“Peanut?” Will laughed.
“Well, I don’t have a name for him or her yet.”
“You’re not going to find out what it is?” Sam asked.
Izzy shook her head. “No. I want to be surprised.”
“I keep telling her that it will be a surprise no matter when she finds out. Why not know now so she can prepare better?” Mia said sensibly.
“That’s what you would do. It would kill you not to know,” Izzy said.
Mia laughed. “You’re absolutely right.”
“For me, it’s something to look forward to.” Izzy had a serene look on her face. The two sisters were so different, yet they were very close and Will liked them both, though in very different ways. He thought of Mia almost like a sister and a very good friend. He was still trying to figure out exactly how he felt about Izzy, but it definitely wasn’t sisterly. For now, they were friends—in time, who knew. Before Izzy found out she was pregnant, when she’d first left Rick, Will had thought once or twice that he’d sensed a vibe from her, but the feeling was fleeting and he wasn’t sure if he’d imagined it, and if it was just wishful thinking on his side.
He hadn’t felt any kind of vibe since and Izzy had shifted into expectant mother mode, almost like she was hunkering down and getting ready. He didn’t think dating was on her radar at all, so to hear she was going on a date with Rick was disconcerting. He hoped that they would have a horrible time, then felt like a terrible friend for feeling that way. But he couldn’t help himself. The sooner that Rick Savage was out of the picture, the better. Though with a child between them, Will knew that Rick would never be totally out of Izzy’s life. He just hoped that it would be a co-parenting relationship only. If they did get back together, Will knew, based on what he’d seen before, that it wouldn’t be good for Izzy. But he also knew that she needed to come to that realization on her own.
Trivia started just as they were finishing their dinners. There was almost a whole pizza left over and Will insisted that Izzy take it home.
There were eighteen teams playing and while they got a few answers right, it wasn’t one of their better nights. They often ended up in one of the top three spots at the end of the night, but tonight they landed in the bottom two.
“We are bad tonight,” Izzy said and laughed.
“We keep second-guessing ourselves,” Mia agreed. And they had. More than once, one of them said the right answer then changed it at the last minute to something else.
But it was still a fun time, all-around. Will said his goodbyes when they left soon after trivia ended. He was looking forward to Saturday, when he’d see Izzy again at her shop.
Chapter 13
Izzy was thrilled that Marley called and set a time to meet on Thursday before work. They agreed to meet at the Corner Table coffee shop, chat for a bit and then walk over to the store, so Marley could get a better look around.
When Thursday morning came, Izzy made sure she was on time and arrived at the coffee shop at five of nine. She got in line to order and as she reached the counter, Marley appeared and Izzy ordered coffee and pumpkin spice muffins for them both.
They found a table in a quiet area and chatted about the storm and what they’d both been up to since then, as they ate their muffins. When they finished, Marley pulled out what looked like an iPad, but Izzy realized it was something else as once it was fired up, Marley took notes on it using a special pen.
“What is that?”
“It’s called the reMarkable. You write on it and then with a click you can turn it into text and email your notes to yourself. I love it.” She smiled. “So, tell me everything I need to know about Nantucket Threads. Who is your customer?”
Izzy thought about that. “It depends on the time of year and I don’t think I really have one profile, one buyer persona. That’s what they call it, right?”
Marley looked impressed. “Yes. I never knew that myself until we hired some MBA types as we grew the marketing division and they explained how buyer personas were constructed and what to do with them. You basically figure out who your customers are and how you can better reach them, and the persona is a typical customer. So if you learn that quite a few like to knit, for instance, then your marketing strategy could include advertising on knitting-related websites. That kind of thing.”
“That’s a good explanation,” Izzy said. “I bought a book on marketing and the term was mentioned, but I wasn’t sure what it meant. Most of the tourists that wander in are right off the boat and are just window shopping. If they buy, it’s usually the Nantucket gear, the hats and sweatshirts.”
Marley laughed. “Like I did.”
“Right. But you also fit into my main demographic, too. You bought the fleece pants and comfy socks. Women from their thirties to sixties are my core buyers. They like reasonably priced sweaters, cute shoes, trendy tops and flattering dresses. I buy what I love and so far, it’s worked out okay.”
“You are your buyer too, so that helps a lot. Are you doing any online sales now?”
“Not really. Well, actually I do get calls now and then from people that have been in the store and want to buy something they saw. Usually after someone saw an item that was bought here and they want another or want to give as a gift.”
“And how do you handle those sales?”
Izzy grinned. “I drop everything and mail it off to them. Probably not too smart, right?”
“Actually, that tells me that customer service is important to you. And good customer service, putting the customer first is how companies do very well. Look at Amazon with their fast delivery and easy returns.”
“That’s true. They make it really easy to buy from them.”
“Exactly. That’s the key. Make it a great, easy experience and you’ll be very happy with how things go.”
Izzy started to feel excited. “Do you really think I have a chance to grow my business with the website? Part of me is nervous that I won’t make back my investment. I’m using most of my savings to do this,” she admitted.
