Chapter 16
Eli stepped inside Rousseau Paradis and made his way toward the table in the back where Molly had told him they were seated.
He spotted Molly and her parents with glasses of wine in hand as they chatted animatedly with each other.
He smiled softly. Her parents had been in town for four days and were heading back to Denver tomorrow morning.
She had spent all her time with them when she wasn’t working.
When she was working, they would come by the cafe for their morning coffees and again for lunch.
The way Molly glowed since they had come around had his heart beaming for her. She was truly happy, and he couldn’t be more thrilled for her.
Eli approached the table. “I’m so sorry I’m late. We got several more orders at closing.”
Jared stood and shook his hand, and then he gave Ashley a quick hug. He kissed Molly’s cheek before taking a seat beside her and threading his fingers with hers.
“More orders?” Jared asked. “So, it’s going well?”
“It’s going better than we could have hoped. I honestly never imagined we could sell books online.”
“People love supporting small businesses,” Ashley said.
A server came by and took Eli’s drink order before disappearing again.
“I can see that. And we only have Molly to thank,” Eli said.
“In fact, my siblings and I discussed it, and we would like to offer you the position of website management. Uploading new products and possibly a blog idea that Michelle wants to discuss with you once we get a handle on these orders. Maybe maintain our social media too.”
Molly stared at him, stunned. “Wow! I don’t know what to say.”
“You can think about it. We don’t expect an immediate answer.”
Jared smiled at Molly. “The bookstore can be your first official client.”
Eli furrowed his eyebrows. “Client?”
Molly smiled shyly. “My parents and I have been brainstorming about me opening my own company offering web design services. Possibly social media templates for purchase.”
“Molly, that’s wonderful. I think it’s a great idea. We could hire you as an independent contractor instead of as an employee.”
She frowned. “What about Katie? I don’t want to leave her short a barista. Would it be okay if I stayed on to help her?”
Eli squeezed her hand. “Honey, if you want to, she would love it. Just don’t let it get in the way of you building a business.”
Molly stayed quiet.
“Are you okay?” Ashley asked.
Molly nodded. “Yes. I’m just surprised at how quickly things have changed in the last several months. It’s surreal.”
“I’m not surprised. My girl has always been one of the brightest people I know. You can do anything you put your mind to,” Jared said.
“He’s right. You’ve always been a go-getter,” Ashley said.
Molly looked at her parents. “Thank you. That means a lot.”
Their server came over, gave Eli his drink, and took everyone’s food orders before disappearing again.
“Now that Eli has a drink, we should toast,” Jared said, lifting his glass into the air. Everyone else followed suit. “To new beginnings, new ventures, and a new relationship.”
They all clinked their glasses together.
Then Jared looked straight at Eli. “You take care of my girl, you hear?”
Eli smiled and then looked at Molly. “I plan to do just that. I give you my word.”