Seasonal Storms: Autumn Downpours

By Steve Weatherspoon

Life is cyclical, no matter what we do to avoid it, change will always come. Just as storms are often frowned upon, most view change the same way. If you sit back and take the time to appreciate it, there's so much potential beauty in change. After nature has stood vibrant and radiant, it too will change.

Spring is full of anticipation and excitement for what is soon to come, it's showers come to provide the nutrients necessary to begin growth. Summer turns the excitement into a reality that can be experienced. It's rain nourishes the seeds and nutrients provided by spring. The Autumn change, is almost like the exhale of nature. The strong but calm colors, the temperature slowly decreases. It's a time to take stock of what was. To appreciate the memories created in the previous seasons and begin the process of putting things away for we know that winter is the season of silence. It's a time to make way for the new anticipation of the coming spring.

An Autumn Downpour comes to wash away those things that have yet to take hold and solidify their place. To remove those items weakened by the previous storms. Those things that last, show how much resiliency and resolve they've built, they refuse to be moved. There's always growth in change but sometimes things grow apart. Something we thought would last a lifetime, unfortunately, will only last a season. Jaron and Makayla now find themselves at this very space in their season together. Is it time now for them to grow apart or have they built a strong enough foundation to weather the coming storm.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798889602323

Book preview

cover.jpg

Seasonal Storms

Autumn Downpours

Steve Weatherspoon

Copyright © 2023 Steve Weatherspoon

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2023

ISBN 978-1-6624-8506-0 (pbk)

ISBN 979-8-88793-907-0 (hc)

ISBN 978-1-6624-8508-4 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

About the Author

To all those who have helped support me through the storms that life has gifted me with. I appreciate you more than you know.

Chapter 1

MaKayla had just finished putting on clothes to sleep in, her mind moving at a rapid, almost frantic rate. I wonder if I should've done that. Maybe he's asleep. I mean, it is somewhat late. What if he thinks it's someone who has the wrong number? He doesn't have my number to know it's me. Maybe I should text again to let him know it's me, but it's already been about twenty minutes. That may seem like a bit too much. I'm sure he's asleep, and texting again might wake him up. Why did I listen to Liyah? I know she just wanted to help, but now I'm all over the place. I need to calm down and relax. Her mind was chaotic, and she couldn't figure out why she was so nervous about sending a simple text. I mean, what's the worst that could happen? she thought. She shook her head; the options she was coming up with weren't the best to have floating around her mind right then. Her body had become rather warm, and she felt tense. She closed her eyes and took some deep breaths. It's going to be alright, she repeated softly aloud.

Just then, her phone vibrated. She froze, holding her breath. She exhaled and picked up the phone. She closed her eyes and took one more deep breath. Here goes nothing, she thought as she opened her eyes and opened the message. She let out a laugh as she read the text. It was a message from Liyah letting her know that she was home and how excited for her she was because she was going to have a boo. MaKayla smiled, shaking her head and began responding to Liyah.

*****

Jaron had just taken his garbage to the kitchen and straightened up a little bit before calling it a night. He climbed in bed and grabbed the remote, turning off the TV. There was a small slice of moonlight that slid across the ceiling through the curtains. He stared at it, hands folded behind his head as he lay on his back. He tried to clear his mind so that he could fall asleep.

He caught a blinking light from the corner of his eye. At first, he didn't think anything of it, just a mixture of his imagination and the moonlight, his eyes settling into the darkness. Then he saw it again and turned toward his nightstand. The light was coming from his phone, letting him know he had a notification.

He grabbed his phone assuming it was an email or some social media notification. When he turned on the screen, he saw that he had a text message. He didn't recognize the number. It simply said, Hey. Maybe it's a wrong number, he thought and hesitated to respond. After a few moments of contemplating what to say, he responded the same way, Hey. After pressing send and setting his phone down, it hit him. What if it's MaKayla? He felt himself begin to get hot, and his heart sped up. I probably shouldn't get my hopes up like that. It's late. I'm sure she's asleep, and it's just a wrong number.

