Page 25 of A Cup of Autumn
Keaton hadn’t known his sister-in-law for long, but his respect for Taryn grew. She must keep Garrett on his toes, which was exactly what the former workaholic needed.
Margot harrumphed. “Businesses ask to join the association.”
Callie glanced at Brandt. Keaton could see his sister was holding back from the way she bit her lip.
The reason?
Margot was Brandt’s aunt.
“Well, this isn’t what you want to hear, Margot, but what’s happened to Raine is enough to make me reconsider being a member,” Callie admitted. “I’ve been discussing it with Anna, Sam, and Mary Jo.”
Margot gasped. “You can’t be serious.”
“I don’t know if the bakery will renew next year. I love the events, especially the Christmas window decorating contest, but many of the rules and fines are unreasonable. Especially now that I have a life outside the bakery.” Taryn smiled complete with heart-eyes at Garrett. “We don’t have kids yet, but if we do…”
Callie nodded. “I’m sorry, Margot. We’re not the only ones thinking that way. Pippa’s ready to pull out too. I know the association counts on the flower baskets she makes come springtime.”
“That’s…” Margot struggled for what to say next. “When I was your age, I ran the quilt shop on my own. I didn’t have a manager and only a part-time employee. Even after the association began, the rules were never a burden.”
“You founded the association, Aunt Margot. There used to be only a couple events centered around Christmas. Now, the association puts on something every couple of months.” Brandt’s affection for his aunt was evident in his kind tone. “That’s a lot to ask of business owners. You have a full staff now. Callie and Taryn too. But if it’s a burden on them, what do you think it’s like for Pippa, who only has one assistant at her flower shop, and Raine with only two part-time employees?”
Keaton didn’t know much about the First Avenue Business Association, but the gap between the younger generation of business owners and the founders appeared to be widening.
Garrett stared over his water glass. “Does the association have a backup plan if the committee head can’t continue?”
“No one has quit since we implemented the rule.” Margot’s tone was firm, but she fiddled with her napkin.
Keaton must be missing something. “People must take rules seriously in Silver Falls.”
“There’s also a fine if you quit,” Callie clarified. “A significant one.”
A monetary penalty. No wonder why Raine felt forced. No one should be put in that position.
“Everyone’s overlooking something more important than the Boo Bash or any of the other annual events the association puts on.” Taryn’s voice sharpened. “If Raine burns out and sells Tea Leaves and Coffee Beans, it’ll be a huge loss to Silver Falls. I sell coffee, but it’s nothing like hers. That means hoping someone else takes over or coffee lovers will have to drive to Summit Ridge.”
“A loss to the town, yes. But Raine’s a master barista,” Callie said, which surprised Keaton. “She can find a job anywhere and not have to deal with staffing issues or the association.”
Margot cleared her throat. “We’ll bring this up at the October association meeting.”
Surprise flashed on Taryn and Callie’s faces. Even Brandt’s eyes widened.
“In the meantime, Raine needs help,” Margot continued.
Taryn nodded. “None of us have time.”
“One of us has a little more time.” The way Margot’s gaze zeroed in on Keaton made him gulp. “Keaton’s here for an extended stay. I propose he helps Raine with the Boo Bash.”
All eyes at the table shot to him.
The reasons he should say no—looking for a job, working on his book—ran through his head, crashing into one another until his thoughts were a jumbled mess.Nosat on the tip of his tongue ready to launch into the world.
Keaton glanced at Callie.
Big mistake.
The hope in his baby sis’s gaze nearly knocked him out of his chair. She wanted him to help her friend. He’d never been good at saying no to Callie. Not when they’d been kids and not now as adults.
That meant one thing.