“There’s never a guarantee in business. But you have an advantage in that you already have a successful store. If we put lots of images of the store and Nantucket on the site, that will help potential customers feel comfortable ordering.”
“I didn’t even think about putting shots of Nantucket on the site. But that makes sense. The waterfront area is pretty and quaint with the cobblestone streets.”
“Nantucket is part of your image. It’s a beautiful place, and expensive. You have beautiful things that look expensive but are affordable. That’s a powerful hook. They won’t just be buying a sweatshirt. They will be buying the whole Nantucket experience, which is very appealing to many people.”
“I wouldn’t have thought of any of this. I’m so glad you stopped in my store.”
Marley smiled. “I’m glad, too. I have a lot of free time on my hands this month, and I’d been wondering about what I wanted to do next. So, I’d say it’s fortunate for both of us. Are you ready to go walk around the store? I’m curious to hear your plans for the expansion.”
They had about thirty minutes before Nantucket Threads officially opened at ten, and in that time, Izzy showed Marley all around and explained what she had in mind for the space next door. Marley asked a lot of questions and Izzy’s head was spinning at all the different options available for selling online—Shopify, Woocommerce, Payhip and so many more.
“I didn’t realize there were so many options,” Izzy said.
“I know I’m throwing a lot at you, but I just wanted to give you an overview. Some of these will be better for you than others, and I’ll send you an email outlining my recommendations and suggestions on how to get started.”
Marley left just before ten and said she’d be in touch soon. Izzy put the open sign in the window and settled in behind the counter. She was feeling very lucky that Marley had decided to walk in her store and was willing to help her. Because after spending time with her, Izzy realized she had a lot to le
arn—more than she realized. She was looking forward to seeing Marley’s recommendations and to seeing Will on Saturday. It would all seem more real once he opened up the wall to the shop next door. Izzy turned on her laptop. She needed to get busy placing some orders to fill up all that space.
Chapter 14
Lisa made a hearty ham, onion, pepper and cheddar cheese quiche for breakfast Thursday morning. When she brought it into the dining room, Rhett was already sitting there sipping his usual black coffee and raised his eyebrow.
“Living dangerously, I see? What if the Board of Health stops by?” he teased her.
Lisa laughed. “Let them. I made this for us. We have company coming. Beth and Chase are stopping by to discuss the kitchen expansion, and I told them to come early and with a big appetite.”
Marley walked into the room and said hello before heading to pour a cup of coffee.
“My son and his wife are coming, so I made us something hot. Please help yourself,” Lisa said.
“I was just going to have some fruit and try to be good, but if you insist.”
Chase and Beth arrived a few minutes later and when they were seated, Lisa introduced Marley to everyone.
“Chase is going to help me build a commercial kitchen. I might try making quiches and pies and possibly other things to sell at some local restaurants and shops,” Lisa told her.
Marley looked pleased. “You decided to do it, good. I wasn’t sure if you were serious about it.”
Lisa laughed. “I wasn’t sure either, but the more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea. And Rhett says he’ll buy my pies, so at least I’ll have one customer.”
“I think it’s a great idea, Mom. We both do,” Chase said.
“We do,” Beth agreed. “I think it sounds like a fun project. Maybe whoever told on you actually did you a favor.”
“I hope so.”
When they finished eating, Chase took measurements in the kitchen and talked to both Rhett and Lisa. Lisa had an idea of what she wanted it to look like while Rhett knew what she needed to do to be compliant with the Board of Health. Chase took a bunch of notes, did some quick calculations and gave Lisa a rough idea of what it would cost. She knew it wasn’t going to be inexpensive, but she was prepared for a higher number than what Chase gave her.
“That doesn’t sound like enough, honey. You need to make money on this too.”
“I have enough profit baked in. Between Rhett’s contacts and mine, we can get some good discounts on both the materials and the equipment. It shouldn’t take more than two weeks to get it done. But, I can’t start it for a few weeks.
“He’s booked solid, and there’s no one I can move. Everyone’s project is urgent,” Beth said.
“I’m not in a huge hurry. Don’t pass up a better job for mine. You can fit me in whenever, honey.”
“We’ll get you in soon. Beth will give you a call with a definite start date once we get closer to done on a few of these other projects.”
“Great.” Lisa turned to Beth. “Are you able to come next Thursday night? For Kristen’s shower? I don’t think I saw an email from you.”
“Yes! I’m sorry, I meant to reply yesterday and got pulled away. I’m planning on it.”
“Good, it will be fun. I think she’ll be totally surprised.”
“I think so too. I can’t wait to see her face when she realizes her appetizer party is actually a shower,” Beth said.
“We could make it a Jack and Jill shower, then Chase, and Rhett, and Jack, all the guys could come,” Lisa said and then laughed when she saw Rhett and Chase exchange glances and Chase shook his head. “That’s okay, Mom. I’m sure Kate doesn’t want all of us there.”
“You mean you both would prefer not to go?” Lisa asked. Chase and Rhett stayed silent. “It was just a suggestion! We’ll keep it girls only—that way it’s closer to what Kate was planning, anyway. So, on a different note, how is your new project going? I saw the listing online a few days ago. It looks lovely.” Chase and Beth had a side business where the two of them invested in fixer-uppers when they could get a good price and then renovated and sold for a nice profit.
