A Guide to Being Just Friends(41)
“How are you?” Tara asked Hailey, coming up beside her and passing her a bottle of water.
“Thanks. I’m good. How’s it going, Becky?”
The petite brunette shrugged. “I’m nervous. I don’t like surprises. Oh, Tara, our books arrived.”
“Excellent. We’re starting a book club,” Tara told Hailey.
“My cousin has one too, only they drink wine instead of reading books.”
Becky laughed, her nerves seeming to fade. “That happens a lot but this one will be at my store. You’re welcome to join.”
“I’d love that. I’d also love to chat with you about some recommendations for a teen book club I’m hoping to start at the community center.”
More people entered the room from the stairwell. The loft area over Baked was open, with a modern, industrial feel that Hailey wasn’t sure was intentional. Brick walls and exposed beams could have been aesthetics or just an unfinished space.
Hailey glanced around, loving the feel of the space. “Some of these upper spaces are apartments, right?” Like Wes’s, though his was farther down the square. Probably out of her price range, especially with her plans to hire, but a girl could dream.
“Yes. The ones on this side are stupidly expensive but they’re gorgeous, like penthouses.” Becky looked around too. “I’d love to live closer to work but I don’t want to live in an apartment.”
“I basically live at my store,” Hailey joked.
“I heard you’re doing interviews. That’s great. Business is picking up?” Tara asked.
“Yes. I’m hoping it’ll work out. I’m taking on some outside catering jobs so I need the help.”
Esther, who’d so far only nodded in greeting when they arrived, joined them. “My grandson is looking for volunteer hours in the food industry. It’s for workplace credits for school.”
Hailey’s gaze widened. “Seriously? Like, he works for free?” Free was right in her price range.
“Yes, dear.” She stared expectantly at Hailey.
Tara gave a nearly imperceptible nod with an encouraging smile.
“Would he be able to come in for an interview?” There’s your professional voice.
“Certainly. If you have a pen and paper, I’ll give you his contact information.”
Hailey held up her phone. “Right here.”
She was typing the information into her notes when a large man ambled into the room. He was basketball player tall. Oh. I should see if Wes wants to go to a basketball game. Hardly the season but still something to think about. She’d heard sports were more fun in person.
“Afternoon, everyone. Thank you for coming. Let’s get seated and started.”
As if their strict teacher had joined them, they all moved to take a seat. The atmosphere of the room changed from easy to tense in a few breaths.
“For those of you I haven’t met in person, I’m Logan Vanderben. I’ve owned this strip of stores for fifteen years. The market has changed a lot over that time and continues to change.” He passed out packets of paper he pulled from a briefcase, and whatever happiness Hailey was feeling got sucked from her lungs as she stared down at the words.
“Times change, rent changes. I think you’ll see, the increases are reasonable given the amount of time you’ve been here.”
The rest of the words came at her in a hazy sort of blur. Even with free help, the rent increase would seriously cut into her revenue.
Tapping her fingers soundlessly on the table while others argued and asked questions of this seemingly unflappable man, Hailey felt the heavy thump of the other shoe dropping squarely on her shoulders.
* * *
“Thank you for helping me,” Hailey said. She assembled the salads while Fiona chopped. Apparently her new friend was a jane-of-all-trades with a long list of random qualifications such as food prep and kitchen safety. Fiona had done all manner of things in the name of writing articles.
“It’s the least I can do. Are you okay?” She set the knife down and turned to Hailey, who had fifty cups lined up along the counter.
“The increase threw me for a loop but it’ll be okay. I’ve got this catering job and I can get others. With Esther’s grandson and Leo, I’ll be able to leave the store a bit more so I can handle the work. I can advertise the delivery option.”
“You could consider getting an extra loan. I know Piper and Nick would totally help you. They’re definitely in a position to do so. It’s not uncommon for restaurants to hit some hurdles.”
Tears pushed against her eyelids. Only the thought of having to restart the salads held them back. Yes. Her cousin could help, Wes could help, his brothers could help. But she’d used the sale of her apartment in L.A. to finance this venture and she was doing it. Her store was succeeding.
“That’s the thing, it isn’t a hurdle based on my business. It’s the rent. It’s a ridiculous increase. The association is talking about how to fight against it.”
“Have you talked to Wes?”
She scooped cucumbers into each of the cups. “No. Why would I? I mean, about this.” She knew why she didn’t. He’d be all over trying to fix it and she was feeling just helpless enough to let him. Money and friends—hell, money and family—didn’t mix.