Chapter 13

13

R y drove to Lost Creek Winery, eager for the meeting which lay ahead. The past two weeks had been good ones for him. He was settling into Lost Creek, jogging several mornings a week with Dax. He had also gone with Dax, Holden, and Braden to watch a Rangers baseball game at Hill Country Hangout, the town's local sports bar. Two more Wednesday friends' dinners had come and gone, where Finley had cooked a pot roast with all the trimmings one week and Braden had made chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole the next.

He had also worked three different weddings with Emerson's help. Already, they had a shorthand they used between them, words often unnecessary. Ry had taken over the catering end of Blackwood BBQ's business, totally in charge of smoking all meats needed for the three wedding receptions. Carlos and Jose had done a terrific job preparing the sides. While Carlos had volunteered to come work at the winery during the receptions, Ry had given the hardworking employee a pass, saying he would handle things with Emerson's help.

He looked forward to today's meeting with Harper, Ivy, and Finley. Ry had already met separately with Harper, and they had decided which entrées to add to the catering menu available to brides who used Blackwood BBQ. While Harper had liked everything he'd prepared for the group to taste, they looked at time prep and cost effectiveness, settling on an additional three main courses with an Asian flair. These would also include the sides he had made, which went well with the newer cuisine offerings.

Pulling up at the event center, Ry crossed the bridge over the creek which ran through the vineyard and entered the building. He spied Emerson and Ivy already seated at a table and joined them. Finley appeared with a tray of cups and a coffee urn. She poured coffee for everyone and took a seat as Harper arrived.

"I know we're here to talk today in part about the Blackwood BBQ website," Ry began. "Mom told me that she had to practically pull teeth to get Dad to agree to have one, and he never looks at it. She's given us carte blanche to revise it however we choose."

Ivy already had it called up on her tablet and turned the screen so everyone could see the website.

"This is pathetic," Ivy said, causing the others to chuckle. "The only picture is the header, which is a picture of the restaurant itself on Main Street. And a dated one at that. We need to jazz this up in so many ways, Ry."

"I agree. I think we should have tabs for the menu. Catering. Pictures of all items which are available at the restaurant. I'd also like to see pictures of all our employees, as well."

"You read my mind," Ivy said, smiling. "I also think on the catering page that we need to generate a box where people can submit inquiries. I can set up a business email account for you so those could go directly to you."

"It all sounds good to me."

He mentioned which of the new dishes would be offered for wedding receptions and other parties held at the winery's event center. Each of the women agreed those would be the best choices, with Emerson saying she thought they would grow in popularity as word of mouth spread.

"You might even want to have a tab with testimonials on it," Emerson continued. "Or that could even be on the Weddings with Hart website. I think you should include catering tabs on your website, Harper, or at least links that would take people to Blackwood BBQ, The Bake House, and Finley's photography studio."

"Good idea," Harper seconded, looking to her sister. "Ivy, could you handle those updates?"

Ivy made a note. "Got it." She looked at Finley. "What about photographing Ry's dishes? Especially the new ones he's created. People need to see what the food looks like before they commit. Of course, I know Ry will start offering tastings of various barbeques, just as Emerson does for cake choices."

Finley opened her calendar. "I'm really starting to book up with senior portraits. I know it's only mid-July, but school starts in a little over a month. Seniors are wanting to get those photos made before starting classes."

She turned to Ry, pushing her calendar toward him. "I've got a few open pockets the next couple of days. Check and see if any of these might work for you."

He glanced at tomorrow and saw she had open from eleven to twelve and three-thirty to four-thirty. Picking up his pen, he wrote his name in both slots.

"This first one, meet me at Blackwood BBQ. We can get pictures of all the traditional barbeque dishes we serve for the home page and the menu page. Come to my parents' house for the later slot. They won't be home all day, so I can spread out in the kitchen and have at least some of the dishes ready to be photographed."

"That sounds good," Finley said. "Can I also pencil you in for three days from now? I have another time open from nine-thirty to eleven. Maybe we could finish up and capture everything that hasn't been shot up to that point and see if you need additional time or photographs after that."

Ry made a note of all three times in his phone. "I think we're good to go."

