I Only Have Pies for You (Pumpkin Spice Life 1)

“Thank you. So, I need you to cool it with Kasey. That’s water under the bridge, and I won’t have it messing up what I have going now.”

“This sounds serious.”

“I’d like it to be,” he admitted.

“Okay, if she comes trying to get back into your good graces again, I’ll let her down easy.”

“Thank you.” He exhaled.

“Now, about this new girl.”

“Nah.” He shook his head and laughed.

Chapter Four

Rosaleen

“It’s an exciting event, a new shop opening in Granville.”

“Thank you, I’m looking forward to being part of the community,” Rosaleen said, trying not to fidget as she spoke with Nicole, the local newscaster. One of the perks of living in a small town, a new business was big news for the local paper and news station, which was how she wound up in the studio at five o’clock in the morning.

Later, the paper would be stopping by to do an interview and photograph her and the staff cutting a pink ribbon in front of the store. Her stomach bubbled like a carbonated drink. Having the spotlight shone in her face was a new experience. It was one thing to talk about another’s work. When it as your own creation on the line, and your business, everything you said and did felt like it was under judgment.

Brushing her fingers over the embroidered pink rose on the sleeve of her crisp white chef’s coat, she grounded herself.

“Channel Five appreciates you making us a part of your big day.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you so much for having me.” Rosaleen smiled.

“Can you tell us a bit about For Cake’s Sake? Love the name by the way.”

“Thank you. I thought it was a bit tongue in cheek which represents what we’ll offer. In addition to comfort foods like pumpkin pie, snickerdoodles, and cakes with buttercream frosting, we also offer other elevated desserts and seasonal specials. We offer a wide variety of coffee, and I’ll be doing wine and dessert pairings on Saturdays. It’s perfect for a girls’ day out, bachelorette party, or a chance to try something new.”

“It sounds delicious. Chocolate lovers take note ... this is going to be the place to visit.”

“Did I mention for this weekend our first pairing will be free?” Rosaleen asked. She knew how to play the game. Free was the magic word that got people to listen, the rest was a matter of giving them something to spend their money on and to keep them coming back.

“Mark your calendars, ladies and gentleman. Now, the grand opening is today at seven o’clock?”

“Yes. We’ll be open bright and early with fresh pastries and coffee.”

“After the commercial break, Rosaleen is going to share some of her delicious baked goods with us.”

They smiled at the camera until the cameraman ga

ve them their cue.

“We can go and get set up now. I have to ask, why Granville?” Nicole asked.

Grateful for an activity to help distract her from her nerves, Rosaleen stood and followed her to the stage where a table was set up with the platter she’d brought. Carefully arranging the dishes, she continued their conversation.

“I was out here on vacation, and I saw the space for rent, and I knew it was where I wanted to be. The town’s charming, the people were friendly, and demographically speaking, it’s not overrun with people who do what I do. Indie owners can truly flourish here.”

Nicole nodded her head. “I could see that. People will love getting a taste of the big city without going there.”

“That’s my hope,” she admitted. “Personally, the slower pace has been refreshing. The city can burn you out after a while.”

Nicole nodded. “It’s one of the reasons I came home when the job opened here. I did my time working for a large channel in Chicago. The city lost its shine and charm after a few years. How are you enjoying the town so far?”