The first thing I did when I logged into my computer was check my email. There was a note from Jake and Steve.
Just a quick note to tell you we’re planning a trip home. My dad isn’t doing well and I need to set things straight with him. Hoping we can get together for dinner, and we’d love to see your new place.
I typed back.
Great! Give me your travel plans and we can pick a date for you and Steve to come over for dinner. Looking forward to seeing both of you again! Scarlett
I’d started researching jobs online. I knew I could stay working where I was, but I wondered if there was another job I’d like more. What I really wished I could do was quit my job and run the store full-time. And then I thought, what’s stopping me? I’d paid for my new house in cash after selling my other house, and had still been able to bank about fifty thousand. It wasn’t a lot, but definitely a nice little nest egg that would tide me over until I got my store off the ground.
It occurred to me that finding a part-time job might be the answer. If I could find a part-time job that would help pay for my living expenses while working on the store, I’d be able to open sooner and see if I could make a go of it. The more I thought about that idea, the more I liked it. I called Shonna to run the idea by her.
“Have you worked through all of the plans yet with your business mentor?”
“We met twice and I’m making good progress on everything he’s asked me to do.”
“So you’re following a timeline?”
“Yes. It’s one he’s given me based on wanting to open the shop in a year. I’ve finished the feasibility study and done the appropriate research. I just sent him my business plan a few days ago.”
“Here’s a thought. Find part-time work you can do from home. That way, even after you open the shop, you have a separate revenue stream to rely on.”
“Listen to you. Separate revenue stream. Don’t you sound all businessy.”
Shonna laughed. “Is that even a word?”
“Yes, and I like your idea of working part-time from home now and keeping it up after I open the shop. If I can find work I can do anytime, it would be perfect. I could work in the morning before the shop opens or at night after it closes. Or a little of both.”
“You never did say how James took the news you wouldn’t be joining him.”
“Good. I mean, he was bummed I didn’t accept the offer, but understood how important opening the shop is to me. He even offered to invest some money in the business for a piece of the pie.”
“That would certainly make things easier,” Shonna said.
“Yes, but I really don’t want to get into equity financing.”
“Now who’s the one sounding all businessy?” Shonna laughed. “But I get it.”
“And while it would make things easier financially, it would make it more difficult in other ways. Even though James is a friend, I’d have to consult him about what I wanted to do with the business. Or at least I’d feel as though I had to. This way, I’m the one taking the risk.”
Tory yelled that she and Mike were taking off.
“Is everything okay?” Shonna asked. “I thought I heard yelling.”
“It was just Tory telling me she and Mike were going for a drive.”
“How’s he doing anyway?”
“Decent right now. He has a break in chemo and each day seems better than the last. But I know it won’t last. When the next round of chemo begins he’ll be back to feeling like crap.”
I heard Shonna’s daughter in the background.
“I have to run,” Shonna said. “Talk to you later.”
I checked a few job sites for part-time work before logging off the computer. I wondered if James had any work that could be done remotely. Maybe I’d mention it to him. If he did, it would be a perfect situation.
I walked into the store with a sketch pad and pencil. I wanted to get an idea of where I’d place everything. I’d discussed incorporating a soda fountain into my plans with my business mentor, but ultimately decided against it. While the soda fountain was a cute idea, I didn’t think it would be as lucrative as the coffee shop. There was already a creamery nearby, but no cozy coffee shop like the one I had planned.
I’d already made an appointment with a plumber and an electrician to give me project estimates. I knew my expresso machine needed to be directly connected to a water source. I also needed drainage and water softeners in the water line to prevent mineral buildup in the machines.
While researching the business, I’d made a lengthy list of equipment and supplies I’d need to buy. The list contained everything from an expresso machine and grinder to a commercial coffeemaker and bar blender.
I sketched the room on the sheet of paper, drawing a rectangle where I’d place the coffee counter. I wanted plenty of comfortable seating and tables with outlets nearby. I’d been in many coffee shops and noticed a good number of people working remotely. I knew it was important to be able to plug in a laptop or charge a phone. I also planned to buy a few tables and chairs to place in front of the store during nicer weather.
I walked around the space, getting a feel for it. I pretended to walk up to the imaginary counter, order a cup of coffee, and sit at a table along the far wall. I liked the idea of having a small sectional sofa by the window with a big square coffee table. I wanted to create an intimate corner where friends could gather and talk and enjoy one another’s company. Maybe I’d even have a few vintage board games sitting around for people to play.
I walked passed the coffee counter to the back of the store, imagining shelves filled with cool vintage merchandise. I scanned the room and nodded. I was glad I’d decided to stay. It felt right and there was this little voice inside of me that said Scarlett’s Cupboard. And that’s when I knew what I’d call my shop.
I’d promised Tory I’d make lasagna for dinner. It was one of her favorites. Ben was coming over so I ran to the store to pick up salad ingredients and a fresh French baguette. By the time Mike and Tory returned from their drive, I was boiling the noodles.
“How was the drive?” I asked when they walked in.
“Great, but I think Dad’s a little tired.”
Mike nodded. “I’m going to lay down for a while.”
“We stopped for ice cream and ran into one of Dad’s co-workers.”
“Who?”
“Dennis. Do you know him?”
“Doesn’t ring a bell.”
“He didn’t even recognize Dad,” Tory said.
I grimaced. “Well, he has lost a lot of weight.”
