Page 18 of Beaches, Bagels & Babes
“Look,” she offered. “I’m broke. I need this to work as badly as you do.”
“So… What? I would be your boss?”
Frankly, Candace said, “No. Partners, if you’re comfortable with that. You would still own the business and make final decision on everything. But, on paper, I would be your partner and financial advisor.”
“I can barely pay you minimum wage.”
“And I can make that work. The one benefit of staying at the illustrious Comfort Clam Inn is the locked-in room rate.”
Daisy’s nose wrinkled. She was no posh posy, but everyone knew that motel was on the sprouted side of seedy.
“You’re staying in that dump? Doesn’t strike me like your kind of scene.”
Candace shrugged. “It’s not. But, like I said, I can make it work. Once the season is over, we can renegotiate based on how much profit I helped to generate.”
“You sound awfully confident there’ll be a profit.”
“I’m confident in your bagel bombs. I did my research. Even without an online presence, people post about coming to this boardwalkspecificallyfor Bagel Bombs!. They say it’s the best, and they’re right. So let me help you prove it. All we have to do is put this place out there more, and people will come.”
Will they?
Daisy was not sure which she was more afraid of: that people would come, or that they would stay away. Both made her feel queasy.
“This is nuts. Maybe you have business experience pushing papers, but have you ever worked a job like this? Because if I’m paying you, you’re going to be behind the counter pulling your weight.”
Candace rolled her eyes. Still, Daisy could see a tightening in the woman’s posture.
“If a bored preteen can keep this place running, I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
“I’m not teaching you how to mop.”
At that, Candace gave a mock huff. “I know how to use a mop. And how to balance a register. The cafe I worked at through undergrad would’ve fired me real fast if I didn’t.” Smiling, she added, “I’m not all that helpless.”
“No. Maybe not.”
Thick, swelling heat radiated around them. Still, both women faced each other coolly. Despite the impending news of doom, Daisy felt a surge of excitement—of something new.
Daisy asked, “Can I sleep on it?”
A flash of disappointment fell over Candace’s face. It was gone just as quickly, back to business.
“Of course. This is a big decision, I wouldn’t want to rush you. I included a standard partner contract in the binder, along with my contact information. If you have any questions or concerns, I’d be happy to discuss things more.”
“I’ll read it.”
Daisy was surprised that she was being honest. She would look through this grand business proposal of Candace Perry’s. Maybe,justmaybe, she would consider it. If this was going to be her last summer running Bagel Bombs!, she might as well go out with a bang.
Plus, a signed, legal document that gave Daisy permission to boss around her former crush was dangerously appealing.Mental image of Candace on all fours scraping tile scum made Daisy feel smug… among other things.
“Well,” Candace exhaled. “I’ll be waiting.”
Candace turned to leave.
On impulse, Daisy reached past the woman and held the door closed. They both froze, looking at one another with bated breath.
“My bagels,” Daisy whispered. She scrubbed her short, bandana-dented locks, suddenly self-conscious. “You really think they’re good?”
Candace’s lips parted, then curved into the gentlest, most sincere smile.
