Page 35 of Bear Creek Valentine
Once the smiling driver took off, Aiden showed Leo where the new freezer would go and the other changes made since his initial visit. They looked over the candy-making machines as well, and Aiden handed Leo the owner’s manuals.
“Here’s your homework. You’ll need to know everything about both machines, including operations, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting. First, though, you’ll get to grind all of those beans into cocoa powder before the humidity ruins them. I need to buy some airtight storage containers for the project before you get started—probably early next week.”
On the way back to the shop, Leo asked about how the new powder would affect things.
“If the criollo really tastes better, or at least different from what you’ve been using, won’t that change the flavor of the recipes?”
Aiden had been thinking the same thing.
“Presumably, yes. That’s one of the things I need to find out. I’ll have to make side-by-side batches and taste-test them to see what happens. If the flavors of the criollo powder are overwhelmed by the other ingredients, then we’ll use the cheaper forastero. On the other hand, if no one but me can detect the difference, then I’ll chalk it up as an interesting experience and ask Dash not to buy me any more of the criollo beans.
“I might still find a use for the good stuff with some of our simpler chocolates that don’t have a lot of competing flavors. I’d have to charge a higher price for them, which might backfire on us in Bear Creek. With the right advertising, the chocolate connoisseurs of the world might pay for the criollo, just for bragging rights. One thing is certain—our shifter customers could detect the difference right away.”
Leo nodded, since he understood how powerful their senses were—which reminded him of a suggestion he had for Aiden. He waited until they parked the car and went inside the shop before sharing the idea.
“Have you ever considered layered Bear Brownies? I’m thinking of nut butter, trail mix, fudge, or simply a thick layer ofsolid chocolate on top or in the middle. It seems a shame to only offer the plain ones.”
Aiden cocked his head, thinking over the suggestion.
“Hmm... not a bad idea. Maybe offer them as a tasty treat rather than a nutritious snack? I’m positive our shifter friends would gobble them up, and it would give them more to choose from. Expanding the line would keep us ahead of any future competitors, too.
“While you’re still working here at the shop, I want you and Serena to ask every shifter customer who comes in what they think and record their feedback. Meanwhile, I’ll start with the ones we’ve already talked about and have my taste testers give me some feedback. What do you think we should call them?”
Hmmm... good question.
“Not sure. I hadn’t thought that far ahead. Maybe Serena can help me come up with something.”
After they finished the conversation, Aiden got Leo started on making a batch of the thin cookies used for the Mocha Rounds. Meanwhile, he went up front to explain the cocoa bean delivery to Serena and Toby, as well as Leo’s layered Bear Brownie idea. For some reason, Serena couldn’t wipe the mischievous smile off of her face during their entire conversation. Aiden couldn’t resist asking what had made her happier than usual.
“Let’s just say I scored a date with Tom this weekend.”
Aiden gave her a quizzical look.
“Who’s Tom?”
“The gorgeous delivery guy that was just here. After I told him how to find D2, I asked him out and we exchanged numbers. Tell Dash he can special order anything he wants from now on!”
Chapter 12
Two days later, somewhere near Scranton
The dingy apartment held a sole occupant, seated at a rickety folding table. The only light came from an old laptop computer screen, flickering into an angry face as the National Confectioners Magazine article scrolled past. A clenched fist slammed the tabletop, threatening to send it and the computer to the floor.
The smarmy accolades forDeliciouscoming from that Anita Cosgrove bitch were enough to turn the stomach! Aiden Romero was nothing but a liar and a thief who needed to be taken down a notch or two. No one else knew the truth about the bastard or where he got his ideas.
Why should he get rich and famous while others languished in obscurity, moving from one shit job to another? How many other lives had he ruined?No more!If payback’s a bitch, then it was time to turn up the heat.
####
Sunday, May 27th
Most of the ninety-minute drive from Bear Creek to Reading was a pleasant excursion, filled with easy conversation. Dash couldn’t say no when his mother had asked him to come home for a family meal and to bring Aiden with him. The age-old ritual of meeting the parents never seemed to lose its terrifying edge, and both men were unsettled as they neared their destination.
First, Dash tensed up as the interstate took them through a very familiar section of Allentown before veering west. Memories both good and bad played merry hell with his emotions, though it helped when Aiden reached for his hand.Unfortunately, Dash’s tension kicked Aiden’s stress into high gear, filling the car’s interior with angsty pheromones. Dash clenched the steering wheel as an irksome feedback loop replaced their earlier equilibrium, making both men miserable.
Desperate to clear the air, Dash turned off at a roadside overlook, parked the car, and led Aiden down the short path. Fortunately, no one else was around as he wrapped brawny arms around Aiden, nose buried in his neck. At length, he pulled back and lifted his face for a tender kiss. It produced a simultaneous sigh of relief and soft chuckles as they acknowledged what hadn’t yet been said. Aiden got them started.
“What happened back there? Did I do something to upset you?”
