by Katie Carver
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. She’ll just get worked up about it and you’ll regret it. She can be a bit of a handful when she gets in a mood. She’ll get over it when it’s finished,” Mike said dismissively.
“I’m sure I can handle it,” Jake said. He didn’t care for the way Mike implied he was out of his league with a local bakery owner.
Mike laughed. “There is no handling Ginger when she’s worked up. Believe me, it’s best to let her just cool off and introduce yourself when she’s happy.”
“Is she really that difficult?” Jake was concerned that he’d be dealing with a problem neighbor.
“Ginger? She’s not really difficult. It’s hard to explain. She’s just Ginger.” Mike shrugged.
Jake didn’t find that helpful or comforting. “So, it’ll be done by Friday, correct?”
“That’s the plan. I’ll call you if anything changes,” Mike said and went back to the group huddled near the back.
The plan was for everything to be done months ago, Jake thought ruefully. The plan had never been to move to this small town and give up his old life in the first place. None of what he was doing right now had ever been planned. When he started to entertain the idea of opening his own restaurant, this wasn’t exactly what he had imagined, but his options were limited in his price range and the location he needed. He enjoyed his old job and he’d have had no reason to quit if things hadn’t changed. The only thing he knew how to do was to run a restaurant. He was good at it, too. Though he’d always had ideas of running his own restaurant, he’d never really given it too much thought. It was more of a notion than a plan and it mostly entered his mind when the owners of the restaurant he managed were giving him grief over things he was doing. Only when his techniques made them money did they accept his ideas. Those were the times he felt that being his own boss wouldn’t be such a terrible thing. Nowhere in any of those thoughts were moving to a town whose only dining had consisted of a small diner that served mostly fried foods. Maybe, if he was lucky, he’d be able to teach the people here a little about real cuisine. He did have to admit that the meals he had eaten at the place where he was staying were actually quite good. He’d have to see about stealing the cook when he was up and running. Jake would feel a bit guilty about it, everyone at the Murphy Inn had been very accommodating, but business was business. It would be a far way off, anyway. For now, he’d be manning the kitchen. He’d begun his career as a chef but changed to management when he realized that was really where the money was in the industry. Jake looked forward to getting back in the kitchen. He knew this was all going to be hard work, but he didn’t mind hard work. Besides, he was now out of money and he couldn’t start over. This was as good as it was going to get. He was too far in now and there was no turning back.
Chapter Three
The town hall was filled and Ginger was glad she arrived a little early this time. There was important business to be discussed at the town meeting tonight and she didn’t want to miss anything. The meetings were usually well attended, but tonight the room was packed. Ginger was glad to find an empty spot near the front of the room next to her friend Victoria. She’d have been happier tucked away in a back row, but she needed to make sure Mayor Curtis saw that she was there. Any chance she had to get into his good graces was a chance she was willing to take.
“Looks like a full crowd tonight,” Victoria said and smiled at Ginger as she took the seat next to her.
“Mayor Curtis will be beside himself with joy,” Ginger said sarcastically.
Victoria snickered. “I think this is his favorite time of year. Not because of Christmas, but because it’s when he holds the most power over us lowly townsfolk and business owners.”
Ginger rolled her eyes. “Isn’t that the truth?”
Mayor Curtis enjoyed having the power being mayor of their little town afforded him. He wasn’t malicious and was mostly harmless, but if you needed something done, you’d better know how to grease the wheels of his particular brand of bureaucracy. When the owner of the Hardware Store backed out of the Spring Parade at the last minute, Mayor Curtis showed his displeasure by announcing the city would be installing parking meters. Only two were installed and they were both in front of the Hardware Store. When the owner confronted him, Mayor Curtis feigned ignorance as to why the only two the city could afford were in front of his store. Finally, after the Hardware Store owner pulled through with all the materials needed for the Summer Play in the town square, the parking meters were removed. Mayor Curtis announced at the next meeting after the play that in order to keep the town’s quaint image intact, they had scrapped the plan for the meters. Everyone knew the truth, but that’s how things worked for the business owners in Spruce Valley. Ginger figured long ago that if there was ever a truly viable candidate that came along to oppose him, he’d be ousted in a heartbeat. The problem was that no one else wanted the job. He lived and breathed the town and it seemed pointless to take that away from him anyway. Besides, everyone was so used to calling him Mayor Curtis she doubted he’d ever be known as anything else.
