Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 137443 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 687(@200wpm)___ 550(@250wpm)___ 458(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 137443 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 687(@200wpm)___ 550(@250wpm)___ 458(@300wpm)
“It’s a case of being in the right place at the right time. I was hired to cater the desserts for an event last winter. One of the executives from Brasher Resorts was impressed and contacted me through the event planner. It started with a few innocent conversations, and when it got serious, I pulled Stephanie in.”
“And you’d have to move to Colorado?” Dad asks.
“They want me at their largest resort in Aspen to start.”
“What happens after Aspen?”
“If this goes as planned, we’ll look at relocating me to the next resort.”
“How will that work? You can’t be in two places at once?”
My heart pounds harder, and the sick feeling of uncertainty settles deep in my stomach when I think about this part of the deal. “I’ll have to train staff at each location. Part of the expansion would require me to teach others my recipes.”
An uncomfortable silence hangs in the air, and I mentally note the questions running through their minds.
“It’s not that DG Creations is your life; it’s the fact that, once you sign those papers, you are handing it over?” Dad says as more of a question.
“That’s what it feels like. But the other part is what if it fails? What if the idea bombs? Aspen will be the pilot program, and I’ll be managing the whole process. Guests of this resort are high-rollers, and I’m a small-time girl—”
“Stop,” Evin rumbles. “Don’t diminish your self-worth. You’ve run a successful business for almost a decade. Being from a small town has nothing to do with your talent.”
“What do you think I should do, Evin?”
He drops back in his chair and focuses on the ceiling, rolling his bottom lip between his teeth. Stephanie’s hand squeezes my knee under the table in support, urging me to say more.
“I value your opinions. It’s one of the many reasons I’ve held off on signing the papers.”
“It all seems pretty straight forward. Brasher Resorts wants to buy your brand and own the rights to distribute and sell. It’s an incredibly lucrative offer.”
“It is,” I agree.
“You know, if this was local, or even along the east coast, I’d hand you my pen to sign these papers right now. It sucks you’ll be across the country.”
“Think of it this way; I’ll finally get to put my hospitality and management degree to use. You’ve always said Mom and Dad wasted their money on tuition since I decided to be a baker.”
He cracks a small grin at our long-running joke. “Yeah, it’s about time you use that degree.”
“And I’m pretty sure that, buried deep somewhere in the articles of that contract, there is a family and friends discount clause for when you come to visit.”
“I’d expect nothing less.” His grin disappears, and his expression grows somber again. “In all seriousness, I’m proud of you, Darby. I’d like to look through this more carefully, but if you decide to take them up on their offer, they’re the lucky ones.”
“Thanks,” I reply faintly, my eyes and nose stinging.
“I can help clarify any of the legal questions,” Stephanie offers.
He dips his chin in appreciation.
“I’ll stand by any decision you make,” Dad adds. “I’ve always wanted to visit Aspen.”
“Edward, what the hell am I going to do in Aspen? I doubt I’ll ever ride a horse again. There’s no way I can get on skis,” Mom grumbles.
“Don’t worry, baby. We’ll find something to do to keep busy.” He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively, bringing their linked hand to his lips.
Just like that, the mood in the room changes, and I gag loudly at the same time Evin groans. Stephanie giggles, encouraging them by clapping.
“On that note, we have our own news.” Dad scoots back and gently scoops Mom to sit in his lap. “Do you want to tell them, Annie?”
“I’m not sure it’s the right time. Darby’s bombshell seems to have taken the air out of my sails.”
Guilt smothers me, and I want to slink out of the room until Dad speaks up, eyeing me with a smile. “Not me. I knew she was world-class. She’s also a smart cookie and will make the right decision. We raised both our children that way. It’s time we drop our own bombshell.”
She grasps his cheeks, kisses him softly, and then turns to us, beaming. “Edward and I are back together. He’s moving home.”
My jaw drops, but out of the corner of my eye, I catch Stephanie leap from her chair and start dancing in a circle. She’s hooting enough to cover Evin and my silence. The shock wears off, and a little scream bubbles out, followed by a hiccup, and tears spring to my eyes. But, for the first time in so long, these are tears of happiness.
“It’s about time.” Evin takes the words right out of my mouth.
I watch my dad cradle Mom close, and a small part of my heart shifts back into place.