Page 23 of Mr. Delicious
“It’s a nice thought to entertain. If only for five minutes.” I shook my head and my laugher rescinded. “I think I’ll hear about the loan this week.”
“The loan you shouldn’t get?”
“I don’t know what else to do.”
“Well, best place to start is with what’s in front of you. The place looks busy.” Stella gave me a warm, hopeful smile.
I leaned forward and rested my elbows on the table. “With it so busy, I shouldn’t have to worry so much about money.”
“No, but I know you know there are a number of things you can do to work on that.” Stella raised her eyebrows knowingly.
I nodded, knowing what she was going to say.
Stella had told me months ago I was hemorrhaging money, especially on my staff, and my prices.
She picked up one of the menus from the holder on the table. “Coconut and Columbian Hot Cocoa: $1.99. And I know you get the good stuff. Also, I can’t see Pricilla or Jami again.”
I sighed. “I know. This is all my fault. Everything. All of it.”
“Sweetie, we’re in the middle of Chicago. The station is five minutes away from us—where all sorts of business people pass through, and we know they come here. You could have charged whatever you wanted from day one.”
Considering I was the one with the business degree, I hadn’t used any of my knowledge to my advantage. Stella was right again.
“I know. I’m going to look at all my prices tomorrow and then I’m going to fire Jami and Priscilla and caution Selene.” I pulled in a breath. Selene was good but could take advantage too sometimes. The most reliable members of staff I had were Albert and Denise, my chefs. I worked really hard today. I figured if Selene and I could manage it, they could take care of the place on their own. I would have to ask them to work for slightly longer hours to cover the busy periods.
“I could help out at night after work. Maybe not every night, but I’m here if you need me.” Stella smiled.
“Oh my gosh. Thank you.” I smiled back.Thank God for Stella.
“You’re welcome.” Her eyes twinkled.
Her help would be much appreciated. With two staff missing, I could maybe wing it for a month or two.
I’d have to speak to the work experience guys and see how long they could work for me.
It wouldn’t be sustainable. Eventually I’d have to hire replacements.
People would notice if things weren’t going well and get pissed off when they had to wait longer than necessary to be served. I didn’t want that to happen.
The other thing was there was a chance I’d have to miss this month’s and next month’s loan payments on the loans I’d taken out for Billy. He was supposed to give me some money for that and the house this weekend, but obviously I wouldn’t be getting that.
“I don’t know what I’d do without you. Thank you for being there for me always.” That was actually a statement of truth.
“Friends forever, and as your eternal friend I’m going to insist we push this mess under the rug and just deal with whatever happens next in a sensible way. At least you seem… okay-ish.” Stella wiggled her fingers and flicked her wrists.
I smiled. “I guess.”
“Good. Maybe it’s the fact you’re single again and free of that demon.”
“Yes.” I couldn’t deny it. There was definitely a massive element to being free of Billy that made me feel at ease. “I hate wasting time. I wish now I’d kicked him to the curb sooner. I’d be in the same position I’m in now but without the added baggage of him and all the embarrassment.”
“You’re too nice. And you need to stop going for assholes who want to take advantage of women.” Stella nodded vigorously and tucked away a wayward strand of her hair.
“I know, I know.”
“Hey, help me with my article. I need a fresh mind because I’m beat. Shelly wants something different to bring in the spring.”
Shelly was the editor-in-chief at the magazine. She tended to come out with these requests sometimes.