Beth’s face lit up. “The market is crazy right now. We have an open house scheduled for Saturday and aren’t showing it until then. It really does create interest. We are almost full for the day with booked appointments.”
“It’s priced well,” Chase added. “Right at the market, so hopefully we’ll get multiple offers, like on the last one.” They’d had a bidding war on their last flip because it was such a good deal and there were so few properties available on Nantucket that weren’t ridiculously expensive.
“Fingers crossed that you do. Do you have anything lined up after this one?” Lisa asked.
“No. Not yet, but something will turn up. It always does. This last one was an estate sale. They just wanted to get rid of it quickly, which worked for us.”
Chase looked at his watch. “We should probably run. I have a call in twenty minutes with a new client.”
“Thanks so much for coming by this morning,” Lisa said as she walked them to the door.
“Do you know what you’re going to bring for an appetizer to Kate’s?” Beth asked.
“I think I’m going to make one of Kate’s favorites, spiced beef cigars—it’s ground beef and spices wrapped in flaky phyllo dough with a creamy dipping sauce. She said she’s been craving red meat lately.”
“Oh, I don’t think I’ve had those. They sound wonderful. I was thinking a fresh veggie tray and hummus, which totally sounds not exciting now.”
“Don’t be silly. Sounds perfect to me. There will be loads of rich food, I’m sure, so a lighter option is good. I love veggies and hummus.”
“Okay, thanks. I’ll stick to my plan, then. See you next Thursday.”
Lisa returned to the kitchen where Rhett was sitting at the island, checking messages on his phone. He looked up when Lisa walked over.
“Are you feeling good about this? You’re sure it’s what you want to do? It’s a big decision.”
“I am feeling good about it. Starting the inn was a good first step for me. No one would hire me after being out of the workforce for so long. But, I feel more confident now, and with only five guest rooms, it doesn’t take up much of my time. This could be a fun new challenge. Something to focus my extra time and energy on.” Lisa paused before asking, “Do you think it’s a good idea? You’d tell me if you think I’m crazy to even think about it?”
Rhett laughed. “I think it’s a great idea, and I have no doubt you’ll do well. I just wanted to make sure you were all in. It’s a big investment if you’re not sure.”
Lisa smiled. “With a commercial kitchen, just think of the options. It will be even easier to have people over, bigger parties. I love the thought of multiple ovens.”
“Good. I love the idea of being your quality tester.”
Lisa leaned over and kissed him. “Of course, you do!”
Chapter 15
Will arrived at Izzy’s shop at two o’clock sharp on Saturday. There were two customers at the register and Izzy gave him a wave as she finished ringing them up. He made his way to the rear of the store and set his heavy tool bag down. He had everything he needed to knock down part of the wall between the two shops and to make a smooth entrance way, making it one bigger store.
He walked around, looking at the clothing stacked on the shelves, while Izzy thanked her customers. As soon as they left, she flipped the open sign to closed and locked the front door, so no one else would wander in. She looked adorable, as usual. Today she was wearing jeans, a long red sweater and black boots. If he didn’t know better, he never would have guessed she was pregnant. Will didn’t know much about women’s styles, but he knew Izzy looked sharp. She always did, though.
“Hi, Will, thanks for coming. Sorry to keep you waiting,” Izzy apologized.
“Don’t be silly. I’m glad you had customers. Was it busy today?”
Iz
zy made a face and laughed. “No. They were the first customers I’ve had in over an hour. Figures they’d come in right as I was getting ready to close. They were quick, though. Tourists that wanted Nantucket sweatshirts.”
“No kidding? Even this time of year, huh?” Will knew it was rare for tourists in January.
“There’s a few. It’s still a beautiful place to get away to, at any time of year. I love the peace and quiet in winter, though it’s not so good for business.”
Will smiled. “I do too. Maybe once you get your website going, that will make up for the slow winter months?”
“I hope so. That’s the plan, anyway. I feel a lot better about the possibilities now that I’ve met Marley, and she’s advising me.”
“I’m glad you met her too. So, let’s go over what you want to do. We’re just putting an entryway between the two shops right about here?” Will indicated the spot she thought she had in mind.
Izzy nodded. “Yes, exactly. A few inches to the right, I think. I have the key to the other shop, if you want to look around there first.”
“Let’s go. That will help me better spot where the load bearing areas are that I need to watch out for.”
Izzy found her key, and they went into the adjacent shop, which was totally empty except for a few remaining metal shelves that were screwed into the wall.
“Why did she leave?” Will asked as they looked around the room.
“I think it was just a hobby for her and she grew tired of it. She sold bathing suits mostly and was only open for six months or so, but still had to pay rent year-round. So, when her three-year lease ended, I wasn’t surprised that she decided not to renew.”
“Worked out well for you.”
Izzy smiled. “It did. She was a nice lady and knew I might be interested in expanding, so she gave me a heads up and I jumped on it.”
“Walk me through what you need me to do here.” Will was guessing mostly installing shelves.
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