Even before Frank had been killed, Ellie had spruced up her résumé in case it was ever needed. She could bring home a paycheck by working for someone else and remove the overhead cost of self-employment. The thought of selling the building sucked most of all. Frank had spent a vacation or two helping her paint and get the place ready. It might not be much, but she was proud it was hers. And I have the debt to prove it.
This was the lull in customers, the time of day she dreaded. But it was perfect for taking a lunch break. She was about to go into the back when the bell dinged as the door opened. Smiling, she greeted the stranger. Yes! A new customer. She needed to wow him. And sell him a bunch of cupcakes.
“Good afternoon. Welcome to Toot Sweets. How are you today?”
The man looked around the shop as he answered, “Good.”
“Are you a Yonkers resident?” she asked, but his accent said he wasn’t.
“I am not.”
And not much of a talker either. Some businessmen booked hotels in Yonkers to avoid the high expense of staying in New York City. This guy didn’t look like he had to worry about that. From his head to his leather shoes, it said designer.
“Can I interest you in a sample of—”
“No.” He didn’t even look her way.
She’d been around rude customers many times. They come in, look around, complained, and left. But he didn’t seem like the type who would waste her time, never mind his.
“Please let me know if you have any questions about any of my tasty treats.” It was humiliating having to stay engaged with someone who practically ignored her.
Finally he turned to her and said, “Why don’t you sell coffee and teas?”
“There is a coffee shop a few blocks down if you’re looking—”
“Sending customers somewhere else is not going to keep this place open for long.”
Ellie was at a loss for words. But she had to say something. “I agree, but if I don’t have what you’re looking for, I believe the kindest thing I can do is direct you to where you can obtain it.” Then maybe you’ll leave.
“What do you use this area for?” He pointed to the large open spot in front of the bay window.
“I put up decorations a few times a year.”
“Waste of space. You should have tables, and chairs. You need to start selling coffee, espresso, tea, and such. How about that fireplace. Does it work?”
“No.” Not that it’s any of your business.
“That needs to change as well. A sofa, soft lighting, make it comfortable for customers to come and stay.”
“I’m sorry, who are you exactly?” Besides one ballsy SOB. She never let anyone come in and tell her what to do before, and she wasn’t about to start now.
He walked over and extended his hand. “Dean Henderson.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Henderson. I’m—”
“Ellie. I know. Heard all about you.”
That didn’t seem to be a good thing from his expression.
“You have a good idea, but your delivery needs a lot of work. Are you open to suggestions?” Dean asked.
“I really don’t think that—”
“Listen. I know your financials, your marketing, which by the way doesn’t exist, and your product. All I need to know is do you want to make Toot Sweets successful or not?”
“Of course I do, but I have no idea who you are or why you’re here.”
Dean softened a bit. “Sorry, I forgot you’re not used to doing business like this. I think you’re onto something really good. But you’re not setting yourself up for success. This shop needs an upgrade. But it also needs to be customer friendly.”
Insulted, Ellie said, “I am friendly.”
Dean laughed. “Yes you are, but I’m talking about the shop exclusively. You sell quality, let them know it.”
“And you know this because?”
“It’s my business to know.”
Henderson was a name she should know. But there was no way he was part of the Hendersons from Boston. They were billionaires. Giants in the business world. No way would someone like that be here in her shop.
“Where are you from exactly?” She wasn’t sure if she wanted or didn’t want him to be from Boston.
“Boston.”
“You’re the Henderson?” It sounded so stupid the way she said it.
He shrugged. “I’m one of them. So back to my question, would you like to put this shop on the map or not?”
Ellie looked around then back at Dean. “Mr. Henderson—”
“Dean.”
“Dean. Do you really think it’s possible?”
“Ellie, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think so. I’m not saying it’s easy. It will take some hard work, long hours, and a commitment from you. But yes, I can see this taking off and you opening up multiple shops in key locations. New York City, Boston, and LA to name a few.”
The offer was so tempting; never would she have dreamed something like this would happen. There was a major problem with it all. The same thing that made her think about giving up.
“Although I want nothing more, I can’t afford to make whatever changes you suggest.”
“I’m looking at investing.”
“You mean as a partner?” She’d only thought about doing that with Frank. She needed to trust a person, and the Hendersons, although successful, were powerful. How could she hold her own against them?
“In a sense, yes. I would put a team together to drive the business. You’d be responsible for managing the cooks—”
“Bakers.”
Dean nodded. “Bakers.”
“And will I keep my recipes?” She didn’t want to lose her identity by making it something she didn’t want. She wasn’t chasing riches, just hoping to make ends meet.
“Yes, you will have full control of that as well. What do you think?” Dean asked.
She couldn’t believe she wasn’t jumping at the chance. Ellie knew what the Hendersons were able to do. If they were interested in her shop, they would take it to a national level. It was exciting and scary. But is this what she really wanted to do?
“I’m sorry. Could you please give me a moment?”
“Of course.”
