Page 20 of Trusting You
I nodded and pretended to get back to my laptop while I discreetly watched him walk down the corridor to the brewing area. I couldn’t decide if I enjoyed watching his back muscles or his butt muscles walk away more, but it was a close call.
I was getting comfortable here. I was learning the ropes and finding my footing. We had some big plans for the next few weeks, and I was anxious to get started. I had my work cut out for me. The brewery website needed updating, the social media accounts were positively anemic, and all the event planning had to start from scratch. It would take all of my marketing experience and a lot of luck to put this place on the map, but I was getting a bit more confident every day.
When I accepted this job, I saw it as a way to fill some time between “real” jobs. But now, I was seeing more and more how this place was stretching and growing me professionally. I was learning things, getting out of my comfort zone, and taking on more and more responsibility every day.
I wanted to help Liam and all the new friends I had made here. I wanted this for him and for Havenport. He cared so deeply about everyone and what they were doing. He took responsibility for everything and never cast blame. He remained positive and upbeat, despite the crushing pressure of sustaining this business. Unlike me, who couldn’t conceal my hot mess if my life depended on it, Liam exuded calm confidence at all times.
He did not share his stress or anxieties with anyone, instead he just worked even harder. It made me feel special that he had opened up to me, told me the truth, and unburdened himself. It was like we shared an intimate secret and he trusted me to keep it for him.
12
Cecelia
Most daysI couldn’t believe what I had gotten myself into. Marketing this place was going to be a massive undertaking. I promised Liam I would stay in Havenport and help out at the brewery for the next four months and I intended to see it through. But I was feeling overwhelmed and nervous that I had bitten off more than I could chew.
So I squared my shoulders, ignored the nagging thoughts about sleeping in my high school bedroom at thirty-one years old, and got to work. I had grown attached to the brewery and loved this ragtag team and wanted them to succeed.
Two weeks into the job, I was seeing more and more potential every day. At first, these Monday team meetings were intimidating, but I was slowly getting more comfortable. The atmosphere was jovial and fun. Everyone was laughing and trading stories and trying beers. This was a team, a family. In addition to the brewing staff, the team included Mark, their graphic designer and packaging guru, and Shane, the account manager. Like myself, these guys worked here part time to chase their beer dreams while holding down other gigs as well. I hadn’t been here that long, but I really liked the beer. And I really liked Liam.
But sitting here around the table while Trent filled glasses for everyone, I was beginning to feel like I finally belonged. And there was a part of me that knew that I could help this place grow and thrive. That I could help Liam achieve his dreams.
And I was starting to think my mom and Nora might be onto something. Maybe I had been too cautious and careful. Maybe I hadn’t been true to myself and what I really wanted. I looked at Liam, going over graphs and data related to brewing schedules, and smiled. He was so handsome and confident. He was good at this and he knew it. It made the vulnerability he’d shown me even more precious. We’d become friends, and he had really opened up to me about his struggles and anxieties about this place. All of it made me more resolute to help him as much as I could.
The more time I spent at the brewery, the more ideas started flying around my brain. I felt a shiver of possibility run down my spine and creativity flow through my veins every time I walked through the door. I discovered my old camera in the attic and had started taking photos for social media as well. I found so much of the work here really inspiring. Today I was making my first presentation to the team and I was nervous. What if they didn’t like my ideas? What if I spent all weekend doing research for nothing? In my previous life I had made presentations to executives and shareholders and never felt this nervous. I was a good presenter and I came prepared.
After about an hour of technical talk, Liam finally turned to me. “And now I’m going to turn it over to Cecelia.”
I took a minute to compose myself and sync my laptop to the projector.
Mark piped up. “Sorry, I missed last week’s meeting. Are you a new brewer?”
Kyle jabbed him. “Dude, she’s clearly not a brewer.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” said Trent. “Women can be brewers.”
“Of course they can. But we already have plenty of brewers, and if she were a brewer she would probably work someplace nicer than here.” Kyle gave me a dazzling smile. He was in his early twenties, boyishly handsome, and knew it.
Liam jumped in, trying to control the conversation. “Guys, settle down. Cecelia is spearheading the new marketing initiatives and running point on upcoming events. She’ll be doing a bit of everything. Think of her as my Girl Friday.”
“Isn’t that regressive and sexist?” A few people chuckled.
“Thanks, Karl. I didn’t mean it in a regressive way. Just that she’s going to be helping out and doing a bit of everything.”
“Hey. My wife and I watch the Daily Show every night. I’m woke now.” There was a collective eye roll at Karl.
I gave him a kind smile. “Thanks, Karl.”
“Anyway. She has been brainstorming ways for us to increase revenue and exposure and help build our brand. Please be quiet and let her speak.”
Everyone quieted down and I walked them through my PowerPoint.
“I think increasing the use of the taproom for special events and broader weekend hours is an easy way to get more people through the door, especially in the fall.”
“I also think we can do some outreach to specific demographics. For example, I think we should have afternoon hours on Saturdays and Sundays and have kid-friendly activities and menu items. Have you guys ever brewed root beer or ginger ale?”
“Yes, I can brew fantastic root beer,” Karl said.
Liam seemed dubious. “But do families want to come to a brewery?”
