Page 53 of The Wedding Ranch
Lorri stepped into the bakery on Main Street right on time. Inside, the sweet mingling of sugar and coffee made her hungry. A man sat at the table in the corner. He lifted his hand in a wave, and she walked over to join him. He was younger than she’d expected, but silver at the temples.
Lorri extended her hand. “Hi, I’m Lorri Walker.”
“Archer Bloom.” His voice was even. Void of emotion. “I wasn’t happy about someone new working on my account.”
“Oh?” This wasn’t what she expected.
“But when I saw your presentation it blew me away. I didn’t wait one minute before pulling the trigger on the whole deal. It’s perfect, and when he told me you lived in Dalton Mill, well, I wanted to thank you myself. You really get what I’m going for.”
“I used my home for inspiration. I purchased the model home and I love it. Originally I’d planned to stay one year and then sell it and move back to Raleigh.”
“Oh?”
“Yes, but I have no intention of moving now.”
“That’s great customer feedback.”
“I can’t say that it’s only the neighborhood. The farmers market right there is a huge plus, and I appreciate the neighborhood’s attention to sustainability, a healthy lifestyle, and its eco-friendly features. I haven’t had a single issue with my home. I’m completely delighted.”
“That’s wonderful.” He took a long sip of his coffee. “Can I order you something?”
“No. Thank you.” She removed her portfolio from her briefcase. “I brought the full detail plan for Bloom Homes with me. If you liked the proposal I think you’re going to really love this.”
He leaned in as she walked through everything with him. She had a couple of different concepts, but he was more interested in her favorite. Just as expected, when she unfolded the more simple, low-cost version, he swept it away as if it were cold leftovers. “No. This one.” He punched his finger atop the stack containing her recommended approach. The one that brought the biggest profit too.
“I couldn’t agree more, Mr. Bloom.” Satisfaction rippled inside her. Understanding the customer’s needs was important to her, and this was face-to-face proof that she did. His body language spoke volumes. “Nowhere in the materials did it mention where your next properties would be located. I’d be happy to incorporate those particulars into the program.”
“Not necessary. We have several sights under review across the country. Let’s keep it as high-level as possible.”
“Evergreen,” she said nodding.
“Exactly.”
Archer Bloom left the bakery.He loved my pitch.She resisted the urge to fist pump lest he turn around and see her. That design had come together so easily. She practically skipped to the counter to order an assortment of treats. Something to celebrate this, and a few extras to try before placing an order for when Cody came to town.
She put the box of goodies in her car, then drove over toPublix to pick up the groceries Pam had requested since she’d be doing the cooking.
Lorri pushed the cart down every aisle, marking off the items as she went. With more groceries than she’d ever bought in a single trip, she almost felt motivated to try to cook something herself.Almost.She knew it wouldn’t really happen. Her best dish was takeout, and it may have been a long-standing joke between her and Craig, and that hadn’t changed since the divorce. If there was one thing everyone in this town probably already knew about her, besides the size of her dog, it was that she ordered salads and dinners for pickup every Monday and Thursday for the week.
As she loaded her groceries from the cart into her vehicle, she heard the rumble of a diesel truck roll by, then back up. She turned to look.
“How are you?” the deep voice carried across the parking lot.
“Ryder?” She walked over to his truck. “You said we’d bump into each other.”
“Small town. Bound to happen.”
“And here we are,” she said, peering inside the open window. His truck was meticulously neat. “I had fun at the fair. Thanks again for the rescue, and the private tour.”
“You’re welcome. It was nice to enjoy it with someone who’d never been before. How’s your head?”
She raised her fingers to her forehead. It was still a bit tender to the touch. “Almost good as new.”
“Put out the ‘No Vacancy’ sign yet?”
It took her a moment to get what he was talking about. “Thebirdhouses! I saw a few birds checking them out this morning. I may need to make more.”
“I know a guy.”
