Read Online The Way to a Man's Heart (The Miller Family 3) by Mary Ellis - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Mary Ellis
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dishwasher.
“Since there’s a lull before the lunch rush, talk to me instead.” April set down her rolling pin.
Leah put in the last plates and turned around, hoping her face wasn’t still cherry red. Am I about to be fired for my inflexibility?
Her boss drew in a breath and appeared to be collecting thoughts. “Things are going much better than I dreamed they would. After that rocky first week, business picked up and has stayed brisk ever since. And I owe it all to you, Leah.”
This wasn’t what she’d expected. After a moment’s pause, Leah said, “Folks love your cooking, April. It’s not just my pies they’re coming in for. Your French toast is lighter and fluffier than mine.”
“Yes, the town was ripe for another eating establishment and my low prices bring in the locals, but many people come back because of you. A restaurant must be more than great food that is fairly priced. You must make people feel welcome and appreciated so they’ll stop in over and over. Your weather reports have become a major hit. That one elderly Englischer stops in all the time for coffee, pie, and to find out if it will rain.”
Leah chuckled, grateful that April hadn’t mentioned the Amish fellows stopping in. Her daed would make her quit if he found out they came in to flirt. “I finally got the hang of this chitchatting thing.”
“Yes, you have. We make a nice team together, sharing the chores equally. You’re not afraid to work hard, and that’s why I’m offering you a full partnership.”
Not even a cube shifted in the automatic icemaker to break the silence.
Then Leah gathered her wits so she wouldn’t stammer. “I don’t rightly know what to say, April. I’ve only worked here four weeks. You’ve invested your father’s money to get started. I can’t very well barge in after you’ve put your savings on the line.” As soon as the words were out, Leah realized April would know the full extent of her eavesdropping. But it was better she found out now.
April didn’t bat an eyelash. “Yeah, my savings and a loan from Dad, but we could probably work something out if you’re interested in partnering with me.” She tucked her hands into her apron pockets.
Interested in a partnership? In these adorable train cars I fell in love with four years ago? The restaurant where I can try out new pie recipes to my heart’s delight? Leah didn’t think about checking with her parents or sleeping on the decision or praying for the answer—something that had never failed her in the past. She nodded her head briskly. “Jah, I’m interested. I’d love to be your partner!”
April clapped her hands. “That’s wonderful. We make such a great team together, Leah.” She poured two glasses of orange juice.
“But what about the financial end? How’s that going to work? Don’t partners put up money or something? I heard my bruder say some Clevelander wanted to buy into Macintosh Farms, but Mr. Mac said ‘no thanks.’”
April cocked her head. “Do you have money to invest, Leah? Do you want to buy in and do things right, legally speaking?”
“Well, sure. I have money saved from selling pies to the auction cafeteria for the past four years. I don’t want people to think I’m some mooch, worming my way in.” She felt buoyed by the adult responsibility.
“I don’t think anybody would think that about you. But just the same, it’s probably a good idea if you invest since I still need to pay the man for those picnic tables.” April handed her a juice glass. “I never thought this place would take off like it has. I’ll be able to pay my father back and you can replace your savings in no time at all. Let’s toast to our deal the way they do on TV.” She clinked Leah’s glass with hers and drank the juice down all at once. “To our partnership!”
Leah had never seen anything like that on TV. The only show she had watched was a baseball game at Mrs. Lee’s until she had dozed off. But she
“Since there’s a lull before the lunch rush, talk to me instead.” April set down her rolling pin.
Leah put in the last plates and turned around, hoping her face wasn’t still cherry red. Am I about to be fired for my inflexibility?
Her boss drew in a breath and appeared to be collecting thoughts. “Things are going much better than I dreamed they would. After that rocky first week, business picked up and has stayed brisk ever since. And I owe it all to you, Leah.”
This wasn’t what she’d expected. After a moment’s pause, Leah said, “Folks love your cooking, April. It’s not just my pies they’re coming in for. Your French toast is lighter and fluffier than mine.”
“Yes, the town was ripe for another eating establishment and my low prices bring in the locals, but many people come back because of you. A restaurant must be more than great food that is fairly priced. You must make people feel welcome and appreciated so they’ll stop in over and over. Your weather reports have become a major hit. That one elderly Englischer stops in all the time for coffee, pie, and to find out if it will rain.”
Leah chuckled, grateful that April hadn’t mentioned the Amish fellows stopping in. Her daed would make her quit if he found out they came in to flirt. “I finally got the hang of this chitchatting thing.”
“Yes, you have. We make a nice team together, sharing the chores equally. You’re not afraid to work hard, and that’s why I’m offering you a full partnership.”
Not even a cube shifted in the automatic icemaker to break the silence.
Then Leah gathered her wits so she wouldn’t stammer. “I don’t rightly know what to say, April. I’ve only worked here four weeks. You’ve invested your father’s money to get started. I can’t very well barge in after you’ve put your savings on the line.” As soon as the words were out, Leah realized April would know the full extent of her eavesdropping. But it was better she found out now.
April didn’t bat an eyelash. “Yeah, my savings and a loan from Dad, but we could probably work something out if you’re interested in partnering with me.” She tucked her hands into her apron pockets.
Interested in a partnership? In these adorable train cars I fell in love with four years ago? The restaurant where I can try out new pie recipes to my heart’s delight? Leah didn’t think about checking with her parents or sleeping on the decision or praying for the answer—something that had never failed her in the past. She nodded her head briskly. “Jah, I’m interested. I’d love to be your partner!”
April clapped her hands. “That’s wonderful. We make such a great team together, Leah.” She poured two glasses of orange juice.
“But what about the financial end? How’s that going to work? Don’t partners put up money or something? I heard my bruder say some Clevelander wanted to buy into Macintosh Farms, but Mr. Mac said ‘no thanks.’”
April cocked her head. “Do you have money to invest, Leah? Do you want to buy in and do things right, legally speaking?”
“Well, sure. I have money saved from selling pies to the auction cafeteria for the past four years. I don’t want people to think I’m some mooch, worming my way in.” She felt buoyed by the adult responsibility.
“I don’t think anybody would think that about you. But just the same, it’s probably a good idea if you invest since I still need to pay the man for those picnic tables.” April handed her a juice glass. “I never thought this place would take off like it has. I’ll be able to pay my father back and you can replace your savings in no time at all. Let’s toast to our deal the way they do on TV.” She clinked Leah’s glass with hers and drank the juice down all at once. “To our partnership!”
Leah had never seen anything like that on TV. The only show she had watched was a baseball game at Mrs. Lee’s until she had dozed off. But she
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