Ginger heard murmuring from the back of the room. She craned her neck to see what the fuss was about, but the room was so full she couldn’t get a good look.
“The new guy just showed up,” Matty, who was seated in the row behind her, said as she popped her head in between Victoria and Ginger. “I don’t see why people care.” She moved back to her seat hastily. Matty owned the Antique Store and was probably the only one Mayor Curtis would never even think to cross.
“Have you met him yet?” Victoria whispered to Ginger.
“No, I’ve heard the rumors though. I’ll wait to see for myself,” Ginger said quietly.
“My brother has met him. He said he’s not bad. Just your typical city folk. He seems to like him for whatever that’s worth,” Victoria said and shrugged.
Mayor Curtis walked to the front of the room and the murmuring stopped. “The town meeting is now in order,” he said as he took his spot at the podium.
“Finally!” Matty huffed. “Get on with it already. Some of us have other things to do.”
Mayor Curtis ignored her taunt but started promptly just the same. “We have quite a few orders of business today. First on the list is the raccoon problem,” Mayor Curtis said loudly. “It’s been brought to my attention that many of you have reported an uptick in the raccoon population. People, listen, if you don’t put your garbage out two days before pick-up this wouldn’t be such a problem. I’ve posted warnings about this before. I would hate to have to cite anyone for common sense issues.”
“They’re terrorizing my dogs. I don’t put my garbage out beforehand. How is it my fault?” a voice from the back of the room shouted.
“There must be something that is drawing them to your home. Have you done a perimeter search? I mean, really done one?” Mayor Curtis asked.
Here we go, thought Ginger. A few raccoons move into town and everyone will have to hear about it for an hour. She wasn’t here for the small things, she wanted the facts about the festival. When the bickering finally stopped, Mayor Curtis moved to the stop signs that somehow kept disappearing throughout the town. Though he didn’t exactly call the person out, little Timmy Hawkins, the town’s mini menace, was sure to take the blame.
Mayor Curtis cleared his throat. “And now on to the Seasonal business.”
Ginger sat up and listened closely. The mayor wasn’t known for his subtlety, but he could sometimes be vague and she didn’t want to misinterpret something that would set her up for failure.
“Holiday decorations should go up the weekend after Thanksgiving Day and not before. Last year some people started early. I know you will all do your utmost to make sure our little town looks festive and cheerful. Just look at the way Ginger has decorated for Thanksgiving. It was marvelous and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for Christmas.” Ginger gave a small smile. She knew somewhere in the room Franklin, her archnemesis, was seething wit
h jealousy. “Remember to stay within the town codes. If you have any questions or need suggestions, I am only too happy to help. I can be pretty imaginative if the occasion calls for it, I’ll have you know.” Mayor Curtis gave a proud smile.
“Oh, please,” Matty said loudly and Ginger tried to stifle her laughter.
“Some of you have been inquiring about the festival,” Mayor Curtis continued and Ginger stared at him intently. “Assignments for booths will not be done until sometime in December. We need some more help on the Festival Committee and if you are interested in taking such a worthwhile job, contact Sue Murphy at the Murphy Farm and she will get you started,” he said and looked at his notes. “That’s all the updates we have for tonight.”
Some people began to stir and readied to leave. Mayor Curtis raised his voice above the noise. “Oh, sorry! One more order of business,” he called out. “We have a new proprietor with us tonight and I wanted to introduce him.” Ginger watched as everyone’s curiosity made them sit back down and pay attention to the front of the room once more. “Jake, can you come up here and introduce yourself?”
