SEAS THE DAY by Maggie Toussaint

Author:Maggie Toussaint
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Henery Press;cozy mystery;cozy mystery series;women sleuths
Publisher: Henery Press
Published: 2020-01-22T15:47:13+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Five

First thing in the morning, I went on a culling-out and sprucing-up spree in preparation for Pete’s arrival. Old clothes were bagged, junk moved to the attic, and a flurry of housecleaning ensued. Jude texted he’d pick up his Jeep later and instructed me to leave his clothes in the vehicle, which I did right away.

After donating my clothes to the thrift shop, I headed to the butcher shop, the farmer’s co-op, and the seafood market in preparation for tonight’s client. Each item checked off my day’s list filled me with a sense of accomplishment. Holloway Catering might be small potatoes, but we offered top quality.

At Neptune’s Harvest, Dasia Allen pushed her long, jet black hair over her shoulder. “Have you decided about River Cakes?”

I’d thought about it so much I couldn’t reach a decision. It would be a headache gearing up to commercial production mode. At any one time, a lot of resources would be tied up in product, and if the marketing didn’t pan out, I’d be at risk, not the Allens.

Still, who turned down a business opportunity like this? Pete would probably tell me to go for it. I’m not Pete, I told myself. There must be a reason I can’t decide.

“Sorry,” I began slowly, feeling my way through this commercial quicksand. The storefront room smelled faintly of seafood and bleach. “I’ve been so busy, I haven’t had time to draft a business plan to study the cost of scaling up for a venture of that magnitude. One thing I know for sure, it represents a change of customer focus for me. As a small business owner, I enjoy seeing the smiles on customer’s faces from a delicious meal. The thought of going into larger production mode and having more financial risk scares me.”

“Thinking small will keep your profits small,” Dasia said as she weighed out the amount of mahi I’d requested. “We want you as our business partner, but if you don’t want the opportunity, say the word and we’ll ask someone else.”

Pete shared her entrepreneurial mindset, but I loved being small. I didn’t have to worry about other people being out of work if I didn’t have enough bookings. I didn’t appreciate Dasia pressuring me to decide.

Suddenly, my answer crystallized. I enjoyed working for myself. I didn’t want anyone looking over my shoulder, guilting me into doing something that didn’t feel right, and criticizing my decisions.

“Thanks, but no thanks.” I reached for my business check book. “You helped clarify my thoughts. This is a good business opportunity for you and Jerry to explore, but it isn’t the direction for Holloway Catering right now. I’m officially out.”

Her eyes opened wide. Clearly, she’d expected me to throw in with them. “We want to move on this right away. We won’t wait until you’re ready.”

More pressure from her. Already I was super happy with my decision to pass. “I don’t expect you to. As you said, there are other caterers in town.”

Dasia’s face fell as she rang up the sale.

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