Pages of the Past (Bellingwood Book 9)

Read Pages of the Past (Bellingwood Book 9) for Free Online

Book: Read Pages of the Past (Bellingwood Book 9) for Free Online
Authors: Diane Greenwood Muir
coffee. You need bakery items, but I don't have the stoves at Sycamore House to do that much baking. I could help you in the beginning when you're just getting started, but if you're successful, things will have to change."
    "There is a ton of space in that building. Maybe we put a bakery in later. Oooh, wouldn't that be fun?" Sal was bouncing in her seat when Bri brought the pizza to their table.
    "You can't bake," Polly said.
    "I know I can't, but Sylvie can. It could be an extension of her catering business."
    "It's Sycamore House's catering business," Sylvie interjected quickly.
    "We can work that out. Maybe Sycamore House Catering needs two locations. It won't all happen at once. It's going to take some time before we are big enough to do that."
    Polly's brain began whirring. This was a great idea. "Do you think that would work, Sylvie?" she asked. "How strange would it be for you to have two locations?"
    "It's not the worst idea in the world. There are details that need to be ironed out: personnel, all of the appliances. We haven't done many cakes because I don't have a good place to build them." She looked off into space as she thought about it. "I've had people ask about cakes for special events."
    "If we put a bakery in with your coffee shop," Polly said, "that would bring business in for both of us." She took a bite of pizza and then breathed through her mouth to cool it down. "Every single damned time. You'd think I would learn. Pizza cheese is hot!"
    Sal waved her hands in front of her. "You guys are turning this into a bigger deal than I planned for. I just wanted a busy place where I could write and get a decent cup of coffee without having to make it myself."
    "What did Mark think when you told him?" Polly asked.
    "He's the one who found the building. Well, Dylan did. He and Mark's sister, Lisa were over for dinner a few weeks ago and he was complaining about the empty building across the street from this place. It wasn't a half hour later and I was whining about needing a barista of my own. The next thing I knew, Mark and Dylan were talking about how I should bring a coffee shop into Bellingwood. Joe only makes regular and decaf at the diner."
    "I didn't even think about that," Sylvie said. "You'd be competition for him."
    "Not really. I wouldn't want to serve food." Sal shuddered. "Can't you see me slinging hash with a greasy apron on and a hair net over these pretty locks?"
    "Hey!" Sylvie said, laughing.
    "Yeah. Like any of your aprons are ever greasy."
    "They are after a long day, but I'll give you a break. You totally wouldn't fit in any kitchen I know."
    Joss hadn't said much and Sal finally asked her, "What do you think about all of this?"
    "I could get a White Chocolate Mocha? In town?" The yearning in her voice made the rest of them giggle. "I love you, Sal. Like the sister I never had. And if you want more than that, I will love you more than that. This is the best idea ever!"
    "I guess that's another vote for the coffee shop. Now all I need is to figure out what to call it."
    "How about Sal's Joe?" Polly said.
    "That's too weird," Sylvie replied. "Maybe Java Sal, though."
    "Maybe we don't go any further with this tonight," Sal said. "Think about it, though. You girls are my best bet for a clever name. And anyone who wants to come up tomorrow to walk through the building with me and Henry," she looked at Polly, "and you too, just show up. I don't know what I'm doing. I just know that I want it to happen and I want it bad enough to do something about it."
    "I get white chocolate mocha," Joss said dreamily. "I might cry."

 
    CHAPTER FOUR

     
    Opening Jeff's office door after a light knock, Polly gave him a sweet smile. "Do you have a minute?"
    "Good lord, what do you want now?"
    "What do you mean by that?" Polly wanted to be offended, but inside she was laughing.
    "I recognize that smile. You want something. Woman, I've given you my blood, sweat and tears. My first born is already promised to that man

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