Chapter 10
CHAPTER TEN
Cancelling the order for the booths had saved her some money, but she’d need to cut more. She had given Alexis the go-ahead to replace the wood floors where they had found rot, instead of replacing them with a cheaper alternative.
Kate sipped her wine, enjoying the taste on her lips, and came to terms with eliminating the outdoor patio.
Knowing Maggie created items from salvaged material, she texted her: Do you know where I can find old barrels or containers for outdoor flowers? I need to save money and give up on the terrace.
Not the best at gardening, she’d find a few videos and hope it would work out until she could afford to hire Reynolds and Sons Landscaping.
She heard the muffled sounds of a saw and knew someone was working next door. While she waited for Maggie’s response, she slipped her shoes on and went to find Pete.
She stepped into the coffee shop area and beamed. The walls were all erected for the industrial kitchen.
“Hi, Kate. What do you think?” Pete said as he approached.
“I can finally see what it’ll look like.”
“Have you had time to look at the floors?”
“Honestly, I haven’t. I’ve been too busy baking desserts.”
“Follow me. Tell me what you think.”
She followed Pete into the main area, and he crouched down and uncovered the portion of the floor where they’d replaced the old hardwood with new planks. “We’re keeping it covered to preserve them.”
“They’re beautiful. What kind of wood is this?” She knelt and ran her hand over the smooth board. “I can’t even tell which is the old and which is new. It’s perfectly imperfect.”
He nodded. “They’re white oak. Our floor guy is top-notch.”
She stood and he re-covered the floor. “I ran into Cole,” Pete said, “and he mentioned he’d started on the booths. Have you had a chance to see them?”
“Not yet. I’m meeting with him this week at his shop.
” She glanced around the space that she hoped would become a bustling coffee shop and was confident she was making the right decision with the money she had to work with.
“I’ve given up on the patio and the extra landscaping to keep from extending my budget. ”
“I think that’s smart. The first year, you’ll do fine with picnic tables on the lawn.” He glanced around the room. This place will mature into a thriving business in no time.”
“Thanks, Pete. That’s what I’m praying for.”
“Are you getting excited?”
“I am now. Will you be installing the booths once they’re done?”
He nodded. “After the holidays.”
“I can’t wait.” Kate said and rubbed her hands together in anticipation.
She took a few pictures and sent one to her parents. While doing so, she received a text from Maggie: I should have everything you need. Let’s talk about interior plans and I’ll show you around my barn. Let me know when you have time.
Great. Thanks, Kate texted back.
Successful with tightening her budget, she found herself with nothing to do. Ruth was taking care of the desserts this week. Kate suspected she needed a break from Jim and wanted to get back into the kitchen. Kate took that as a good sign Jim was feeling better.
She still needed a dress for Paige and Ethan’s wedding, so she bundled up in her winter gear and walked the few blocks to Rural Chic Boutique.
* * *
The sheriff’s SUV was parked in front of Chloe’s shop. A smile formed on Kate’s face as she pulled open the door. Christmas music played softly in the background.
“I’ll be right there!” Chloe yelled from the dressing room area off to the side.
“Chloe, it’s only me, Kate,” she called as she made her way toward Chloe’s voice.
Nick stood in front of the trifold mirrors as Chloe pinned his tux pants. “Oww. Watch it, sis.”
Chloe caught Kate’s eye in the mirror and winked. “You’re such a baby,” she said to her brother. “Okay. Now turn.”
Nick held his arms out straight. “Hi, Kate.”
“Hey. This doesn’t look like police work.”
“Lunch break. I’m the last of the groomsmen to be fitted.”
Chloe mumbled something, then removed the pins from between her lips. “My workaholic brother needed to make the time. What can I help you with, Kate?”
“I’m looking for a dress for the wedding.”
“Great.” Chloe pointed at two racks full of dresses. “Have a look through those ones. I can alter any of them. If you find any you want to try on, hang them on that rack.” She lifted her chin toward an empty frame. “Let me finish up with Nick.”
“Thanks. Take your time.”
Chloe had several dresses in red for the holiday. Kate’s favorite color. She pulled a floor-length gown off the stand and held it up against her body. She hung it on the empty rack. Skipping the pink-and-brown dress, she found a knee-length green A-line and held it up.
“That’s a nice one,” Nick said.
“Do you think it’s too short?”
“Not at all. Try it on.”
“Maybe after you leave.”
“What? You don’t want to model them for me?” he teased.
Kate’s phone pinged with a notification. She placed a hand on her stomach and then tucked her phone away. She should have removed Jacques from her social media feed. Determined to enjoy the day, she decided she’d look at the post later, or maybe not at all.
“You’re done, Nick,” Chloe said. “Go ahead and change, but be careful of the pins.” She joined Kate as Nick went into the dressing room.
As he emerged, back in his uniform, his radio squawked. “I’ve got to go,” he said. “See you tonight.”
“Stay safe,” they called as he dashed out the door.
“He’s always getting called away,” Chloe said.
“Now, let’s concentrate on you. I have a few dresses I set aside that you might like.
One I just finished up. It’s a vintage style I found at a shop in Willow Creek.
I made my signature adjustments and if I’m not mistaken, it should be your size—a six, right? Would you like to see it?”
“Definitely.”
Chloe carried out the most exquisite wraparound dress Kate had ever seen. Kate steepled her fingers in front of her lips. “Oh, Chloe. I hope it looks as good on me as it does on the hanger.”
“It will. Try it on.”