Harper said, "I need to bring up one more issue with you, Ry. I've lost two clients over it, and I had to pinch hit to save the third from walking by calling in Rob Owens at Hill Country Hangout to bring his food truck over to bail me out."

"What are you talking about?" Ry asked.

"It's become the norm for appetizers to be served after a wedding while the wedding party has photos made. Your dad wasn't willing to get out of his comfort zone. He refused to offer any apps. Up until now, brides have simply gone with it, but as I said, two balked and decided to book a different venue over that one issue. Would you be willing to cater apps as well as entrées for the receptions?"

"Absolutely," he responded. "Neither of us should lose business over such a small issue."

As a group, they batted around different ideas for the apps. Emerson even mentioned doing a small puff pastry cup filled with brisket, an idea they all fell in love with.

"Let me refine the ideas we've talked about, Harper," he said. "I'll get in the kitchen and whip up the apps for Finley to photograph, along with everything else. Ivy can then list these on the website."

"The sooner, the better, Ry." Harper told him. "Thank you for being so flexible. You've already done a fantastic job for the three weddings you've catered. Guests were really bragging about how tender the brisket and pulled pork were."

He glanced to Emerson. "I have to give my comrade in arms here a shoutout. Emerson knows how to work quickly and efficiently. Thanks to her —and your assistants delivering the meals —we really have a nice operation set up."

Harper rose. "I think my part is over. I've got to go and meet some new clients now. We'll be finalizing a few things, and then I'll send them here to talk cakes and catering."

Finley also came to her feet. "I've got everything I need, too. I'll see you tomorrow morning, Ry."

The two women left the building, and Ivy said, "Let me show you a few templates I'm thinking about using, Ry."

They spent ten minutes looking at various layouts for the updated website, including fonts. Ivy was able to download the font Blackwood BBQ had used for many years.

"This is your signature brand," Ivy said, "so I don't want to alter it. I do want to bring some color and life to the website, however. I really like the idea of you including the employees. It will mean a lot to them to receive recognition. Once I get the pictures of food from Finley and write the copy, I can show you the pages I've built. As far as employee pictures go, I think it would be more interesting to show them in action, doing what they do, versus a more formal portrait."

"I agree," Emerson said. "Ethel had Ivy do something similar for the employee pictures on The Bake House's website. She's since added Rhiannon to the mix. You might want to look at that, Ry, to see what she's talking about."

"I'll do that."

Ivy closed her tablet. "I have plenty to help me get started since we talked about the layout and colors. Not that I want to do business at our friends' dinner tomorrow night, but if you could show up about fifteen minutes early, Ry, I can show you what I've put together and you can make some decisions about the website."

"Not a problem," he said, and they both told Ivy goodbye.

After she left, he and Emerson talked more seriously about the types of appetizers to be offered.

"I think you should have five to seven choices on your catering menu," she told him. "Most brides go with a package of three or four apps, from what Harper's mentioned. "You want those brides to have a little variety so they can make a choice favorable to all their guests. Although you're a barbeque man, it wouldn't hurt to make one of those selections vegetarian. Even here in the Texas Hill Country, we get a few vegetarians every now and then."

"Good idea," he said, scribbling another note to himself. He decided it was finally time to push forward with Emerson because they had been getting along so well. Patience only went so far, and his was almost exhausted. He needed to know whether he had a chance with her or not.

Ry set down the pen and said, "Thank you for loaning me your copy of Capitol Crimes . I need to return it to you. I raced through it. It's hard to believe that I know the guy who authored it."

Emerson smiled. "Holden is immensely talented. I think you'll like Hill Country Homicide just as much if you'd like to borrow it next."

"From the limited scenes I saw being filmed when we were on set, I know I'll like it."

"Are you interested in seeing the movie Wolf directed of Capitol Crimes ? Maybe we could watch it together on Friday night after we work the reception."

"Of course," he said enthusiastically. "I really liked Wolf, and I'd be interested to see how he brought Holden's book to life on the screen."

Ry didn't know if this was a get together as friends— or more —but he wasn't about to turn down time with her.

"That would be great. I can make certain that we have some extra brisket to bring back from the reception with us. We could make sandwiches for dinner."

"Sounds good to me," she said, her head turning as a couple approached them.

They both stood and introduced themselves.

"We're Chris and Laurel," the man said, shaking both their hands. "Harper sent us to talk about our cakes and catering options."