*****

MaKayla climbed in bed, smiling at her phone as she read Liyah's latest message. She shook her head and pulled up the covers as her phone vibrated again. She turned on the phone anticipating more silliness from Liyah but saw the message Hey instead. She felt her breath freeze in her lungs, her pulse quickened, and her stomach sank. She was nervous all over again, but now, she was even more excited. She hadn't thought of what to say if he responded. She sat up in the bed, placing her pillows behind her and leaned against the headboard. Then thought for a moment, thinking of the best way to proceed. She responded, a look of satisfaction on her face as she reread the message she'd sent.

I apologize for texting you so late. I hope I didn't wake you.

Then she eagerly waited. Her nerves had turned into pure excitement; she did her best not to allow her thoughts to roam and become too grandiose. She didn't want to get too far ahead of herself. Then his response came.

No, it's fine. I wasn't sleep. How are you?

I'm alright, just winding down for the night, decompressing from the day. What about you?

Same here. It's been a rather eventful week for me, being that it's only Tuesday.

How so, if you don't mind me asking.

Jaron still wasn't sure who he was texting but figured he'd just answer neutrally, not as if he was talking to MaKayla. He really hoped he was, although he too was doing his best to not get too excited. I've thought about doing this for what seems like an eternity, and now hopefully it's actually happening, he thought. He calmed his thoughts and began replying.

Well, things are pretty hectic at work but in a good way. There's a business deal that I'm working on that's going to be huge for the future of my company. So we're really trying to hash out all the potential flaws. Then our internship program is getting ready to be underway for the year. We also have some new products and ideas we're working on as well. I had a much-needed conversation with my mom yesterday. Then today I went out on a limb and broke the ice with this woman I've been admiring from afar for a while. I'm not too sure she was receptive, but I'm really hoping she was. Don't like putting people in compromising positions.

After reading through his messages, MaKayla got excited. It's happening, she thought, we're really talking. I hope this isn't another dream. Then a smile rose on her face as she realized that he didn't know that it was her texting him. She laughed a little like she was playing a virtual game of hide-and-seek and had a pretty good hiding spot, although it was in plain sight. She figured she'd just go with it.

Man, it sounds like you're pretty busy at work. Is that stressful or overwhelming?

It has its days where it's trying, but I have an amazing team, so it never becomes overwhelming. Just a challenge at times, but we're always up for the test, swt.

He replied with a smiley-face emoji.

That's always good to have a good support system, especially if you have your own business.

Yeah, I agree and they help make it more worthwhile for me.

So you have a pretty good relationship with your mom, I'm assuming.

MaKayla smiled remembering how he told her that he talked to his mom about her.

Yeah, we're really close. I don't know where I'd be without her.

What about you?

Me and my mom are really close too, but I've been slacking with my communication somewhat lately.

Why is that? If I may ask, I don't mean to pry. I'm just wondering if something's wrong?

I wouldn't say that. I'm just trying to find balance that's all. Between work, school, and my internship. I've found it a little more difficult than I thought it would be to find time for other things. Plus, it doesn't help that she's not here.

Oh, where is she?

She's back home, in North Carolina.

Oh, that must be hard to be that far away from her.

Yeah, it is, but I'm managing pretty well. I just have to focus and plan a little more.

I'm sure you'll get it. If you've made it this far, you'll figure out how to go even further swt.

Now as you said, I don't mean to pry, but you said there was a woman with whom you just broke the ice with. Was there a reason why you waited to do that?

She smiled once again, feeling like she was incognito on a reconnaissance mission and doing quite well gaining necessary intel.

