Page 15 of Working For Her Sweet Treats
“The Forge Creek Renewal Celebration. It’s next Saturday at The Foundry.”
“I saw a flyer about that.”
The celebration is part community event, part business showcase, and part excuse for Forge Creek residents to gather somewhere with food and alcohol. Several renovated downtown properties will be open for tours during the afternoon, followed by live music and dinner at The Foundry.
Kayla nods. “We don’t have anything for the dessert table.”
“We don’t necessarily need cupcakes,” Kayla continues. “The committee wanted something local, and you’re the newest business downtown. I thought muffins, cinnamon rolls, dessert bars. Or whatever you do best.”
Everything. I do everything best.
That is not arrogance. It is the standard required when most of your savings, part of your divorce settlement, and every ounce of your pride are tied to your new bakery business.
“How many people?” I ask
“We’re expecting around one hundred and fifty, but attendance could reach two hundred.”
My pulse jumps. Loralee makes a quiet, delighted sound beside me. I ignore her.
“What quantity are you considering?”
“Maybe two hundred individual items? A mix would be great. We’d display some during the afternoon tours and bring out the rest after dinner.”
Two hundred pastries.
The largest single order I have filled since opening Sweet Treats is three dozen muffins for the elementary school office.
Two hundred items would mean multiple batches, extended prep hours, careful storage, transport, and a display large enough to make everything look intentional rather than stacked wherever it fits.
It would also place my bakery in front of half the town. Possibly more.
“When would you need delivery?” I ask.
“Some items by noon. The rest by five.”
“That’s manageable.”
Loralee coughs. I turn my head, glaring at her. She smiles innocently.
Kayla studies me. “You opened recently, right?”
“Eleven days ago.”
“And you can handle two hundred?”
“Yes.”
The answer comes out before caution can tackle it. I can handle it. I will handle it. There is no point opening a business if I am afraid to accept business.
Kayla’s smile widens. “Perfect. I’ll need to confirm the budget with the committee, but could you give me a proposal by tomorrow?”
“Absolutely.”
She pulls out her phone, and we exchange contact information. Then I take down the details I will need: approximate guest count, setup times, available table space, allergies, preferred flavors, and whether The Foundry can provide refrigeration.
The answer to that last question is not enough. They have one reach-in cooler in the kitchen, but it will already be crowded with event food. My own walk-in is large enough for normal bakery operations, not two hundred extra pastries.
That is a problem for later.
