie’s wedding celebration a few weeks ago and had never left. There was some speculation that it wasn’t just the town’s potential keeping him around, but also a certain blonde wedding planner who had caught his interest. Not that Faith was interested. Everyone could see that there was something between her and Logan, even if they couldn’t or wouldn’t see it themselves.

“I’ll keep it in mind,” Brody said, despite the fact that he had no intention of taking on an investor. But he did feel a little bit better after just talking to her for a few minutes. “Thanks, Katie. I appreciate the chat.”

“Any time.” She gestured to the muffin still in his hand. “Is that one of Sweetie Pies’ lemon poppyseed muffins? They’re so good. I was thinking of talking to them about putting together some goodie bags for my customers who want to go out on a day trip. Like a few snacks that they can enjoy on the trail.”

“Just snacks?”

Katie shrugged. “Sandwiches would be good, too. But they only do baked goods and—”

“I can do sandwiches.” The idea came so swiftly that it almost took Brody off guard. “And trail mix and even some freshly baked granola bars. Maybe even a little pasta salad or…I have a million packable lunch ideas.”

Katie nodded as he spoke. “I didn’t even think of Birchwood, Brody. I can’t believe I didn’t, but…a gourmet lunch is absolutely something my clients would enjoy. If you can cut me some kind of deal…”

“And I could include an ‘adventure wind-down’ dinner coupon for later that night.”

“Yes! No one wants to cook after a big day out, especially vacationers.” She laughed. “Brody, this is a great idea.”

---