by Katie Carver
“I’m sure they are delightful meals. I just fear that when I tell people of my experience, I’ll be forced to tell them that I find your menu a bit pricey.” He looked up at Jake innocently. “But who listens to me?”
Jake had a feeling that the moment he left he would start to tell people the restaurant was too expensive. Jake knew a veiled threat when he heard it. He knew he’d need the Mayor’s support every now and then and couldn’t risk making him feel slighted. His years of expertise dealing with high-maintenance diners kicked into gear.
“Why don’t we do this, Mayor. You go ahead and pick anything on the menu that looks good to you, free of charge, of course, and after eating it, you can tell me if you still feel it’s overpriced. I would appreciate your honest feedback on the menu.” Jake tried with some difficulty to make his words feel authentic. Appealing to the Mayor’s ego seemed like the right play.
“Indeed. I think that’s a fantastic idea.” Mayor Curtis smiled.
“Sandy will be over when you are ready. Take your time.” Jake smiled sweetly and walked to the kitchen.
Of course, the mayor thought getting a free meal is a fantastic idea, Jake thought. He had heard a few stories of how the mayor operated and it seemed that he had been insulated from his usual tactics until now. He needed the mayor to continue his generosity towards him and a free meal every so often was something that Jake could handle. When Sandy walked into the kitchen to place his order, he saw that he picked only the second most expensive item. Probably an attempt to not seem greedy. Jake started on the meal. Not the best first customer, but at least it was a customer. A few more orders were placed shortly after and Jake soon found that an hour had quickly passed. He hurried to the dining area to check on the mayor.
“How did you find your meal, Mayor?” Jake asked, standing over his table.
“I have not had such a delicious meal in quite some time, Jake. The people in this town will be spoiled having two accomplished chefs so nearby.”
Jake was confused. “Two?”
“Well, Thelma from the Inn and now you. You’ve been staying there, so I don’t need to tell you about her talent,” he said emphatically. Jake nodded. He couldn’t find a reason to argue with that.
“It was excellent and I will be happy to tell everyone about your tasty and reasonably priced menu,” Mayor Curtis said.
Jake felt a sense of relief. “I would greatly appreciate that. Can I interest you in any dessert?”
“Oh, no, thank you. I have to make my way over to Ginger’s next and I’ve been craving a piece of her pumpkin pie.” Mayor Curtis smiled. “This town may just become a culinary hub. With your restaurant, the Inn, and Ginger’s delightful treats, we will be put on the map for sure.”
“Quite possibly,” Jake said hollowly. He didn’t really see how pies and cookies were going to set them over the top, but the Mayor seemed pleased.
Jake saw Sandy motion to the kitchen and he knew that more orders were placed. “If you’ll excuse me, Mayor. I better get back to work.”
“Of course, I’ll let you get back to it,” he said and smiled happily.
Jake met Sandy back in the kitchen and she handed him the orders.
“Mayor Curtis was pleased. He’ll be out there singing your praises for sure.” Sandy smiled as she started back towards the dining room, but Jake called out to her.
“Sandy, I’m sorry to hear about your aunt. What happened?”
“She broke both of her hips. She’s doing better, but still has a few months of recovery.”
“It must’ve been difficult to put your studies on hold and come home.”
“Not at all. Family comes first. My parents are busy with my younger brothers and can only do so much. I don’t mind and she needs me.” Sandy smiled happily. “It worked out well, it seems you need me, too.”
“That is very true,” Jake said and laughed. “How about I send you home with a meal for you and your aunt today. Just let me know what you want before you leave and I’ll get it all ready for you. I’ll even throw in dessert.”
“Really? That’d be great! She was just saying how bummed she is that she can’t make it out to the restaurant. She’ll be thrilled.”
“It’s the least I can do. You’ve really been a huge help, Sandy.” It really was the least he could do and felt bad that he hadn’t been aware of her situation. He’d have struggled more without her help.
