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The three of us pored over the ads on Jasper’s laptop, debating the Pros and Cons of each property listed. There were precious few in the center of Wellington. The big earthquake was six months ago, but usable space was still in short supply.
How far outside the city was I prepared to go? I could get more space for the same price, but since my core customer base was in the CBD, I’d have to add travelling time and costs to most deliveries.
“This one looks good,” said Holly. “Kitchen facilities, and it’s in Oriental Bay, which is close enough to the city center.”
It was a pretty area too, but pricey. The monthly rent was almost double what I paid in Thorndon. “It’s lovely, but I can’t afford it.”
Jasper pushed his chair back from the table and stretched. He reached for his stick and limped across the kitchen to the counter. “Anyone else want coffee?”
I opened my mouth to ask for herbal tea, and then thought fuck it. One milky coffee wouldn’t hurt. “Yes please,” I chorused with Holly, and we smiled at each other.
“I’ve been thinking,” Jasper said to me over his shoulder. “Apart from needing an office front, to have somewhere visible for customers, why can’t you work out of your place? You’ve got an apartment in town, haven’t you?”
“I wish I could, but apart from the fact that it’s tiny, it’s not certified for food prep. It takes weeks to get an inspection lined up, and even then, there’s a ton of paperwork to do. The process can take a month, and that’s if there are no delays. Whereas, if I find somewhere with a certified kitchen, I can start work right away.”
“Fark,” said Jasper.
“Yep. That sums it up.”
Holly sifted through the printouts we’d made of potential locations. “There are three worth looking at. Four, if you include the one in Oriental Bay. What next?”
“I make appointments to see them. Commercial properties turn over quickly.”
I drank the excellent coffee Jasper brewed, and spent the next hour calling the letting agencies. One was already snapped up, but I could view the others today. I glanced at my watch. It was only two in the afternoon. With all the drama, it felt much later.
Jasper wanted to come with me, and I greedily said yes. I did wonder how comfortable he’d be travelling another hour each way in the car, but I wasn’t sure how to ask without offending him.
Holly had no such qualms. “You’re going to hurt tonight, little brother. Aren’t you supposed to be resting?”
His fingers tightened around the handle of the stick. “I’m fine, Hol. I know what I can and can’t do.” He bit the words out, and I stared at my empty cup, wishing I could hide in it.
They said nothing else, and after a minute, I went to put my cup into the dishwasher. “Okay, then. I’m off, if you’re sure you want to come.”
Jasper sighed and turned to face me. “Yes, I am. Thank you. And despite Holly’s worrying, I know my limitations. Okay?”
****
I drove with extra care, as though I transported a fragile multilayered cake, and wondered again why Jasper was so eager to spend time with me. He must be bored. Should I ask him about his injury?
Curiosity burned inside me. I haven’t always been a gimp.
The radio played softly in the background, and my car purred along, the roads quiet and the weather calm. I glanced at Jasper. He was gazing at the stick by his side. His hair flopped onto his forehead, and I wondered how it would feel if I swept it back with my fingers.
“I’m sure you’re dying to ask.” His voice sounded resigned. “I wrecked my car last year, and smashed my leg in the process. It wasn’t a clean break, and I had surgery to put pins in, but it’s still not healed.”
“Ouch. Is there anything else they can do?” A thought struck me. “Was the accident with the truck? It looks fine.”
He gave a short laugh. “Nah. I had a car as well. It was a beaut. A seventy-six Camaro.”
“Had?” I echoed. “Was it a write-off?”
“Yeah. Just had new tires and shocks too.” He huffed a sigh. “I thought I was fucking invincible. What a joke.”
“I’m sorry.” I didn’t know what else to say.
“So”—he shifted in his seat and faced me—“how did you get into the cake business?”
I flashed him a smile. This was a nice, easy question. “I worked in IT but hated office work. I started out baking for my friends—parties and so on—and then I took the plunge and went into it full time.” I shrugged.
“It’s cool to run your own business. You like it better?”
“Mostly. I mean, I love the creativity and the baking process itself. I like making something out of nothing, and everyone loves cake. I enjoy making people happy.” It sounded trite, and I winced inside, but he didn’t smirk or anything.
“More fun than IT.” He nodded. “I couldn’t work in an office, either. I’m dyslexic, which doesn’t help. I’m one of the few people grateful for autocorrect on the phone.”
“How did you cope when you were laid up? Without losing yourself in a good book, I mean?”
“God. When I was first in the hospital, I was bored stiff, with nothing to do. Then Hol brought my laptop in and made sure I had a supply of TV shows and movies.”
“Do you have any other family? Or aren’t they local?”
“Hey, I love this song.” He stuck his hand toward the radio but paused. “Mind if I turn it up?”
“Go for it.”
The volume rose enough to make conversation difficult, but while Jasper tapped his knee, it didn’t seem to be in time to the music. Was this a clumsy subject change?