We could involve everyone and have a big weekend event with a focus on small businesses. We could plan it for Valentine’s.”
I perk up at the idea. “Like a Love Is in the Air event?”
“Exactly. It could be good for all of us, and a nice middle finger to Dick and Bobby’s for screwing it up for the rest of us.”
“I love this! And Valentine’s is pretty much my favorite!”
“Why am I not surprised?” Ronan tucks my hair behind my ear, smiling wryly. “We can start canvassing tomorrow and see what kind of interest we have. I’m sure we’re not the only ones who’ve been impacted by D&B, and there’s no way in hell I’m going to let them steal your dream from you.”
My heart stutters, and my worries take a back seat, at least for tonight, because I know we’re in this together. Or at least I hope so.
chapter nineteen
Best Bar Award Goes To…
Blaire
It turns out that every single small business on the street is interested in being part of the event. The bars and restaurants are feeling the effects of D&B and everyone agrees that the cross-promotion certainly can’t hurt.
Ronan sets up a meeting at The Knight Cap, where we come up with a weekend-long themed event that will take place in the middle of February, piggybacking on Valentine’s Day celebrations. I’m grateful that Renata, my new baker, has managed to slide into the role fairly seamlessly. Sure, there have been a few hiccups, but she’s got great vision and is a master baker, so I can be assured she’ll be able to handle the demands that are coming our way.
Daphne came up with an idea to set up a photo booth outside of Buttercream and Booze to showcase the event. Ever since the bachelorette party she’s been getting loads of bookings for weddings, engagement parties, and birthdays. Since Valentine’s Day thrives on romance and couples, it’s a great way for her to get more visibility and meet some potential new clients.
It definitely doesn’t hurt that the local newspapers and TV stations have picked up on the event, which helps us spread the word. Business has picked up again—not like it was before D&B came in, but at least I’m not quite as worried about having to cut more of Callie’s hours. For now.
A few days before the Love Is in the Air event, my phone chimes with an alert about a new video from Tori’s YouTube channel. Over the past few weeks she’s made her way through the top ten bars, narrowing it down to five. I watched the one she put up the day after she visited B&B and The Knight Cap. She was kind enough to edit her video to highlight the few funny moments from the final comedian—there weren’t many—and focused more on the fun, fresh vibe, the themed drinks and cupcakes, and my eclectic sense of style that was reflected in the ambiance of the café.
I consider calling Ronan before I watch the video, but Daphne’s here, setting up her photo booth and taking pretty pictures for the upcoming Valentine’s Day extravaganza, so we crowd around my phone as I cue up the video.
“Ready?” Daphne asks.
I nod and we both cross our fingers as I hit Play. Of course Tori takes her sweet time talking about all the amazing bars she visited while she was touring the Pacific Northwest. “I’ll admit, it was a tough competition and there are some amazing bars out there. I’m going to post a top ten on my site because narrowing it down was such a challenge, but there is one bar that really stood out among the rest!” She pauses for effect. “It’s not just the food or the ambiance that makes one bar stand apart, it’s the whole package, and my winner has it all. A charming, homey environment, the most amazing selection of craft beers, delicious food, fabulous entertainment and a seriously charismatic, smokin’ hot owner.” She fans herself dramatically.
“He won,” I murmur and Daphne squeezes my hand.
“The Knight Cap is the whole package and more, which is why it’s getting the Tori Taylor seal of approval and the title of The Best Bar in the Pacific Northwest! I can’t wait to celebrate this win with Ronan Knight!”
The video goes on to show some highlights from her visit to The Knight Cap. Ronan was wholly captivating, and Tori was happy to wax poetic about the bar, the vibe, and the gorgeous owner.
“I’m so sorry, Blaire.