Page 23 of Finding Yesterday

“Thanks.” River straightens a stack of papers on her desk. “And we’re getting more and more customers, so no complaints.”

“That’s fantastic.”

“So, let’s jump right in,” she says, oozing with confidence. “I want to make sure I have time to tell you anything and everything you need to know.”

“Sounds good.” I realize I’m fiddling with the zipper of my jacket, so I stop.

She rests her elbows on her desk. “Do you have a template for your business plan?”

“Are those worthwhile?” My face twists. Hudson did ours for Tangz, but I never looked at it.

“Absolutely. I’ll email a few I recommend. They’ll help you outline your marketing strategy, potential profits and losses, and operations management. Investors won’t even talk to you unless that’s nailed.”

“Oh, okay. I should write that down.” I let out a nervous laugh, but she doesn’t seem to think my comment is funny, because her expression is serious when she hands me a pen and pad of paper. My smile fades as I take them from her before desperately scribbling down what she just said. “Got it.”

“There are tons of online resources to get you started there, so be sure what you find is a business plan specifically for a restaurant.”

I continue, writing away. “Got it.”

“Let’s move to the accounting.” She makes a few clicks on her computer. “I use Quickbooks, so I can show you what I do.” She spins her laptop around and starts showing me all the stuff she does, step by step. It makes my brain hurt.

I keep scribbling even though my hand starts to cramp.

When River’s done showing me a mountain of Excel spreadsheets, she says, “Now—let’s talk about how you’re going to find and land investors.”

I nod, wiping the sweat off my brow. Investors. I had felt confident about them because I have so many contacts, but now, not so much. Hudson was the one that did all the business planning.

And the financials. I avoided anything related to that like anchovies on pizza.

River is clearly strong on both, given the space. Leasing this place in this location has to be a fortune, not to mention the cost she spent on her high-end storefront, interior decorating, and top-notch kitchen. I realize my mind has drifted, so I do my best to refocus. “Great. I’d love for you to tell me any tips or advice you have there.”

“Sure,” she says, proceeding to dump a load of information on me about presenting my business plan, using my contacts in the industry, and making sure I focus on my prior successes. “You’re going to definitely want to highlight how Tangz is doing well.”

“Right.” I nod, smiling. Finally, something I have going for me.

“Make sure you have all your other restaurant experiences on a résumé, ready to go.”

And that tiny lift of confidence is gone. I have no other restaurant experience except Tangz. “Okay,” I mumble.

“And I think that’s it.” She pats the stack of papers on her desk before flashing me a smile.

“Thank you, River. This was so extremely helpful.” I try to keep my voice light, but inside, I’m drowning. “I’d love to do something to help you in exchange. If there’s anything, let me know.”

“Hmm. Well, our customer service is a weak spot, and I know you’re good at that.” A hesitant smile spreads across her face.

“I can share my tips with you on that,” I reply, a little too enthusiastically. I’m grasping for anything to give me a boost, and I’m desperate to return the favor since she spent so much time with me.

“Right, sure. I’ll give you a call at some point.” She purses her lips. “For now, we’ve brought in a consultant, and she’s got us set up on a plan.”

“Of course,” I squeak out. A customer service consultant? Is she serious? My brain feels like it might explode.

“Oh, I forgot!” River throws up her hands. “Did you want to go through our scheduling process? It was tough coming up with a system that works for everyone.”

“Sure.” I suddenly feel hot and clammy. I need to take my jacket off, but before I can, she’s already swung her computer around again and is diving into her tutorial on the system.

At this point, she sounds like Charlie Brown’s teacher, but I continue to jot things down, smiling and nodding. She claims this program is “a snap,” but to me, it looks like software that sends rovers to Mars.

When River’s finally done, I have to fight off the temptation to dash out of her restaurant. My face has to be white when I say, “This was perfect, so helpful, thanks again.”

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