Well, I really didn't know how to approach her. She just seemed out of my league, if I'm going to be honest. She's so beautiful to me, not like the made-up, fake beauty, but the genuine, real beauty. It looks so effortless, I mean, she's in work clothes and looks amazing. Her voice is so melodic I could just listen to it forever and never get tired. And her eyes, her eyes should be illegal. I mean, they're captivating. They're this deep honey-brown, and I just know they see deep into my soul. I know she can see all my cracks and flaws. I get lost in them. I mean, it's only been a few seconds here or there, but it feels like days, not in a bad way though, in the best way. Her eyes are the vacation I want to take every day. I always imagined she was smart. You know, like too smart for me. Today, I saw her studying. I think it was something dealing with business, and I no longer had to imagine. I just knew it. I could feel it, like her energy was speaking to me, drawing me in, and I was helpless to it. She just seems perfect to me, and I know no one's perfect, but I'm sure her imperfections are the very things that set her apart from everyone else, in the best of ways. After I talked to her, I feel like…how can someone not have made her their queen already? I can't see anyway someone would let her go. So yeah, I felt like I didn't stand a chance, and honestly, I still feel like I don't. I apologize. I didn't mean to go off on a tangent like that. It's just what happens in my mind when I think about her.

Jaron pressed send and began smiling. Although he didn't know for sure, he hoped he was texting MaKayla. Just typing those things and thinking about her made his desire for her even stronger. It also brought about a sense of relief. He'd wanted to say so much and still did. Being able to tell her that felt like he'd just sat down a bag he'd been carrying for far too long.

MaKayla had the biggest smile on her face. She read the message over and over, imagining his voice saying those words. Then she closed her eyes, exhaled, and hugged the phone. She read the message once more and began replying.

Well, she definitely sounds like a wonderful person, and it's amazing that you gained all of that about her without even talking to her. She's a lucky woman to have someone see her that way. If what you say is true, I'm sure you have a chance.

After pressing send, MaKayla thought about texting Liyah but decided against it, still didn't want to get too ahead of herself. Instead, she made herself more comfortable and lay in bed, waiting for his response.

Jaron lay there thinking of what to say next. After a few minutes, he figured he'd go for it.

Thank you for that, and I don't mean to be rude, but I don't have your name stored in my phone. I know it might be a little weird that I've been texting you this whole time without knowing who you are. I thought I'd pick up on it through conversation, but I haven't. You think you could help me out?

He waited, his heart beating fast, his mind racing. He finally sat up and exhaled, calming himself.

MaKayla considered continuing the charade but decided against it. She exhaled and smiled, then typed.

This is MaKayla.

Yes, he said softly, closing his eyes and taking in the moment. He opened his eyes and looked at the ceiling, finding that slice of moonlight that seemed to be drawing nearer to him. Perhaps it was intrigued by this situation and was also eager to see what would happen next. He thought through a smile. He didn't really know how to respond. After a few moments, he replied.

So how long were you going to go on without telling me who you were, swt?

I hadn't thought about it actually. I wasn't sure if you'd know, and we were having a good conversation, so I just went with it.

I hoped it was you, but I wasn't sure. It's nice to finally talk/text with you.

He considered writing more; there was so much he wanted to say but figured it was too soon to go down that path.

I agree. I don't know why you waited so long.

She responded with a smiley-face emoji.

I would have loved to talk to you countless times before now, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I was afraid you'd reject me, I guess.

You're a very nice guy, and at the very least, we would've had a nice conversation. Just like we're doing right now.

Well, good things come to those who wait, swt.

So which one of us is getting the good thing?

I like to think this is mutually good for us both. What do you think?

I would like to think the same thing.

Why are you still up, not that I'm complaining. I'm glad we're texting, but shouldn't you be sleeping?

Well, I've been contemplating if I'd talk to you since you left, to be honest. After talking it over with Liyah, she's my best friend, well, sister, in case you didn't pick up on that. She helped me make my choice, and thinking about it once I got home, I figured I'd better do it before I changed my mind.

Well, can you thank Liyah for me? I appreciate her thinking enough of me.

LOL, nope, can't do that. I'll never hear the end of it. Her head's big enough as it is, LOL, but I'm glad she gave me that extra push. I don't know why, but I feel relieved that I texted you. To answer your initial question, yes, I'm normally going to sleep at this time, but my mind wouldn't have let me rest if I hadn't texted you.