“I really appreciate it.” Sandy smiled at Jake. “Don’t worry about the dessert, though, Ginger has stocked her up completely with pies and other goodies. I swear I’m going to have to get back to school just so I can lose the weight I’m going to put on while I’m here.”
“I see. Well, that’s good.”
“Have you been to Ginger’s yet? She’s amazing! I tell everyone at school about her lemon meringue pie. I’m not overselling it when I say that’s it’s the best pie in the world.”
“Not yet. I’ll have to try that,” he said flatly.
“You won’t be disappointed. It’s like being transported to heaven with each bite,” Sandy said happily.
Jake smiled politely. “Sounds great.”
“I better get back to the dining room. Thanks again, Jake. That’s really nice of you.” Sandy smiled brightly and walked out of the kitchen door.
Sandy was the second person to reject the offer of a free dessert. If people were refusing the desserts when they were free, chances were good that they wouldn’t be purchasing them either. Desserts weren’t a huge part of the menu, but right now, he needed to make sure every item was flawless. He didn’t really believe the portrayals of Ginger’s desserts. He probably would have to try it for himself, but he knew that the descriptions he had received would leave him woefully disappointed. If she was so amazing, what was she doing stuck in this tiny town? He chalked up their praise as part loyalty and part lack of exposure to other options. He couldn’t really see what the draw was with her. Yes, she was attractive. He was surprised to find how striking he found her green eyes. She was certainly appealing in that regard, but he couldn’t see what the draw was with her bakery. He didn’t think there was anything special about her. He had tried to be friendly, but she was rude and dismissive. He knew that he may have been a little brash with his reference to her name, but how was that not an honest mistake? He found her too sensitive and a bit off-putting. She’d overreacted to his comments and he would admit he was shocked by her response. He meant no disrespect towards the town, but if she couldn’t handle the truth about business that wasn’t his problem. This town wasn’t as special as she believed. If she didn’t realize that, he felt sorry for her. That wasn’t his problem either. The only problem he did have right now was her. He’d have to avoid another run-in with her if he could. The last thing he needed right now was a distraction from his restaurant, even if that distraction was gorgeous.
Chapter Five
It had been a week since Jake’s Place had opened and Ginger had already noticed a drop in her lunch business. Sure, people were still stopping by for a treat here and there, but the wraps and sandwiches weren’t moving at all. Each day she’d throw things away when she’d usually run out of everything before the restaurant opened. All his bluster about bringing her business and the exact opposite was happening. She knew that their curiosity about the new place was drawing in the people from town. Her only hope was that once the novelty had worn off, they’d come running back to her. In the meantime, she’d have to cut back on the prepared lunches so she wasn’t wasting so much. She’d heard that the food was good and more than one person had suggested she stop there. She wouldn’t mind giving it a try, even if it was just to put her mind at ease that it wasn’t as fantastic as everyone had said. She just didn’t have the time to simply stop by and eat. The holiday orders were starting to pour in and she barely had time to get much of anything else done right now. She heard the timer go off in the kitchen and grabbed the oven mitts. As she was pulling the cookies from the stove, she heard t
he chime of the bakery door. She placed the cookies on a cooling rack and hurried to the front.
“Mayor Curtis, I wasn’t expecting to see you today.” Ginger smoothed out her apron and smiled at him as he perused the display case. “Looking for anything in particular?”
“No, but those truffles do look rather good. Do you mind if I try one?” he asked pleasantly.
Of course, she minded. The truffles were on display for purchase, not as samples, but she never got away with giving him at least one free thing when he decided to stop by. “Just one,” she said and handed it to him.
He popped it in his mouth and closed his eyes. She watched as he placed his hand over his heart and chewed slowly. When he finally opened his eyes, he let out a large sigh. “Ginger, you are a marvel.”
“Thank you, Mayor Curtis. What can I do for you today?” she asked. She had to hurry him along as gently as she could without letting him know he was being an inconvenience. She had too much to do in the kitchen to let him sample each item in the display case.
