Chapter 41: Let’s Celebrate!

Faye decided to rename the fundraising effort to save the bakery “Project Success” because she got to keep it. Due to the positive role that the community played, this party was not restricted for volunteers and financial supporters only; it was for all of Clovelly.

Faye and Rachel both baked for the party.

“You’ve come a long way, Miss Lady,” Arthur said to Rachel, who was busy making and baking cupcakes. “I’m impressed by you. You made all of this happen, “ Arthur tried to kiss her cheek, and she tried to resist him, but succumbed to his charms and forgave him.

“Okay, okay, enough of that. We’ve got a business to run,” Faye teased lovingly.

Rachel looked Arthur in the eye and gave him a smile and a wink.

“Can I lick the spoon?” Arthur asked playfully.

“This ain’t your grandma’s kitchen. Now get!” Faye shooed him out.

Once Faye and Rachel were alone, they had a conversation.

“Rachel. You have been a godsend. I never would’ve been able to save this place without you. When I made you my Assistant Manager, I only envisioned you opening and closing when I wasn’t available, counting down the cash register, and making deposits. Basic, typical assistant manager duties. But most of all, I needed you to become an expert at waiting on customers with kindness and accuracy. You took ownership of the role like a real entrepreneur, and for that, I am so grateful. For that reason, I’d like to offer you the position of Co-Manager with 49% ownership in the business. You are my sole heiress.”

Rachel was taken by surprise with that offer. She didn’t think she deserved it, but even so, quickly moved from making cupcakes to hugging Faye.

“I guess that means I can have my lawyer draw up the papers by the end of this week.”

“Absolutely!” Rachel said.

“Be patient with my godson, Honey. He’s a keeper deep down.”

Rachel smiled, then lowered her head in embarrassment. “Will do. Thanks for the reminder and the vote of confidence.”

“Tell me, how on earth did you come up with all of those ideas for the...our bakery? Did you look that up somewhere?”

“No, it was all me. It’s hard to describe, but I don’t think I would have had all of those ideas without having worked here.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, to be honest, I would have thought that Arthur’s work would have been enough. A hundred wealthy people giving a hundred dollars each, minimum, perhaps. Maybe we also would have gotten some change from well-wishers, and that would be all...”

Arthur came back in to the kitchen. “Go on...go on...I heard my name. Ladies don’t mind me, even if my ears are burning from you talking about me. I can take it.”

They all smiled and laughed. Then Beatrice came in.

“I’ve heard of ‘after-parties’ in those tabloids I get at the grocery, but ‘before-parties’, that’s new to me. It sounds like the before-party is in here. I left the volunteers in control of the front store area, in case anyone comes in before we kick things off.”

“We were just talking about Rachel’s creativity that was so instrumental to the bakery’s success and to our making a successful transition by stepping into the 21st century. I just made her my Co-Manager.”

“Congratulations,” Arthur and Beatrice said.

“Oh, I almost forgot, Honey,” Faye said, “There is a ‘penthouse suite’ above the bakery if you want a larger place. It’s really just a studio apartment. If you pay the utilities, it’s yours. I’ll also have my attorney draw up a lease to that effect with the rest of the paperwork. I told you I adopted you, girl.”

“Oh my...I don’t know what to say,” Rachel replied as tears started to well up in her eyes.

“Say ‘thank you’ and accept,” Faye insisted.

“Thank you!” Rachel exclaimed with happiness as tears of joy rolled down her cheeks.

They all hugged and then got to work baking the final goods for the party. They were a good team. Everyone had given their best and Clovelly was much richer for it.

“Perfect cupcakes, Honey,” Faye said to Rachel. “I’m super impressed.”

“Yeah, me too,” she replied, “When I first came here, the only thing I was qualified to do was eat baked goods, not make them.”

They all laughed because it was true.

“Now I not only know how to bake a dozen, but also I can whip up enough for the whole town.”

“And they’re delicious. Bite after wonderful bite,” Arthur chimed in, focusing his attention on her mouth.

“Hey, save some for tonight, Grandson.”

“They’re irresistible, just like the woman who made them,” he said, praising the Rachel he knew now. “She’s so very talented, you know?”

The kitchen was heating up and people were starting to arrive.

The partygoers were numerous and not just from Clovelly. The mayor had suggested making it a block party and closing off the streets to car traffic. People had the chance not only to celebrate the bakery’s success, but they could patronize the other businesses in the downtown area who came outdoors and onto the sidewalk for a true “Taste of Clovelly”.

“Success breeds success,” Faye said to Rachel, pulling her aside. “Just continue to know that without you, none of this would be possible. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

“You provided the foundation, Faye,” Rachel stated, slightly embarrassed by her compliments. “You welcomed me and gave me a chance and a job when no one else would have. I was a stranger to town. But you took the risk. You’ve been a strong manager and a kind, supportive friend. Your consistent encouragement and stability simply brought out the best in me. It was exactly what I needed. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

“But you had the vision and carried it out,” Faye stated. “That changed everything.”

At that point, Arthur returned. “Can I steal her away from you for a while?”

“Be my guest, Godson. Be good,” she said with a smile.

“I’ll do my best, but she’ll have to be the judge of that,” he replied.