Jaron smiled reading the text.

I'm glad you texted me and that you're relieved. You made the right decision, swt. Do you have a busy day tomorrow?

Somewhat, I don't have class until 9:30, but after that, it's a full day at the café.

Is that your schedule for the remainder of the week, or is that your regular schedule?

No, it changes all the time. I have great professors who work extremely well with me. I do my internship at the café, so I'm there a lot. So like Thursday, I have another full day. My class starts at 8, and I have 2 more after that. Then internship and close at the café. Friday, similar but only my 8 o'clock and one other class. I have an hour break in between those classes. I usually just study or eat a snack. What about you? Do you have a busy week with everything you said that you have going on?

Yeah, I have meetings for the rest of the week in and out of the office, conference calls, and vendor on-site meetings. I actually have one tomorrow at 9.

Well, it would seem like we should both be pretty busy this week.

Yeah, it's kind of my norm, as it seems like it is for you.

After reading the message, MaKayla got sad. She thought back on how she told Liyah she didn't think she had time to get to know anyone, and reading that only made it seem even more of a reality. She got another message before she could respond.

But I always have my phone, so you can text me whenever you get some free time. I know it may not be much, but something is better than nothing with me. I understand how complicated it is juggling all those things. Trust me, I've been there. But if you ever get some downtime, just shoot me a text. I'll respond as soon as I can, if you want of course.

MaKayla smiled. It wasn't ideal, but she could see that he was trying, offering solutions even before she said something will be a problem. She replied.

Yeah, I'll do that. You're more than welcome to do the same, but my response time may not be as quick as yours.

He replied.

I'll keep that in mind, swt. I'm going to let you get some rest. I wouldn't want you to be tired when you have class in the morning.

She replied.

Yeah, you're probably right, but you should be getting some rest too. You have a busy week to get ready for.

He replied with a smiley-face emoji.

I'll do my best. Sleep doesn't come easy to me, but I'll close my eyes in hopes that I'll see you in my dreams, swt.

MaKayla closed her eyes and exhaled, trying to fully take in what was happening and how it was happening. She pushed away the thoughts of fear and not being ready; she just wanted to be in that moment, to fully embrace and enjoy it. Her phone buzzed again, pulling her out of her thoughts.

I hope I didn't overstep with that last text. I just don't want to take this opportunity for granted. I know it's early, but I know I like you. I'm not pushing for the same in return, but I don't want to keep my feelings to myself. If I do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable in any way, please let me know because it's not at all my intention. It may sound creepy or weird, but I've imagined this for a very long time, but I don't want to rush anything, even a friendship. My ultimate goal is to be the best guy that I can be in your life. Whatever comes from that, I'll take it, but I want to enjoy every moment because I don't know how long this will last. Will you allow me the luxury of enjoying these moments with you?

MaKayla sat up and stared at the phone. She felt like she had to be cautious. She wanted to enjoy the moment but was also afraid to get caught up in it and allow it to get out of her control. She began thinking of Kaleb and all the sweet things he used to say. Then she thought of Liyah and how she reminded her that Jaron had already been putting actions to his words. She exhaled once more and began typing, adding a smiley-face and queen emoji at the end.

Look, Jaron, you seem like a really nice guy, but I must admit that I have my reservations. I can't tell you that I'm looking for anything right now because I have so much going on. I am willing to meet you where you are as long as there are no expectations of what this will become. I would like to accept your proposal of enjoying these moments together and afford you the luxury of enjoying them with me.

I said that last part with a British royalty accent by the way.

Jaron smiled coming to the end of the message. A sense of humor, he thought, I like that. He replied with a smiley-face and a man-bowing emoji.

I can accept that, and as much as I'd love for those moments to continue right now, I'm going to exercise some self-control and allow you to go to sleep. I bid you adieu. I said that in a French accent by the way, swt.

Yeah, LOL, I agree WE should be getting some sleep. I'll ttyt?

I'll do my best to get some sleep, and of course, I'll text you in the morning.

Okay, good night.

