Page 40 of Starting Over in Cedarwood

“It’s smart to be frugal, but there should be a proper dining space and better means for the workers to eat. I’m changing the procedures. You can order one lunch from the concessions and sit in any available seats in the stadium while on breaks.”

“Thank you, sir.” Kevin couldn’t wait to tell everyone. “That’ll be in writing?”

“Of course.” Mr. Vale folded his arms. “I’m told you have some suggestions for promotions. What did you want and what are those plans?”

He’d been shot down before and expected it again, but tried anyway. “I’d like to do specials. Monday is fifty-cent popcorn, Tuesday would be buy a hot dog and soda and get the cotton candy cone for free, Wednesday would be sweet tooth day with all candies half price, Thursday would be dollar beer—not the huge beers, but a smaller version—for a buck, with Friday being dollar dog and soda night, and Saturday would feature two-dollar fries.”

“Sunday?”

“Bag of peanuts for a buck. It gets people in even when we’re losing. People love deals,” Kevin said. “I asked for new signage for each day, some banners to publicize all the deals and the ability to change out the signs for each game. We still have a third of the season left. We might not be great, but it’d help draw crowds in.” He sucked in a ragged breath and waited for the owner’s answer.

“I like it.”

“You do?” Kevin blurted.

“I do. The ideas are stout and we should’ve been doing them before now. Do we have family packs?” Mr. Vale asked. “I’ve seen them, haven’t I?”

“We did. You got four dogs, four sodas, two orders of fries and two cotton candy cones for twenty dollars. It was extremely popular. In conjunction with the family four pack of tickets, we’d sell out the family section. Mr. Mulhenney wanted to sell the tickets separately because we made more money on single tickets. The thing is, when the people buy the pack, they don’t tend to just purchase those four hot dogs and such. They go back and get a second soda or a bag of peanuts. We did make some profit on the deal.”

“Then we’re bringing it back.” Mr. Vale nodded. “I can’t afford to get you more staff just yet, but let’s invest in your ideas—the promotion each day and the signage will draw people in. We’ll keep the concession stands that are open that way and work towards reopening the closed ones. Think you can helm it? I’ll get the signs done and you rally the workers. Yes?”

“Deal.” Kevin paused. “Then you really did buy the club?”

“As soon as I heard Mulhenney wanted out, I lobbied everyone I could think of and a few I didn’t think could help me to get the club. It worked, and here I am.” Mr. Vale stood. “I don’t know what the hell we were doing for promotions, but that’s my next stop. I’m assuming you know the guy. Mr. Beglin? Real piece of work. I don’t know what he’s spending the promotions money on, but it’s not butts in seats.”

“I’m not sure.” He couldn’t lie and had no clue what Kyle might have spent the money on. “And yes, I do know him.”

“I see.” Mr. Vale rounded the desk. “You should have an office, but we’ll sort out a better break room, too.” He clapped Kevin on the shoulder. “You’re an asset to the team. You’re smart and not too quick to agree to stuff. I like that you’re honest with me.”

“I try, sir.” Kevin smiled. “We have a double-header today, so there will be a run on everything. I need to get out there to help. By the second inning of the first game, we’ll be hopping.”

“Good. I like to see busy workers.” Mr. Vale walked out of the office. “I’ll be giving everyone a copy of the new handbook and outlining exactly what I expect from them. I’ll also be giving a speech tomorrow to let them know I did buy the team. I see how rampant gossip is around here.” He grinned. “No different than being the mayor. Everyone wants your attention and they all want to kiss your ass to get what they want.”

“I’ve never run for office.”And have no desire to do so.

“Good. It’ll wear you down,” Mr. Vale said. “I’ll see you later to check on things.”

“Sure. Thank you.” He couldn’t wrap his mind around what had just happened. He’d been listened to and had managed to improve the situation.Holy shit.He couldn’t wait to tell Shaun. “Thank you.”

“Welcome.” Mr. Vale walked out of the office and turned to Kevin. “I checked up on all my workers. I’m not making huge changes here, but I need to know the people I have are going to do their job. You know? I need to be sure I can count on you.”

“You can, sir.” He just wanted to do a good job and help the concessions run smoothly.

“You’re the head of concessions. I want briefings and stats every day after a game.” Mr. Vale shook hands with Kevin. “I’ll send out a breakdown of jobs, but we’re hitting the ground running right now and the briefings start on Monday.”

“Thank you. I won’t let you down.”

“I know you won’t.” Mr. Vale winked, then clapped him on the shoulder before he walked away.

Kevin stared at Mr. Vale’s retreating form.Well, shit.He knew what he’d heard and what he’d been told, but everything hadn’t sunk in yet. The miracle he’d wanted had happened.

Nedra touched his arm. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” Kevin chuckled. “We’ve been bought by Mr. Sunny Vale and he respects us. We’re getting new signs and so forth, we’re allowed and encouraged to run specials and we’ve got his backing.” He sighed and met her gaze. “We got what we want.”

“No kidding?”

“No kidding.” Kevin turned to her. “So, first things first. Saturdays will be two-dollar fries for the special. Both games. Make a note for the cashiers. If anyone questions, send them to me.”

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