“May I get you a cupcake or coffee while you wait?” Ellie offered.
“No thanks.”
She smiled and went into the back room. Pulling out her cell phone she sent a quick text to Josh. He’d said he might be off the grid, but maybe he hadn’t left yet.
ARE YOU FREE TO TALK? I HAVE A QUESTION
Josh replied, YES DO YOU WANT ME TO CALL?
YES
Her phone rang immediately. “Is everything okay?” Josh asked.
“Yes. Sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. I had a visitor today. And I am not sure what to do.”
“Who are we talking about?”
“Have you heard of Dean Henderson?”
Josh replied. “I’m familiar with the Hendersons.”
“He wants to help me with my shop.”
“That sounds good. He’s one heck of a businessman.”
“Yes, but I’m not sure. He’s talking about more shops all over the country. It’s a wonderful opportunity, one someone like me could only dream of.”
“But?” Josh waited.
“It’s so big. Maybe too big. What if they don’t like it? Or what if I fail and they lose their money? What if—?”
“Honey, slow down. Can you answer one thing for me?”
She hadn’t even realized she’d been rambling. “Yes. What is it?”
“Never mind what Dean or anyone else is offering. What do you want?”
“I want”—she wasn’t so sure any more—“I want Toot Sweets to be everything my brother believed it could be. But I don’t know if I can trust Dean. What if I don’t have the control he’s promised me?”
“Then I’ll be there with you to straighten it out. But don’t go by what you read. The Hendersons are savvy businessmen, and ho
nest men.”
“And you know this how?” Ellie inquired.
“It’s a small world, Ellie.”
That wasn’t much of an answer, but she was able to get at least one thing out of it. The decision was all hers.
“Josh.”
“Yes, honey.”
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For not telling me what to do, for letting me be me.”
“Ellie, I wouldn’t want you to be anyone but yourself. That’s the woman I love.”
As if she wasn’t missing him enough already, he had to say that. She wished she could leap through the phone and hug him right now. She promised herself she wouldn’t tell him how much she missed him. Wouldn’t say be safe. Wouldn’t ask when she would see or hear from him again. So she was left with the one thing she hadn’t denied herself. “I love you too, Josh.”
Ending the call, she headed back into the shop where Dean was patiently waiting.
“Did you decide?”
“I have.”
Epilogue
Her hands trembled. She couldn’t believe this was really happening.
“Are you cold?” Josh asked as he put an arm around her.
She shook her head. “No. Just . . . excited. I can’t believe this is really happening.”
Melissa came over and stood beside them. “I can’t wait until they drop that curtain and we can go in. I’m dying to see it.”
Ellie reached out and gave Melissa’s hand a quick squeeze. It meant so much for Melissa to be there with her for the unveiling. Melissa hadn’t been joking. You don’t get just one, the Turchettas come as a package deal. Each and every one of them, including their children, were there to support her.
“Ellie, the time has arrived. Are you ready to cut the ribbon and drop the sheet?” Dean asked.
He heart was racing. When she agreed to go into business with Dean, she took his suggestions and made a few of her own. She thought for sure Dean would waver on his agreement, but he hadn’t. She had the final say on each and every decision. All were important, but none as much as the name. Toot Sweets had been there from the beginning. And she had wanted it there to the end. But after thinking long and hard, she knew it was time for a change.
“I’m ready,” Ellie answered. She stepped forward, took the scissors, and prepared to cut. She looked to Dean and asked, “Aren’t you coming up too?”
Dean shook his head and handed Josh an envelope. Ellie had no idea what that was all about, but she couldn’t ask now. People were all there, staring at her. Whatever just transpired between those two, she didn’t want it to be public knowledge.
Turning her attention to the gathered crowd, she said, “I want to thank you all for coming out for the grand reveal. Six months ago I never would’ve dreamt this would happen. But change is inevitable. I hope you all enjoy the changes as much as I do.”
Bringing the scissors up to the red ribbon, she cut it and stood back to watch the large sheet fall to the ground. As the sign was revealed Ellie sucked in a breath. It was . . . exactly as she’d pictured it. I hope you like it, Frank.
Turning back to the crowd she said, “Welcome to Frank’s Sweet Tooth.” The name of the shop had been one thing she’d been unwilling to negotiate with Dean on.
They all applauded and one by one came over to hug her before entering the shop. With everyone else inside, Ellie found herself alone with Josh. They stood looking up at the sign.
“Frank would be very proud of you, Ellie.”
“I hope so. And now I feel like he’ll always be there with me.”
“I’m sure he will be.”
“I couldn’t have done this without you, Josh.”
“You mean Dean, your partner.”
Ellie shook her head. “Josh Turchetta, when are you going to give it up?”
“What are you talking about?”
“This little charade of yours.”
“Ellie, I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Josh said.
She went up on her tippy toes and whispered, “I know Dean was never my silent partner.”
For a brief moment she felt Josh tense. “What do you mean?”