Good night, sweet dreams, swt.

Wait, one other thing.

What's up?

You say swt quite often. Is that short for sweetie or something?

Jaron let out a soft laugh. He hadn't realized how often he'd used it and forgot she probably didn't know what it meant. He shook his head and began typing.

No, swt. I'm rarely laughing out loud, so LOL isn't the most accurate acronym for me to use. So I say swt, or smiling while texting…swt.

MaKayla smiled.

I like that and quite accurate. I think I'll use it if you don't mind, swt.

Seeing those words from her put an even bigger smile on his face.

It'd be my pleasure, swt, but get some rest now.

She responded.

I will, I will, swt.

MaKayla lay there rereading their conversation. It didn't take her long before she was fast asleep. The day had taken a lot out of her emotionally, and that drained her physically.

Jaron, on the other hand, was up for at least another hour. He couldn't focus his mind. He was thinking of MaKayla, of the week and all he had to do, his dad, and the conversation he had with Shannon. There really wasn't much of anything that wasn't on his mind. In the end, he decided to just think about her, all that was, everything that is, and the potential of what could be. He fell asleep thinking of how her voice sounded and allowed her name to dance around in his mind.

Jaron woke several hours later and went to get water, stretched, and laid back down. Things are coming together, Dad. It won't be long now. You'll see, he thought. He pulled up the covers and stared at the wall. I know you're still with us. I know you wouldn't leave us, and I'm sorry I was upset with you. He closed his eyes, feeling the emotions getting the best of him. When he opened his eyes again, it was six thirty-seven. No need in trying to go back to sleep now. I might as well get up and get this day started.

He threw the covers back and turned on the TV, went into his closet, and picked out clothes for the day. Since he would start the day out of the office, he went more business casual than a suit. He called and left a voice mail for Tina, as he usually did when he wouldn't be in the office, giving minor instructions and informing her to let him know if he had any important calls. Then he started the shower and turned on a playlist. After brushing his teeth, he got in and got lost in the music. He felt refreshed and excited for what the day would hold. He picked up his phone and considered what to text MaKayla. Although his emotions were running high, he didn't want to start things off too emotional. Instead, he went with what he felt was a bit more simple.

Good morning, I hope you were able to get some rest and your day starts off as amazingly as you are.

After pressing send, he made his way to the kitchen and decided on cereal for breakfast. He took his cereal back into his room and started getting dressed while watching SportsCenter. Seeing that the basketball season was coming to an end reminded him that they needed to catch a game before it was over. Picking up his phone, he texted a message to the guys.

Gotta catch one of these games before the season's over. Let's put something together soon.

He was out the door about thirty minutes later. He knew he'd be early but always felt he needed to be early when doing business outside the office. The weather was nice, and a cool, gentle breeze brushed across him as he sat his things in the car. Looking up at the sky, he noticed the large billowing clouds that rolled across them. They weren't dark or gray, but these were the cotton white clouds. Even looking at them, he smiled thinking, They're probably as soft as pillows. He got into the car, put on the playlist he'd already been listening to, and made his way down the street.

Chapter 2

MaKayla awoke to the sun streaming into her room. She rolled over looking for her phone in a somewhat frantic mood. She thought she'd overslept because she hadn't heard her alarm. After tossing the covers around, she found her phone. She'd forgotten to put it on the charger after she and Jaron finished texting, and she reread the messages. It was 7:02 am. She let out a sigh of relief; she'd actually woken up almost thirty minutes early.

I can get in a nice jog and still have time to get ready for my day, she thought. I'll have to leave my phone here. It's almost dead, so I'll let it charge while I'm gone. She got up and put her phone on the charger and did a quick change into clothes she could jog in.

The day was beautiful. The sky was light blue with big white clouds floating along. Spring was in full force; trees, grass, flowers—all in full bloom. It reminded her of a scene from a kids' movie. She took her new route through the park. There were a lot of people there, but it didn't feel crowded. It made her happy. Spring symbolized a fresh start, a rebirth of nature, new life. She thought about Jaron as she made her way past an older couple sitting on the bench feeding birds.

