Chapter 8

Stan’s POV

I’m in my office going over some documents, when Gerald walks in.

“Busy?” He asks.

“Not really, just going over some things.”

“Charlie was helpful by the way. I like it here already.”

“You have to, unless all my efforts to want you here would be in vain.” We both laugh.

We went over some plans for the opening party and I was getting hungry, so I asked Gerald to come with me to lunch. We head out, since this is not a typical office with lunch rooms.

“When will your car get here?” Gerald asked on our way to the restaurant.

“I’m thinking next week. I miss that guy.”

The rest of the drive was quiet, we got to the restaurant, ate and headed back to the winery. We stopped for a second and I looked across and noticed that I've never noticed the chocolate shop all the while I've been coming in. I tell the driver to hold on for a bit.

“Gerald, have you noticed this shop across?” I ask.

“Obviously since it's the only building I see from my office.”

“I didn't notice it until today. Anyway, the shop owner is in charge of the dessert for the party and she's really good. I will talk her into adding some other pastries and probably coffee, so we don't have to go so far to get those things.”

“Hold your horses Stan, you can't just tell her to do things for her business because it would benefit you. Let her make the decision, except you're her business partner and I'm not aware.”

“You're getting it wrong Gerald, I won't impose. I'll just suggest.”

“Good luck with that bro.”

“Thanks. She seems like a nice lady, it won't be that hard.”

I motion for the driver to go in, and we head back to our various offices. I've not gone down to see the staff that do the most important part of the work, so I go there. Everything looks good and ready for business.

It's late when my parents arrive, I sent the driver I hired to pick them. Things got busy at the winery, I stayed to help press wine. Most employees were surprised, but the ones that know my father knows he does this from time to time. With everything set for the party, I head back to the hotel with Gerald. I wanted to talk to Amelia, but it could wait till tomorrow during the party.

I head back to the hotel pretty late, and with my parents already asleep I head to my room.

At the break of dawn, I went to my parents room to see them. Mom wanted me to take her to New York’s best malls, while Dad wanted to go to the winery.

“We’re headed there this evening John, you can see it then.” Mom said.

“So the mall it is.” I say, trying to get them not to argue about it.

“We’ll be ready in an hour.” Mom said, smiling like a fifteen year old.

“Oh, I won’t take you. The driver will. I still have some things to finish before the party. But have fun.” I tell them and head back to my room to prepare.

When I got to the winery, preparations were already being made for the evening. The opening party starts at 6pm, and the winery can be open for business, finally.

Two hours later, Amelia comes in to set up the dessert and they look really good. I couldn’t talk to her yet, but I will hopefully before the party starts or when it’s over.

Amelia’s POV

After he left the shop, I went  back to baking the desserts for the party. Did he look shocked when I told him the cake was on the house? He should know I respect people, and I try not to be rude on our first meetings. He didn’t apologize for yesterday, all he said was, “Thank you. Your cake is great, and it goes really well with our wine.” 

Of course it should taste great with good wine, but that’s not an apology. Maybe he’ll apologize when giving me the bottle of wine he promised. I’ve seen only good reviews about their wine, and I'd like to try it too since I'm directly opposite their winery.

I snap out of the thought when my phone beeps, voicemail from dad. I play it to listen,

“Hey princess, how are you? And how is our chocolate shop doing? Pretty sure you’re doing well, since you sent back the money I gave you, but I need you to hold on to the money for now. Get an employee or something, try not to do everything yourself, it will only wear you down. Just sent the money back. Call me soon, when you’re not too busy. Love you.”

“Love you too dad.” I whisper to my phone.

I immediately put up a story on I*******m, telling my followers I need an extra hand. In less than an hour, a pretty young girl with curly blonde hair walks in.

“Hi, I'm Cara. I saw the story on i*, and decided to come check it out.”

“I’m Amelia. I’ve never had an employee before, and this is new, so I may not be able to pay so much until we start making tons of profit. Is that okay?”

“Yea, sure. I just need to get out of the house every day. I’m not ready to go to college yet, so I need something to keep me busy.”

“So, $10 everyday. Does that work for you?”

“Sure does.”

I post that I’ve gotten someone, and delete the previous post. I spent the next hour showing her around and telling her what she’ll be doing around here.

She takes over the counter and I head back to the kitchen to continue baking. With cara in the shop, I concentrated on baking and I was happy.

“Thank you dad.” I said to the air.

Once it was 7pm, I told Cara she could go and gave her her wage for the day. She thanked me, hugged me and left. I noticed she had a bike as she left. After some minutes, I locked up and went home.

Today is the opening party for the winery, finally. I picked the dress I'll wear later on and put it in my car, and wore my usual shop outfit of shirt and jeans. Cara is out waiting when i get there. And I like that she is on time.

We set up, I baked fresh cakes for the day and told Cara about the event of today.

“I’ll be here, you don’t have to close up because of the party.” She assures me.

“Thank you.”

Once it was 4pm, I took the cakes and cookies over to the winery. Even though chocolate is what I’m known for, I didn’t only make chocolate cakes. There was variety, and I thought of doing this for my shop too. Hopefully after this party, I’ll do that. After setting up, I head back to the shop to wait for Emma. Once she comes, we’ll go to the party.