“My brother was one hell of an investigator. I would like to think some of that passed down to me. I know someone like Dean wouldn’t just happen to stop in my shop. So I did some digging, and guess what I found?” Josh didn’t say anything. “I found that you know him much better than you led me to believe. And the so called contract that I signed wasn’t valid. Nowhere in any records does it list Hendersons as a partner, silent or not.”
“And you think—”
“No. I know you were the one behind all of this. You funded it, you encouraged it, and I love you for it. What I don’t understand is why didn’t you want me to know?”
Josh pulled her into his arms. “Honey, I didn’t want you doing it for me. I wanted you to do this all for you. This was your dream. Yours and Frank’s. I wanted to keep it that way. That’s why I just sat back and listened.”
“Thank you. But now I have a question. What did Dean give you?”
Josh tapped his breast pocket and said, “That is one secret you’re not going to get out of me.”
She tried to slip her hand into his pocket, but he covered her hand, preventing her from grabbing the envelope. “Come on. I want to see.”
“There is only one thing you need to do.”
“What’s that?” Ellie asked.
“Pack an overnight bag and your passport,” Josh whispered in her ear.
She looked at him and asked, “Where are we going?”
Josh laughed. “You are going inside Frank’s Sweet Tooth, and you are going to enjoy this day. Tomorrow, well, you’ll just have to wait until we get there.”
Ellie would work on him later, after everyone left. She had her ways of getting him to talk, and he never minded her tactics either.
Gabe called out from the doorway, “If you lovebirds don’t get in here quick, we’re going to make this a self-serve.”
Ellie laughed and Josh released his hold on her. Together they headed into the bakery. “Sorry, we were just discussing. . .” Ellie giggled, not being able to keep a straight face.
“Wedding cakes,” Josh added.
She had already conceded to the fact that she wasn’t just a cupcake shop any longer. After Coralee’s outrageous pizza wedding cake was such a hit, Ellie agreed with Josh to expand her services. But right now she hoped that Josh hadn’t committed her to doing another one now. She was looking forward to a bit of time alone with Josh.
Ellie turned and looked at Josh who had dropped down to one knee. She looked around the room, and no one seemed surprised in the least. When she turned back to Josh, he reached out for her hand.
“Ellie, I had a long speech written and rehearsed. I’m a man with a thousand words, but when I’m with you, there are only three that seem to matter. I love you.” Pulling a box out of his pocket he said, “There is only one woman for me, and that is you. Would you do me the honor of being my wife?”
Ellie’s hands trembled. “I love you too.”
“Is that a yes?” Josh asked.
Throwing her arms around his neck she cried, “Yes. Yes. Yes.”
The crowd once again applauded. Josh slipped the diamond ring on her finger, then held her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. “I have so much more I want to say, but if you don’t mind, I’d like to say it when we’re alone.”
Ellie smiled. “Any issue with us closing early on the first day open?”
Josh laughed. “You’re the boss.”
She looked around the shop and for once she didn’t worry about tomorrow. Yes, she was financially secure, but more importantly, she no longer felt alone. She didn’t just have Josh, she had something she never thought she’d have again. A family.
What she hadn’t had a chance to tell Josh was the family would be growing in about thirty-six weeks. Her doctor visit earlier that day had
confirmed they were going to be parents. Our tomorrows are only going to get better.
* * *
The End
Also by Jeannette Winters
Betting on You Series:
Book 1: The Billionaire’s Secret (FREE!)
Book 2: The Billionaire’s Masquerade
Book 3: The Billionaire’s Longshot
Book 4: The Billionaire’s Jackpot
Book 5: All Bets Off
Book 6: A Rose For The Billionaire
Book 7: The Billionaire’s Treat Novella
* * *
The Billionaire’s Secret
Betting on You Series
Billionaire Jon Vinchi is a man with one passion: work. His friends decide to shake him up by entering him as a prize at a charity event.
Accountant Lizette Burke is dressed to the nines and covering for her boss at a charity event. She’s hoping to land a donor for the struggling non-profit agency that employs her.
She never expected to win a date with a billionaire.
He never thought one night could turn his life upside down.
One lie stands between them and their happily ever after. Too bad it’s a big one!
* * *
*********************************************************
Barrington Billionaires Series:
Book 1: One White Lie (FREE!)
Book 2: Table For Two
Book 3: You & Me Make Three
Book 4: Virgin For The Fourth Time
Book 5: His For Five Nights
Book 5.5: New Beginning Holiday Novella
Book 6: After Six
Book 7: Seven Guilty Pleasures
* * *
One White Lie
Brice Henderson traded everything for power and success. His company was closing a deal that would cement his spot at the top. The last thing he needed was a distraction from the past.
Lena Razzi had spent years trying to forget Brice Henderson. When offered the opportunity of a lifetime, would she take the risk even if the price would be another broken heart?
Do you love reading from this world? Continue with Always Mine from my sister, Ruth Cardello, Her series will mirror my time line. It isn’t necessary to read hers to enjoy mine, but it sure will enhance the fun!
For Passion Page 17