Perhaps that's what he is for me, a fresh start, she thought. I wonder if he's awake too. I know his meeting wasn't this early, but I'm sure he is. Is he thinking about me, like I'm thinking about him? She shook her head and smiled, as she rounded the corner taking her out of the park and back toward her house. Don't get ahead of yourself, one moment at a time.

When she got back home, she went right into the shower. MaKayla didn't turn on music or anything. She decided to sort through her thoughts so that she could have a clear mind for class. MaKayla dried off and wrapped herself in her towel. In the kitchen, she put two cinnamon raisin bagels in the toaster and started the kettle for tea. She went back into her room and picked clothes for the day. Not long after, the kettle started going off, so she went in and turned off the fire. The bagels were done, so she grabbed them and put them on a plate, grabbing the cream cheese and butter knife. She went back into her room. She grabbed her phone to make sure her cab was confirmed.

There were two messages in her message box. After calling the cab company to confirm, she checked the messages. The first was from Liyah, just a simple good morning message and telling her to have a good day. MaKayla smiled and responded to the message. She looked at the number for the other message and didn't recognize it.

She opened it, read the message, and immediately felt an unfamiliar sensation flow over her. She forgot that she'd never saved Jaron's number last night. She didn't expect to have such a sweet message from him. It caught her off guard but in the best way. She thought of the perfect response, but nothing immediately came to mind. It all felt too cheesy.

She sat her phone down and took a bite of her bagel while continuing to get dressed. She smiled and picked up her phone to respond.

Good morning, to you as well and thanks for asking. I did get some rest, even woke up before my alarm. I think I'll have an even better day after getting this most pleasant surprise this morning. Have a good productive day, and I hope your meeting goes well.

I could get used to this, she thought. She finished getting ready while eating and thinking about the day. She poured her tea into a thermos and went to get into the cab.

*****

Jaron arrived at his meeting at eight thirty. It was a new local grocery store that also had a pharmacy. These were Jaron's favorite people to work with. They understood the importance of the connection between community and business, one that he felt embodied what his business represented. He grabbed his phone and suitcase. Then he turned on the phone to check the time and messages.

There was one from Tina, a picture of her doing a salute and the words aye, aye, Captain underneath it. He smiled, shaking his head. Then there were a few responses in the message he'd sent about the game. Most were confirmations that they were on board and a few back and forth, still trash talking about the game they all played together. He laughed and got out of the car. He opened the last one, which was from MaKayla, although it was the first name he saw when he opened his messages. He wanted to save the best for last.

The sun felt good on his face, and reading her message made him feel even better. He opened the door to the store, which wasn't fully operational just yet. He asked for Mr. or Mrs. Nelson and informed the lady that his name was Jaron Coleman and he had a meeting with them. While he waited, he thought about responding to MaKayla, but he decided against it. He knew things were fresh and didn't want to come on too strong. Instead, he began scrolling back through their conversation from the previous night.

Hello, Mr. Coleman came an upbeat man's voice before he could begin reading.

Oh, hello, Mr. Nelson, how are you?

Not too bad, not too bad. Come on, let's go to my office. Mr. Nelson was an average-height African American man with broad shoulders and completely bald head. He looked like the prototypical linebacker by the shoulders. He was about ten years older than Jaron, but you couldn't tell it by his face. Similar to Jaron, he started his company with his father who was still the co-CEO.

They'd planned on doing business with Jaron and his father before his dad passed away. Jaron had just recently reached back out to see the potential of getting something back in the works again. He'd had several preliminary meetings with them—Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, as well as Mr. Nelson's father. Things had begun to start getting more serious lately to the point that they had a preliminary contract, but it hadn't been signed as the details weren't final.

Will Mrs. Nelson be joining us today? asked Jaron, taking a seat and pulling out his laptop.

Not today, routine checkup for the twins. So while she's taking care of business there, I'm on the job here.

Sounds like good teamwork to me.