Laurel said, "I want to talk about the cakes first."

Ry sat silently and observed how Emerson walked the pair through what was available. He could tell when Laurel was indecisive, how Emerson nudged her in a direction. She didn't tell the bride what to choose, but she helped narrow choices for the couple.

Within half an hour, the pair had decided on exactly what they wanted, design-wise, for both their wedding and groom's cakes. Emerson had shown them several examples on her website, offering them her card, which also bore the website's address, so they'd have it for easy reference. She'd also sketched a few ideas on a notepad, personalizing both the bride and groom's choices.

"Now that you've decided on design, let's talk flavors," she told the couple.

For the next few minutes, they discussed flavors for both cakes, and Emerson showed them examples of the various types of icings they might use. Once the couple had narrowed their choices, Emerson arranged a date for them to return for a cake tasting.

"I'll have small cakes of the flavors you like best, as well as different kinds of icings on them. We'll taste them together and when you feel strongly, we can make a final decision then. If you want to take the cakes home and share slices of them with anyone— your moms, best friends, siblings —then you can simply call me and let me know what you've decided."

"Thank you, Emerson. I think we're going to have the best wedding cake of all my friends," Laurel gushed. "Your attention to detail and the way you're personalizing both cakes is simply incredible."

"I know you'll be happy with whatever you select," Emerson told the bride.

Chris then turned to Ry. "I'll be honest and tell you up front that Laurel and I aren't sure we want to use you for our reception."

He nodded. "I totally understand. If barbeque isn't your thing, you'll want to serve something that will make your day special."

"It's not that we don't like barbeque," Chris said. "Laurel and I were going for a more casual feel for our reception. We're not fond of the idea of having our guests seated at tables and staying in the same place while a plated dinner is delivered to them."

"We want more of a fun, loosey-goosey, party atmosphere," Laurel emphasized. "I think the most fun weddings I've attended are the ones which have food stations."

She glanced to her fiancé. "Remember that terrific potato bar at the Clemson wedding?" She turned back to Ry. "They put mashed and sweet potatoes in martini glasses, and then you could add whatever you wanted. Garlic. Bacon. Butter. Chives. Sour cream. To the mashed potatoes. Walnuts or pecans and brown sugar and whipped cream to the sweet potatoes. I liked the fact that everyone was up and moving around. People would grab something from one station and sit at a table. They'd finish with it and head to another station and then sit at a different table."

"We've never done anything like that before," Ry told the couple, "but I'm open to making this day your day."

He began pitching ideas for the various food stations, including the brisket in a puff pastry Emerson had mentioned, as well as a shrimp or chicken jalape?o popper wrapped in bacon. Emerson joined in, making some great contributions, ideas that he couldn't wait to get in the kitchen and try with her. Ry saw the engaged pair's excitement grow as they spoke.

"Oh, I like all these ideas," Laurel told him. "Especially the brisket pastry, the pulled pork sliders, and the mac and cheese. You could really do all that?"

"I can. I'll have to write up a proposal for you since we've never done this before. How many guests are we talking again?"

Chris told him one hundred and fifty, and Ry wrote the number down, saying, "Let me get your cell number. I can text you an estimate later today. If it sounds good, I can write up a more formal contract for us to sign."

Chris beamed. "I really like this idea. We came to Lost Creek Winery because we wanted something a little different for our wedding. We're also both eighth generation Texans and proud of our heritage. This will really make our wedding perfect."

They bid the couple farewell, and Emerson turned to him once they were out the door.

"You really think fast on your feet, Ry. You tossed out some wonderful ideas for those food stations. In fact, I think it's something you should have Ivy incorporate onto the website."

"You weren't bad yourself," he complimented. "You offered just as many ideas as I did. I'd like to get in the kitchen with you and try some of those things out."

Her smile at the suggestion made him feel he was on the right track. "I'd really like to play around and experiment a bit with you. Really, Ry, I'm just glad you were able to keep their business and make them happy."

"I need to stop by Harper's office on the way out and tell her about this new development. I'll run by her the idea of offering stations in the future, as well, versus sit-down dinners."

His gaze met hers. "We make a really great team, Emerson Frost."

She gave him a warm smile. "I think so, too."