Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 92140 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92140 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
“I think the sooner you tell her, the better, both for her sake and yours—this is going to make it feel more real.”
“You’re right. I’m just scared.”
“Of course you are. But you’re brave too. And you’ve got all our support.”
After we hung up, I began mentally sorting through all the tasks I’d have to complete in order to get a new business going. In addition to finding the perfect physical space and all the renovations that would be necessary, there was the matter of writing up a business plan and bank account, licensing and registration with the county and state, setting up vendor accounts, outfitting the shop with display spaces and mirrors and seating. Plus computer hardware and software—there were plenty of unsexy things about this business I’d have to deal with.
I needed to hire employees, first and foremost a talented seamstress. I had some talent and experience, but not with wedding gowns—and there was no room for error with those dresses. Alterations had to be perfect.
And money . . . I remembered Hutton’s offer to help me with a loan and a business plan. Then there was marketing and promotion. I’d have to get the word out about my shop—the ideal time would be at the fashion show. Would I be open by then? I needed a website and social media.
What was I even going to call this shop?
As exhilarated as I was, I also felt overwhelmed. I decided to drive straight to Hutton and Felicity’s house—Winnie’s unbridled enthusiasm was wonderful, but I needed some voices of reason in my head too. Both Hutton and Felicity had experience running their own businesses, and they were good with practical details and problem-solving.
It was dark when I pulled up, but I saw lights on in their house. I shot Felicity a quick text.
Hey. You guys home tonight?
Yes. What’s up?
I need business plan help. I’m in your driveway. Can I come in?
LOL of course
Grabbing my shoulder bag off the passenger seat, I hurried to their front door. Felicity pulled it open before I could knock. “Hey! Come on in.”
“Thanks.” I inhaled the savory aroma of whatever they’d had for dinner. “God, that smells good.”
“Eggplant lasagna! You want some? We just finished eating, but there’s plenty left over.”
“That sounds fantastic, thanks.”
“Hutton is at the table.” She shut the door behind me. “Go sit and I’ll bring you a plate.”
Two-and-a-half hours later, I left with twelve pages of handwritten notes for my business plan, assurance from Hutton that he would be glad to loan me start-up money once I had certain things in place, and a light-bellied feeling that was equal parts motivation and fear. Starting a business was not for the faint of heart.
Late that night I was lying in bed, wide awake and wondering if I should just stay where I was. I liked my job. I was good at it. Did I want to risk so much for a dream?
Sighing, I grabbed my phone and checked the time—after midnight. Normally I was fast asleep by now. Should I doom scroll? Or read? Get up and make some chamomile tea?
Tea reminded me of Zach, and I wondered if he felt any better today. I recalled promising him I’d check in and realized I hadn’t done it.
Hey. You feeling any better?
His reply was quick.
A little. How was your day? Want to call and tell me about it?
I hesitated for a half-second, then remembered how nicely we’d behaved last night. We’d proven we could be trusted, even if I wasn’t over my crush on him. I dialed his number.
“Hey, you,” he said, his voice still gravelly.
I smiled. “Hi. How are you?”
“I’m okay.” He coughed.
“You don’t sound okay.”
“Yeah, this stupid thing moved into my chest. But let’s talk about you. It went well today?”
“Yes.” I told him all about the meeting with Alison, how inspired I’d been touring her shop, how many ideas I’d gotten for what I could do to make my salon my own, and the business plan I’d created with Hutton.
“Who’s Hutton again?”
“My sister Felicity’s husband.”
“She’s the middle sister?”
“Yes. And they were best friends in high school but never dated until this summer.” I laughed. “It’s actually a great story.” I recounted it while he listened, occasionally laughing or coughing. “And they tied the knot at Cloverleigh Farms just a few weeks later,” I finished.
“Wow,” he said. “And he’s a billionaire?”
“Yes, but don’t ask me what he does exactly. It involves the words math, algorithm, and cryptocurrency. I’ve never understood it and whenever someone tries to explain it, I zone out.”
Zach laughed. “I probably would too. Although I always liked math.”
“You did?”
“Yeah. Definitely my best subject at school. Not that I ever did much homework, but I was a good test-taker.”
“Interesting.”
“What about you? What was your best subject?”
“I liked English and history. I was a fast reader, which helped because until I quit dance, I didn’t have a lot of time for homework.”