Tory grabbed a piece of celery from the table and sat down.
“Dad’s telling us the truth, isn’t he, Mom?”
“What makes you think he’s not?”
Tory shrugged. “He just seems so weak and tired. I really don’t know what he would’ve done or what kind of shape he’d be in if he weren’t staying with you.”
I nodded. “I’m just glad I was here to help.”
“Do you think you can ever forgive him?” Tory asked.
“Tory, what are we talking about?”
“For cheating. Do you think you could ever forgive him?”
“Tory, there was a lot more wrong with our marriage than his affair. That was certainly a part of it, but definitely not all of it. I really don’t feel comfortable discussing this with you, mostly because I don’t want to change how you feel about your dad. And it wasn’t all his fault. At first I blamed him, but I could’ve tried harder or made some different choices. In the end I think it’s better we’re apart rather than together.”
“I just want him to get better,” Tory said.
“I do, too, honey. I do, too.” I pointed to table. “How about making the salad?”
Tory chopped the romaine lettuce, carrots, celery, green pepper and onion and tossed them in the big bowl I had sat out. I finished making the lasagna and put it in the oven. “There, I think we’re all set. Thanks for your help.”
Tory nodded. “What’s this?” She opened the sketch book and asked about the drawing.
“Want me to show you?”
Tory followed me to the shop where I explained where I planned to place everything.
“I love that you’re doing something you’ve always wanted to do,” Tory said. “So many people dream, but it never becomes anything more than that. You’re making your dream a reality. I’m proud of you, Mom.”
I took a huge breath and exhaled. “Thanks. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. I might fail.”
Tory placed her hands on her hips. “What have you always told David and me?”
“Uh, that I love you?”
“Besides that.” Tory smiled.
I shrugged.
“Don’t be afraid to fail. That if you fail, you try again and again. If you spend your entire life fearing failure you’ll never fly.”
Tory hugged me and it was the best hug I’d had in a long time.
I thought about my butterfly tattoo and what it symbolized. I was determined to fly.
Tory’s weekend home went fast and before I knew it I was saying goodbye to her and Ben. It was great to see Mike feeling better and he even decided to go back to his own place for a few days while he was on a break from getting chemo. That left me alone with Muffin once again.
We were snuggling together on the couch, watching a movie, when my cell phone rang.
“Hello.”
“Oh, hi, Peter… Yes, I’d love to meet you for coffee.”
We’d decided to meet for coffee later that night. I knew exactly the place he’d suggested. I’d been visiting a lot of coffee shops and this one was on my list. I hoped Peter wouldn’t mind me taking notes. I was scoping out how others did things. Most of the shops I’d been in were franchises, but this one wasn’t. I wondered if the owner would be willing to talk to me. We wouldn’t be competing for customers because this coffee shop was on the other side of town.
I jumped in the shower and changed clothes three times. Stop it, Scarlett. It’s just coffee. I felt like a teenager going out on my first date. I settled on jeans and a light sweater.
Peter waved when I walked into the shop. He was seated at a table for two in the corner. I walked over and he stood and pulled out the chair for me. It wasn’t busy and the barista walked over to ask if she could get me anything. I ordered a decaf. I didn’t want to have trouble falling asleep.
I scanned the coffee shop, which was very contemporary, with purple and silver and black and lots of chrome and wood. “Cool place.”
Peter nodded. “It’s one of my favorites.”
“Oh, so you go to coffee shops a lot?”
Peter lifted his mug. “It’s my drug of choice, I suppose.”
“I’m opening up a coffee shop and vintage boutique.”
“Really? I’d love to hear about it.”
“It will have a very vintage feel, inspired by my grandmother’s kitchen. I loved going to her house and we spent a lot of time in her kitchen baking. She made the best pies and her cookies were to die for.”
“I can tell you have happy memories.”
“It’s weird how I can see a retro cherry print or smell a pie baking and it takes me right back to that kitchen. It was comfortable and inviting. Pastel-blue cabinets and linoleum flooring. And this big chrome-legged table with a Formica top that came with matching chairs in blue and white vinyl.”
Peter laughed. “I think my grandmother had the same kitchen, only hers was mint green. I guess the pastel colors were all the rage then.”
“And the cherry prints!”
“So, are you thinking pastel?”
“Not sure if I’ll go with pastel or black and red color scheme. I’ve been thinking about white cabinets with a red countertop and a chrome band along the edge. And a black and white checkered floor. But I’m still not one hundred percent sure.”
Peter and I were on our second cup of coffee before the conversation turned to his wife. I listened as he shared her battle with uterine cancer and how helpless he had felt. It was obvious he’d loved her very much.
“To be honest,” he said. “You’re the first woman I’ve liked enough to ask out.”
I sipped my coffee. “Thanks. I haven’t been out on too many dates myself.”
“Really?” Peter said. “I’d have thought you’d have men knocking down your door.”
I laughed. “I guess I’m particular.”
Peter’s eyes widened. “Well, then, I guess I should feel honored you accepted my coffee invitation.”
We talked some more. About my kids and my divorce. About his two daughters, both of whom lived locally, and his grandson. Three hours later, the coffee shop was closing and it was time for us to say goodbye.
Peter held open the door as we walked out. “Maybe you’d like to go to dinner sometime?”
I turned to Peter, aware I was lost in his eyes. “I’d like that, Peter. I’d like that very much.”