“I’m here about the Christmas decorations. I see that you’ve started yours at least.” He gestured to the garland that outlined the shop windows. “It seems that people are just not as diligent this year. I’ve been around giving reminders, but I’m not getting the kind of response that I was hoping for and I am getting a bit discouraged.” He shook his head sadly. “I can’t even repeat what Matty said to me when I stopped by to remind her.”
Ginger bit her bottom lip to stop herself from smiling. She could only imagine what Matty had said and it was probably well deserved. “I’m sorry you are having such a difficult time. I promise I’ll get back to my decorating as soon as I can. I don’t want to add to your list of worries.” Staying on Mayor Curtis’ good side was hard work, but she’d take this opportunity to hopefully win a few points.
“I am not worried about you at all, Ginger. Your Thanksgiving display was perfection and I have no doubt you will put forth the same effort for Christmas. No, I dare say, I didn’t come here to remind you at all.”
“You didn’t?” Ginger was confused. If he didn’t come here to give her a reminder, she knew it had to be something much worse.
“I came in here today to ask you for your help. Would you help me, Ginger?”
Ginger sucked in a deep breath. There was no way this would end well for her. “What can I do?”
“I was wondering if you would take charge of making sure that Main Street businesses did their part. You have a certain way about you and people find it difficult to say no when you ask them to do something.”
She assumed that was his polite way of calling her bossy. “Though I completely agree with you that the businesses should all do their part, I’m not sure I’m the right person for the task. I’m already falling behind on orders and I’m afraid if I take anything more on, I’ll fall further behind.”
“I see,” Mayor Curtis said somberly. “I guess I could talk to Franklin. He just asked me the other day if I needed help with anything. He’s such a team player. I just thought I’d try you first. I am a little disappointed you can’t help, but I understand if you need to put your shop first before the town business.”
“When you put it that way, how can I refuse? I can do it,” Ginger said and forced a smile. “I’d be happy to help.” There was no way she was going to allow Franklin to swoop in and get that spot again, it didn’t matter how busy she was right now.
Mayor Curtis clapped his hands in delight. “Wonderful! Thank you, Ginger. I have a good feeling about your booth this year. You let me know if you need any help.” He hurried out the door before Ginger could say anything else.
It annoyed her that he knew exactly how to make her do his dirty work. He just had to dangle the booth spot over her head and she caved. She looked at the hastily done window garland with disgust. She’d have to get her decorations completed before she could even set foot out of the shop to try to coerce everyone else to do theirs. She had to hand it to Mayor Curtis, he really did know how to delegate. She went back to the kitchen to finish the cookie order that came in two days ago. The Christmas parties and town events would be in full swing soon, and she knew that not a day would go by without a new order, no matter how small. She didn’t mind the hard work, she enjoyed baking. There was nothing she’d rather do. Every time she’d start a recipe, she’d be filled with excitement. With just a small tweak here and there, recipes could go from bland to mouthwatering. The possibilities were endless. Most of her favorite childhood memories included her aunt and mother baking with her in the kitchen where she grew up. They realized early on she had some talent with baking and they allowed her to explore it and find her own rhythm. Her aunt and mother called it a gift. She knew she was lucky. Instead of telling her that it was a pointless hobby, they encouraged her to bake. Ginger would have never even considered it as a career if it hadn’t been for their support. She missed them every day, but when she was in the kitchen baking, she felt like they were with her in some way. Especially around this time of year. Her thoughts of family were interrupted by another chime of the bakery door. She clapped off the flour that clung to her fingers and threw her apron to the side. When she opened the door, a familiar face greeted her cheerfully.
“Hello, Ginger. You look well today,” Franklin said smoothly.
“Franklin,” Ginger responded simply. She knew if he was here, it was not to purchase anything. He had once told her she was poisoning the town with her sugar-filled treats. Even when she was not vying for his booth spot, Franklin was one of the only people in the town she regularly avoided. He owned a store a few shops down and peddled an array of vitamins and healthy fare. He was shorter than she was with bottle cap glasses and salt and pepper hair. His main goal in life seemed to be being Mayor Curtis’ lackey and make people feel guilty about anything they did that didn’t meet his standards of healthy living. He reported any incidents he deemed were bad for the town and preyed on Mayor Curtis’ sense of town pride. To Ginger, his only goal in life was to cause other people needless trouble.