Ginger spotted the new restaurant owner walking up the aisle. He was taller than she expected and was dressed in dress pants and a crisp buttoned-down oxford. Ginger found it a bit fancy for a town meeting. His appearance was similar to the rumors she had heard. Dark brown eyes and hair and, though she didn’t think the talk of him looking like a young Harrison Ford were true, he was very good looking.
“He’s not even cute,” Matty said from behind her. “Not my type at all.”
Ginger couldn’t help but silently disagree. She wasn’t sure what Matty’s type was exactly. She’d been married so many times, it was hard to keep track.
Mayor Curtis whispered something near him and he began to speak. “Good evening. I’m Jake Robbins. I will be opening up the new restaurant in town, Jake’s Place.” Jake gave a small smile. “I know, not original.” No one laughed and Ginger and Victoria glanced at each other in annoyance. Both of their shops were named after them. “I hope that all of you will come and check it out when I open, which will hopefully be soon. Thank you,” Jake finished and gestured to Mayor Curtis.
“That’s it for this town meeting. We’re adjourned,” Mayor Curtis announced.
Everyone got up to leave and he yelled once more. “Remember, garbage goes out the day of pick up and not before!”
Ginger put on her coat and stood up to leave, but before she could, she noticed Mayor Curtis waving his hands about.
“Ginger, come up here,” Mayor Curtis said loudly. She walked up to the front of the room and Mayor Curtis introduced her to Jake. “Jake, this is Ginger. She owns the bakery next door to you. You’ll find her very helpful if you have any questions about anything regarding the town. I thought you two should meet.” Mayor Curtis smiled.
Jake stuck out his hand and Ginger politely took it. She noted that he looked bored with the whole introduction.
“Good to meet you,” Jake said and smiled politely.
“You, too. Welcome to town,” Ginger said. Maybe he wouldn’t be so bad. He did have a nice smile.
“I didn’t realize Ginger was a nickname,” he said and motioned to her red hair.
“It’s not,” Ginger said flatly.
“It’s not? Your parents actually named you Ginger?” he asked amused.
“Yes,” Ginger said succinctly. Her mother wasn’t cruel. She was named for her grandmother and was completely bald when she was born. Her mother had no way of knowing she’d grow into her name the way she did.
He gave a small laugh. “Oh. Well, I’m sure you get that a lot.”
Ginger didn’t bother with a reply. He must have sensed her annoyance because he changed the subject quickly. “I understand the noise was troublesome for you from the construction.”
“It was annoying, yes.” Ginger said blandly.
“I’m sorry you were upset by it. It should be over soon,” he said firmly and a bit too rigidly to sound sincere.
“I wasn’t upset. I was annoyed,” she reiterated.
“Hopefully, the fact that the restaurant will open soon will bring you in a few more customers. That would make it all worthwhile.”
Jake smiled, but Ginger decided it wasn’t at all genuine. The fact that he insinuated that by opening the restaurant she would somehow benefit, smacked of arrogance. She was doing just fine without his assistance.
“I’m pretty busy as it is, especially this time of year,” Ginger replied dryly.
“I didn’t mean any offense,” Jake offered with little sincerity. “I simply meant that I’m hoping to bring in more business from people outside of the town. People who are interested in a more upscale dining experience.”
Ginger allowed his words to sink in and stared at him with a mixture of curiosity and amazement. The more he spoke, the more she decided she wasn’t going to get along with her new neighbor. The way he had said the last sentence told her all she needed to know about Jake Robbins. He was a smooth-talking, self-important, twerp and someone she felt no need to get to know any further. There was no harm in trying to appeal to a larger crowd, but she could hear it in his voice, he looked down on their small town. And that, Ginger thought with anger, was not something she would allow.
