Page 96 of For All It's Worth
Chapter Thirty Nine
Max
Aweekafterthebookstore reopened, we were able to reopen the café, unveiling the extended space and the more expanded menu. I’d had to recruit a couple of cooks and kitchen staff, but with Charlie’s projections, I knew that it would be worth it long term.
There was a grand re-opening with our friends, Charlie’s family, and all the staff there to have a look around the new and improved Books & Biscuits. I’d almost worried myself sick with nerves over their responses but everyone had loved the extra room and all the little touches we had added to the place.
It had been tempting to change the name, to start this new era fresh, but I knew that our customers would still use the old name and rebranding was expensive. Plus, I wanted to continue to honor my friend, Eddie. We’d even squeezed in some tartan prints and some artwork of Scotland since he’d been so proud of his homeland.
Managing to get the renovations done in time for our trip away had taken the mental load off. I didn’t just want to reopen and ditch the staff since I knew that we could be busier than normal with the locals wanting to take a peek at something new, or newer, at least.
I’d been right about that, but towards the end of a couple of weeks, the frantic pace had slowed some and we had a few more staff members, so I felt more confident about leaving them for a few days.
Charlie had given Kristen and Rachele the use of his family’s beach house for a long weekend so that they could have a well-deserved break.
Selfishly, I wanted Kristen rested and fresh for when we went away since she would be in charge. I’d given her the promotion to manager that she so rightly deserved, making Heather assistant manager and in charge of the bookstore. I knew my business was in good hands with them and that we were building a great team.
They returned practically glowing with health and happiness. Kristen wrapped me in a hug. “You’re the best,” she said. “Thank you, we really needed that break.”
I couldn’t take all the credit. “Charlie’s idea, I just made sure that you were covered.”
Kristen went to hug Charlie next, surprising him and making him blush.
A few days before we were due to leave, I was in my new office sorting invoices when my phone rang with a strange number. Unsure who it could be and anxious it might be important, I answered the call.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Max,” came a slightly familiar voice, “It’s Andy, Will’s fiancé.”
“Oh hey…” It was strange to be getting a call from him.
“Look, I know this is out of the blue, but Will is taking me on a surprise vacation in a few days and I was wondering if you could look after Lucifer for me? He really likes you and Charlie.”
My heart warmed with pride at being asked but fell when I realized I’d have to say no. “Oh, I’m sorry, Andy, but Charlie is taking me away for a couple of days, too. We need the break after all the renovations.” I hated to lie to him but I’d been sworn to secrecy over the wedding. We all knew that Will’s “last minute” vacation was probably going to be when they tied the knot.
Since I was the worst liar ever, Charlie and I had been avoiding the family in case I put my foot in it and told Andy what was in store. It had been fairly easy since we’d been caught up with everything going on with the business. I’d only had to hold it together during the re-opening since half of Andy and Will’s office had turned up.
“Shoot!” Andy’s voice brought me back to the conversation. “Never mind. I’m sure I’ll find someone for him. I just don’t want to put him in a cattery, y’know.”
I nodded though he couldn’t see me. “Yeah. He’s a sweet cat.” I wanted one of my own but things needed to settle down before I broached that subject with Charlie. “Sorry, Andy.”
“It’s okay. You and Charlie need a break, too. You’ve had so much going on this summer. It’s only a few weeks before the book launch isn’t it?”
“Hmm?” My mind was still thinking over Andy’s cat problem. Then I had a sudden thought. “What about your neighbor?”
“Mr. Thomas?” Andy sounded confused.
“Yeah, doesn’t he sometimes check on him during the day? He might look after him for you. He’s in the building, so he wouldn’t have to go far,” I suggested.
“That’s a great idea! Thanks, Max. Genius. I’ll go ask!”
Andy said a quick goodbye and hung up, leaving me to pack for our trip, to his and Will’s wedding.
