Colby’s pen flew over the page. “Sweetheart, you’re barely breaking even.”
“I never really noticed. Because I order what I use in the café, I wasn’t paying that close of attention. My accountant pays all the bills.”
“You said you had an appointment with your accountant; would you mind if I went with you?”
Lara sat back in her chair. Her first reaction was a big fatno. That was a gut reaction because of her family always wanting to step into her business. But this was Colby. She trusted him in more ways than one, and he ran his own successful business.
“I’m overstepping, forget it.”
“No.” Lara put her hand out to him.
“I don’t want you feeling uncomfortable.”
“I’ll admit it took me a minute, and my gut reaction was to say no.” She squeezed his fingers when he put them in hers. “Not because we have a relationship or anything like that, but because my family has tried to interfere with my business and tried to take things over more than once.”
“I want to help you; I also want to make sure you’re making money from catering to the club. Right now, I can tell that you need to raise your price.” He paused. “I’ll talk to Max.”
“No, thank you. I appreciate your help, but this is my business. I’ll talk to Max.”
“All right.” Colby grinned. “Now that you’ve decided to let your accountant weigh in, I think we’re done.” Colby pushed the paper and pen away, then drew her out of her chair. “We play.”
Chapter 12
“You look like you’re in shock,” Colby said as they left her accountant’s office Wednesday afternoon.
“I am.” The amounts her accountant threw out at them still bounced around in her head.
“I would think you’d be happy you’re doing so well.” Colby helped her into her car, then climbed behind the wheel.
“I am. I just didn’t expect...” She shook her head. “I knew the café was doing well, but notthatwell.”
“Your accountant agrees with me about what to charge the club.”
“Yes, but it seems like a lot. I’m mean I’m raising the price by forty percent.”
“I bet Max doesn’t even blink an eye at it.” Colby pulled up in front of her duplex.
“I hope you’re right.” She climbed out of her car and looked at him. “Are you coming in?”
“If you want me to.”
“Yes, I need to talk this out with someone.”
He guided her inside, and Lara poured them both something to drink and put some cookies on a plate.
“I never thought to ask, do you need to get back to your shop?” she asked.
“No. Kase and Issac can take care of the store for the rest of the day.”
“All right.” She put the file of papers from her accountant in front of her and opened it.
“My accountant suggested expanding, but I’m not sure how to do that without moving, and that would be a hassle.”
“I noticed the ice cream shop next to you is closing,” he said.
“Yes. The owner is up there in age. Mr. Torrino said his kids aren’t interested, and he wants to retire.”
“Does Mr. Torrino own the building?”