“Our town may be small, Mr. Robbins, but I assure you they are the best sort of people. The sort of people you will be lucky to have at your establishment. If you’ll excuse me, I have other pressing matters to attend to tonight and I’m afraid I’ve taken up more time with you than I would have liked,” Ginger said firmly.
She watched as a look of shock crossed his face. He stood in front of her in stunned silence as she turned to leave. He may be able to speak to other people that way, but not to her. She didn’t need someone to swoop in from a big city and help her get customers. He was conceited and superficial. People here would see right through his fake smiles and back-handed compliments. This was her town, and yes, she would admit it had its faults, but no one from the outside was going to put it down and get away with it. Not if she had her say. She’d have to keep her eye on him. She had a feeling Jake Robbins was going to be troublesome.
Chapter Four
Jake tied the last balloon to the sandwich board and moved it a few inches to the left. The lettering was large and bold, just as he had instructed, but the balloons added a bit more flair to the sign. He needed it to stand out on the street and be noticed. It was his grand opening and he wanted to make sure every detail was just right. He’d put so much thought into this day that it hardly seemed possible it was finally here. He scanned the street. There was a decent amount of traffic today. Not exactly a lot, but for the small town it was sufficient. He’d hoped people’s curiosity would get the better of them and draw them out of their homes to brave the cold. Jake took a deep breath and walked back into the restaurant.
“How does it look out there? Think you’ll get a good lunch crowd?” Sandy, the new hostess and waitress, asked hopefully.
“I guess we’ll have to wait and see. People are at least out and about today. I’m glad I waited until the weekend to open,” Jake said and smiled at Sandy.
Hiring her had been the easiest decision he’d made so far. Not only was she one of the few that had applied with any experience, but she was also the most upbeat and cheerful person he’d met in Spruce Valley. He knew he wasn’t going to have her there very long. Sandy had worked in a large restaurant chain while she was away at school. She was only home now because she decided to take a break from college, but planned to return in the Spring. He hoped by then he’d find someone who was a suitable replacement or at least someone who she could train.
“I’ve double-checked the silverware, menus, and bar. Everything is fully stocked.”
“All we can do now is wait for our first customer,” Jake said as the door behind him opened.
“We didn’t have to wait long,” Sandy said quietly and directed her attention to the person behind Jak
e. “Good afternoon, Mayor Curtis,” Sandy said politely.
“Sandy, I didn’t realize you were working here. How nice for you to have something else to do while you are home taking care of your aunt. How is she feeling?” Mayor Curtis asked.
Jake had no idea Sandy was home to take care of an ill relative. He felt guilty for not even bothering to ask what brought her home. He realized he knew very little about her personally, he had only focused on her experience.
“She’s getting better every day,” Sandy said cheerfully.
“Please send her my best. Tell her I’ll get out for a visit soon,” Mayor Curtis said with sincerity.
“I’m sure she’d like that. Would you like a table today?” Sandy asked.
“Absolutely. I’ve timed it so that I could be the very first customer in this fine place.” Mayor Curtis winked at Jake.
Jake tried hard not to roll his eyes, but found it difficult. He wasn’t sure why the mayor had been so friendly towards him. Even Mike had commented on how surprised he was by the ease he had in obtaining the permits for the restaurant. From what he could gather from Mike, the mayor wasn’t usually so accommodating. He followed Sandy and Mayor Curtis to the table.
“What would you suggest, Jake?” the mayor asked as he opened the menu.
“That will depend on what you are in the mood for today, Mayor,” Jake said and smiled. He’d play along with him. In this town, the Mayor was probably the closest thing to someone with celebrity status that he’d have dine there. Jake watched as he looked the menu up and down.
“Now are these the prices for lunch? They seem a bit high. The diner’s prices were always so reasonable, I felt.” Mayor Curtis raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, those prices are correct. They are less than the dinner prices, but the meals are still large,” Jake said firmly trying to mask his annoyance. If the mayor had expected diner prices at his restaurant he was mistaken. There wasn’t one sandwich platter on the menu and the prices reflected that.