Yeah, I don't know what I'd do without her. She definitely helps me keep this going.

Jaron began to think of MaKayla, imagining being able to depend on her in that same way in the future. He didn't allow himself to drift too long, just long enough to pull up his product list. I can only imagine, the prototypical partnership.

That is true. We're partners, friends, companions, you name it, and that's us, replied Mr. Nelson, smiling.

Jaron decided to jump right into the details they'd come to discuss. He figured if they continued any longer along their current path, he'd end up talking about Makayla, and that wouldn't be professional, as much as he'd liked to do it.

Okay, so if you'll look here, I have a list of our products and the bulk pricing packages. This, of course, will be sent to you as we discussed in our previous meeting. If we make this a partnership, then we have introductory vendor discounts for the first three to six months. The longevity discounts you'd receive as well.

Longevity discounts? asked Mr. Nelson curiously.

Yes, pretty much. The longer we're doing business together, the better pricing we attempt to give you.

That's new. I've never heard of that before.

Well, we pride ourselves on being different from the industry norm. I know how it is to run a business, especially when you're first starting and helping out a community. So my business really tries to help make that simpler when we can.

I like the way that sounds.

After talking things over with my dad and my wife, I do have several questions.

Jaron sat back. Okay, what would you like to know?

Okay, so obviously we've done business with other suppliers before, some productive, some not so much. I'm curious as to the consistency we'd be receiving from your company.

Consistency in what way? Do you mean the consistency of quality from our products?

No not at all, I mean this, said Mr. Nelson, pointing at Jaron.

You mean me? What's your concern about my consistency?

For one, I know you have to be front and center to close deals, but who do we talk to if we decide to use your company? The level of attention and interest you show is admirable, but this can't be an all-the-time thing.

Jaron sat up and smiled. I can assure you it is. We have a database where you'd place your orders, but I have a department that reviews all orders and reports to me. If there's any issues, concerns, or anything, you'd speak directly to me unless we coordinate otherwise. I'm very hands-on with the company, and I pride myself on relationship building with the individuals or companies that we do business with.

So how can I trust that with so much weight on your shoulders, we won't be the piece that tips the scale?

Although I carry an immense amount of weight on my shoulders, I have a superb, very capable team that supports me. Do I make mistakes and miss things? Yes, I do. However, I have no issue rectifying the situation to the best of my ability. As I said, I pride myself on relationship building, and a relationship will fail if there's no trust. You're trusting an aspect of your livelihood and reputation on my ability to hold up my end of the deal, which means I have a reputation that I too am putting at stake and my livelihood as well. I would never risk either of our reputations or livelihoods. I'd prefer to make them better if I could. I can assure you that if I were taking on too much, I have a more than capable team to delegate to, and I use them as needed. Trust me, Mr. Nelson, this store will be in good hands with our company.

I respect that, and I love what I'm hearing, so I'm going to be honest with you. I've had several other meetings with other suppliers, and you're last on the list. The other suppliers do appear to have a larger infrastructure, but I know that's not always a good thing. So after talking to my wife and dad, we'd like to use your company, but there may be an issue.

What are you thinking the issue could be?

We not only want you to supply this store, but instead, we'd like you to supply all twenty locations.

Jaron sat quietly. This was the second time this week that a business proposition was better than he'd anticipated.

Mr. Coleman? said Mr. Nelson after several seconds of silence.

Oh, I apologize. You caught me off guard. I wasn't expecting that. Okay—Jaron sat up and began typing—let's go through this as if we were already in business together so that I can provide you with the most precise information.

Okay, that sounds good to me.

Alright, so when would you like the first shipment of our products to be delivered?

All stores, no later than the first Friday of next month.

So that would give us about a month to have all your locations fully stocked.

Yes, that's when we have the grand opening here.

Alright, will you be looking at full, half, or quarter shipments for the first run? I only ask because I'm going to have to run the numbers past my guys in production to ensure we can properly handle the immediate influx.

Right now, I'd say full shipments.