“I see you’ve been hard at work on your Christmas display,” Franklin said as he inspected her shop windows. “I understand what Mayor Curtis was saying when he was complaining earlier of the lack of enthusiasm this year.”
Ginger remained quiet. It was clear he had seen Mayor Curtis in her shop and his curiosity led him there.
“It’s a shame really. You were doing so well this year. For a moment, I actually believed you’d be some type of competition,” he chirped.
“Can I get you anything, Franklin?” Ginger asked dryly.
“Oh, no. I value my good health. Do you even know what that sugar does to your body?” He peered over to her display case. “I just wanted to say hello and see how you were doing.”
“I’m fine. If that’s all, I have some things to get back to in the kitchen,” Ginger said. She wouldn’t let him provoke her. Ginger never shied away from a good fight, but she was in no mood for his petty games.
He smirked. “I’ll leave you to it then. No doubt you are trying to finish up so you can get back to your decorating.”
“How’s yours coming along, Franklin? Are you finished?” she asked pleasantly.
“I finished mine a week ago. Since we were forbidden to start early this year, I made sure it was done the day we could start,” he replied smugly.
“Oh, good. I guess I can cross you off the list then,” Ginger said and smiled.
“What list?”
“Mayor Curtis put me in charge of making sure all the businesses on Main Street have decorations. He enjoyed my Thanksgiving display so much, he felt I was really the only suitable person for the job.”
A flash of anger crossed Franklin’s face for a moment and then vanished. It was just enough to let Ginger know she had won this round. He stared at her in stunned silence.
“Thanks for checking in, Franklin. I do so enjoy your visits.” Ginger left for the kitchen without waiting for a reply.
She heard the door chime a few moments later and chuckled. She wondered how long it would take for him to hunt Mayor Curtis down looking for answers as to why he wasn’t given the task.
The last thing in the world Ginger wanted to do was to be the one who oversaw implementing the town decoration demands, but if she was able to get the booth spot she wanted, it would be well worth the grief she’d get from everyone else. Now all she had to do was to find a way to get everything done in the bakery. She looked at the list of orders and sighed. She tied her apron back on and started up the mixer. Between the orders and all of the donations she made during the season for various groups, she usually didn’t have much time for anything else. It was fine with her, the amount of joy she got from seeing the happiness her little treats brought was enough to make the work worthwhile. If she finished up a little early, she could at least get some more decorating done and get herself crossed off the list, too. She understood why Santa needed all his elfin helpers. Christmas was a lot of work. Ginger smiled wickedly, recalling Franklin’s stunned face. But it did have its perks.
Chapter Six
Jake looked out the front window of the restaurant. There was not much traffic yet, but at lunchtime, the street would pick up some. It wouldn’t be as busy as he would like, but he had been pleasantly surprised that he’d been busy since he opened. The dinner crowd was steady and the lunch crowd brought in enough people to justify staying open during the afternoon hours. He’d have to see what the downturn would be once the town’s curiosity diminished. He knew part of his current success was the fact that he was new to town and people were being nosy. It would taper off once he’d been there a while. If they liked the food, they may keep coming back. That was his hope at least. Some of the cuisine might be a little more upscale than they’d been accustomed to, but it didn’t seem to matter to most of them. The mayor had done what he’d said and spread the word out to the town. Jake knew he had a few customers for that reason as well, but he needed to get back to work on his plans of reaching people outside of the community. Now that the grand opening was behind him, he’d have more time to focus on his real plans. Since he didn’t have much else to focus on other than the restaurant, he would have plenty of time to get things done. He’d started a marketing plan, but after beginning, he realized he had no idea where to really start. He had his end goal in mind, but getting to that point would take skills more advanced than his. After he had some more cash flow, he could hire someone to help. There was no way he could expand without some guidance. He was smart enough to know that if you wanted to succeed, you had to get help when it was needed.
