Chapter 11 #3
“When?” Bernadine asked.
“I know it’s short notice, but maybe tomorrow evening at the rec?”
She shook her head. “That’s going to conflict with the Three Spinsters opening to the public, so some folks will be busy. What about Sunday after church?”
“That’s a good compromise. I’ll let everyone know.”
“How are the plans going?”
“Going well. I have most of the boxes on my list ticked off. I just need to get the volunteers signed up and talk to the people like the Supremes who want to submit ideas.”
“Can’t wait to see what they have in mind.”
“Me too. Did the restaurant do well last weekend?”
“On the surface I’d say we did very well, but financially, not so sure. We’re meeting this afternoon to look at the numbers. You’re welcome to sit in if you have time.”
“Can’t. Meeting with Lyman Proctor to see what kind of room rates the Franklin hotels can offer for August First. When is Tina’s B&B opening?”
“Ribbon cutting is planned for next week. She’ll only have a few rooms for people to access, though.”
“I know, but the more we have, the more people can stay.”
“True.”
“Okay.” She then viewed Bernadine seriously for a moment and asked, “How are you handling Crystal leaving home?”
Bernadine shrugged. “Doing the best I can, I suppose. Why’d you ask?”
“Preston will be leaving soon too, and I’m doing my best to be a big girl about it, but Lord, I’m going to miss him.”
“How’s Barrett handing it?”
“He’s being all Marine drill sergeant on the outside, but inside? I think he’s more of a mess than I am.”
“Our kids have come to mean so much.”
“I know. Without Preston there’d be no new Sheila, and my marriage might have fallen into deeper darkness too. Not sure how we’ll deal without him around to keep Barrett and me balanced.”
“You two have come a long way.”
She nodded in agreement. “And I don’t want us to backslide into the way we used to be.”
“I think you’re past that.”
“I do, too, but Preston has been sort of the glue that makes it all work.”
“Give yourself some credit. You and Barrett have put in the time and effort, and you should be proud, and maybe talk to Paula about this. Lord knows, I’m no expert.”
Sheila smiled. “I didn’t mean to lay all this on you.”
“No worries. You’re fine. Like I said: Our kids have become our world. It’s probably natural for us to feel some kinda way at them no longer being with us twenty-four seven.”
“You’re probably right.” She got to her feet. “I’ll talk to Paula, but in the meantime, I’m heading to Franklin. We’ll talk more about August First on Sunday after church.”
“Sounds good.”
Sheila left and Bernadine reflected on just how much the kids had impacted the lives of their parents, the residents, and the town. Their presence had changed things for the better.
The Three Spinsters investors—Rocky, Roni, and Chef Thorn—arrived promptly at eleven, while Tina zoomed in from Miami.
Because the meeting in the conference room was taking place at lunchtime, Rocky provided sandwiches, salads, and beverages.
Once the small buffet was set out, everyone grabbed what they wanted and made themselves comfortable around the table.
Tina asked the first and most important question. “How’d we do financially, chef?”
He opened his laptop and brought up a screen. “We did okay. I didn’t expect us to make a killing, and we didn’t, but we didn’t go too far into the hole. I’ll send the numbers to everyone’s emails.”
Rocky asked, “Did we at least come out even?”
“Almost.”
Bernadine blew out a breath.
Thorn said, “No discouragement allowed. You have to remember we served only our people last weekend, and I kept the prices low because of that. This weekend will give us a truer picture. Now, will we ever make enough to justify what we’ve invested? I think we will, but it may take some time.”
Bernadine wasn’t sure if that was a positive or not, but she was in this for the long haul, so she’d just have to remind herself to be patient.
Thorn turned to Roni. “I’m pretty sure your idea to have live entertainment will go a long way to even out the bottom line.”
She replied, “I think so too. I’m doing some bookings now. I’ll kick things off in a few weeks, then start bringing in the other acts.”
“Good. We’ll see where things stand in a month or so. We have tons of reservations set for this weekend. Even took a call from the governor’s office. He and his people may want to visit as soon as he has some free time.”
Bernadine was impressed.
Lily stuck her head in the door. “Hate to interrupt but, Bernadine, we have a situation.”
“What kind of situation?”
“Riley’s back.”
“What? Why?”
“And . . .”
“Jesus. There’s an and.”
Lily nodded. “There’s a statue of Cletus involved.”
Bernadine’s head dropped. She prayed for strength.
Rocky asked, “How big is it?”
“Think, a balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade big.”
Bernadine ran her hands down her face. Good Lord. “Do I need to deal with this right now?”
“I’m afraid so. He wants to put it on Main Street. Sheila can’t handle it because she has a meeting with Lyman, and after that a Zoom with the windmill suppliers, so . . .”
Bernadine sighed and got to her feet. “Okay. My apologies, everyone. Go ahead with the meeting. I’ll catch up on everything later.” She looked to Lily. “Let me get my keys. I’ll be right there.”