Series: Paige Michaels
Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 44898 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 224(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44898 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 224(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
As the day went on, Nora ordered more supplies in batches so that they would come in as soon as possible. It was mind-blowing how many people were excited for Craftastic. She tried to keep herself from celebrating too much and focused on making each customer’s experience the best one possible. That would keep them coming back.
“Hi! I’m a teacher at the local elementary school. Would you consider stocking some teachers’ stickers and supplies?” a young man asked. His arms were full of crayons and the story coloring books Nora had discovered from a small manufacturer.
“Of course. Are you looking for reward stickers? Stars? What would help you the most?” Nora asked, pulling a list from her pocket to make a note.
“All of the above. And for supplies, those cut-out objects that can be used for calendars would be hot sellers.”
“I know exactly what you’re talking about. I’ll expand my teacher section. Please share with your school that I’m here. If you need donations for special events, don’t hesitate to ask,” Nora urged.
“Thank you. Nora, right?”
“Yes. And you’re?”
“Ben Richmond.”
“Nice to meet you, Ben. Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter of specials and new items as you check out. I’ll be sure to add a note on that when I get them in,” Nora urged.
“Thank you, Nora. Welcome to the neighborhood.”
“Thank you!”
One of the cashiers waved, and she smiled to excuse herself as she rushed over to solve a problem. She steadied herself on the counter when she turned too quickly and got lightheaded. In a flash, she recovered, but Nora knew she needed to get something to eat quickly. No lunch and all this activity had sapped her resources.
“Little girl, you look like you’re running on empty. Take a ten-minute break and eat,” a warm voice suggested.
Turning, she saw Mateo’s concerned face. His arm wrapped around her waist as she swayed. “Oh, I can’t leave,” she answered.
“Then you’ll stand here and eat. I’ll bring you something. Are you steady?” he asked.
“Yes, Dad,” she joked. “I’m fine.”
“No calling me that until you mean it. I’ll be back.”
Before she could stop him, Mateo darted out the door. She saw him jog to La Havana and dash inside. He was back at her side in less than ten minutes with a large to-go container.
“Eat, Little girl.”
She opened the top to find a wrapped chicken burrito and a large portion of rice. Groaning, she picked up the wax-paper-wrapped treat and took a bite. Flavor exploded over her tastebuds. Nora took another bite and set down the hot food to run over to a cash register to help with a customer.
When she returned, Mateo was standing guard over her food. He handed her a drink with a straw. “I hope you like iced tea.”
“Oh, that sounds heavenly.” She took a long drink and felt it soothe her overused throat. “Thank you so much for this. I’ve been giving the workers breaks, but you know. Being the boss means you may not get a chance to eat,” she said before taking another bite.
“I also know that your employees and customers need you to take care of yourself. Eat, Little one,” he urged when she stopped to consider his words. “What a glorious opening! I would say you’ve had a success.”
“I’d say!” came a voice from behind them.
They both turned to see Ellie, the owner of the Little Cakes cupcake bakery. “Hi, Ellie,” Mateo greeted her warmly.
“Ellie, it’s good to see you again,” Nora chimed in. She’d been to Little Cakes off and on for treats for herself and her staff.
“I brought you the last Blueberry Bliss cupcake of the day. Your opening has exploded all of our businesses today. I’m out of this flavor and three others. If all the store owners weren’t excited about having you here before, they are now,” Ellie said in her enthusiastic positive way that charmed everyone.
“I’ve run out of several things on my menu as well. Mom’s making one more batch of arroz con pollo. I’m sending her home before she can make any more,” Mateo said with a smile.
“That’s amazing,” Nora said, feeling herself grin. The shopping center was always bustling with happy customers for all the businesses. To know she’d attracted more business for everyone made her excited for the future.
“I’m going to put this in your fridge in the back if you’re okay with me going into the employee area?” Ellie asked.
“Of course, you’re fine. But I can take it back there,” Nora assured her.
“I want to go look at the cake decorating section of the store. A customer told me this morning that you have cupcake sprinkles. I need those,” Ellie said seriously.
“They’re back there. Check out the small malted milk balls. That would make a great flavor,” Nora suggested and laughed as Ellie’s eyes lit up even more.