Jaron sat quietly, typing and clicking items on his laptop. After a few minutes, he said, sitting back from his laptop, Well, Mr. Nelson, to be honest, this is a tall task for my company, just thinking off the top of my head—twenty added locations, with full shipments in a month's time—that could be tight. However, I'm sure we can manage it. I'll get on it as soon as I get back to the office today. Get my production guys in and come up with a plan of action to make this happen for you. If you could give me until, let's say, the end of next week for me to confirm all details, I'd be able to give you a definite yes or no.

This time, it was Mr. Nelson who was quiet. Mr. Nelson sat up and extended his hand. Jaron took it.

I'll tell you what, you email me the product list, and I'll place my order and send you all the store locations by this Friday. You let me know by next Friday how much you can cover, and we'll go from there.

I'm sorry, but are you saying we got the contract?

Mr. Nelson chuckled. That's exactly what I'm saying, Mr. Coleman. You know my father always spoke highly of you and your father. He said you reminded him of me when we first started, and your father always spoke glowingly of you. Now I'm able to see what it is they were talking about firsthand—your honesty, not just blindly saying you could do something for the sake of landing a contract. You just showed that your word is true. Telling me you'll have to talk with your production team shows you use your employees. Getting right to work with no guarantee that you'd be compensated in any way for your work, then reassuring me that your company could handle it, you're the type of person we want to be in business with.

Jaron smiled, shaking his hand. Thank you so much. I appreciate the opportunity and confidence in my company. I'll have the contract updated and faxed back today, if that works for you, responded Jaron. After you look it over and make sure it all looks good, then I'll have them add the store locations once you send them on Friday. I'll sign it and have it sent back to you.

It sounds like we're in business, Mr. Coleman.

I can honestly say I didn't see this being the ending of this meeting, but I'm more than happy it is.

They talked a little more as Mr. Nelson showed Jaron around the store. They went through the pharmacy aisle and discussed layout and product placement. Then Mr. Nelson walked Jaron to the door, shaking hands before he left.

Jaron was all smiles as he made his way to the car. There were more people outside now. The streets were very much alive. His mind instantly went to Makayla; he wanted to share the good news with her. He wasn't too sure why. They'd only had a text conversation the night before, but he'd dreamed of days like this and having someone to share it with. He figured, Why not start now. He pulled out his phone, 11:02 am, typing:

Seems like you may be my good luck charm. The meeting went amazingly, even better than I could've expected. Thanks for sending good vibes my way. I hope your day is just as good.

He pressed send and made his way to the office.

*****

After her class, MaKayla made her way to the café. The weather reflected her mood—sunny, bright, clear. Things were good, and she wanted the day to continue that way. Before she entered the café, she could see that it was already busy. Mr. Stacy threw her a warm and inviting smile, but he looked exhausted.

Man, am I happy to see you, he said as he made his way into the back room. Tables 10 and 12 would like no mushrooms in those omelets. Sorry, Cliff, they just changed it on me.

It's alright. I'm just about to start them came the man's voice from the kitchen.

We've had two call-offs from the morning shift, so I'm giving them a hand with the tables, said Mr. Stacy, taking a seat and letting out a sigh of relief.

Alright, I'll start early today. Looks like you could use an extra pair of hands. How many tables are you currently waiting?

I've got ten and twelve. I just seated four and seven.

Well, you finish off ten and twelve. I'll let four and seven know that I'll be taking care of them going forward. Let me know when any new dine-in customers come in, and I'll take them. I should be able to carry at least five tables. You can finish your two tables and handle carryout orders and seating arrangements, at least until—MaKayla paused looking at the schedule—good McKinley comes in at eleven thirty. We'll be able to weather the storm until then. Mark and Jen, come in at one. We'll be okay.

Mr. Stacy started smiling. See, this is what I meant yesterday. You come right in problem solving and delegating responsibilities. Seems like you're the boss, and I'm new on the job.

Well, I had a good teacher, she said, gently elbowing him. "Give me about five minutes to change, and I'll be good to go. Let Jacob and Trish know that I've got