“Thanks, I appreciate it. Right, let’s get this all sorted so I can have some of my Sunday to myself then.”
Chapter 14
“He seemed pretty keen on the idea.” Lena looked over at her parents while she relayed the conversation earlier with Adam. Almost like he’d had the idea himself earlier.
“It is meant to be, bella.” Sofia nodded her head, smiling contentedly.
“It will mean a heap of work and I don’t have that much money to put into it. It would also mean I’d need a lot of help from you guys.” Hey, it was your idea so don’t back out on me now I beg of you.
“We’re here for you, sweetheart. You should already know that.” Her father gripped both of her hands and squeezed. “You can do this, Lena, we know you can.”
Glad you think so. Its scares the crap out of me. “But I don’t even know if I can afford it.” Her mind started to calculate what money she had and how it was best to spend it.
“Well, I think you have to make sure you can. Offer Adam something he can’t turn down. An abandoned building will only crumble more and eventually it will need more than a few minor repairs. The way I see it, you would be saving an old vacant building from falling into disrepair. If you looked after it, you would be doing him a service and a free feed wouldn’t go astray every now and then.”
A free feed, right. Lena laughed and let the tears run down her cheeks. “That’s really a very good idea, Papa. I think the dairy would be perfect for a restaurant. I can’t imagine why he said I could have it without my having to fight for it.”
Kyle rolled his eyes. “Seriously, have you looked in the mirror lately?” He laughed and avoided her foot as she tried to kick him under the table.
“Sweetheart, I’m sure far as the council is concerned, you’ll only need to upgrade the kitchen part of it and add a bathroom. The fact that old Mr. Helkins was a stickler for the best money could buy is a major plus in your direction. The cold room, the stainless steel benches, the plumbing that’s already there for cleaning—those items are top quality and perfect for what you want. Shouldn’t cost you much at all really, but I can check for you on Monday. I have contacts in the council.” Her father tipped his finger to his nose in a gesture of superiority and knowing.
“But what about fitting the place out? I don’t have the money for table settings and everything I need. Hell, my head is already aching thinking about it.” And there’s a tension headache building too, just for my benefit.
“But you’re smiling. I can see that, bella.”
“We’ll find a way to do things cheap and cheerful, just like in your first restaurant. You can garage sale and look at estate sales for china and chairs. Nobody said you have to open next week so take your time and do it your way. Your mother and I are behind you all the way.”
I knew I could rely on the both of you and I really appreciate it. “So, do you think it’s the right place to open a restaurant though, being in a small country town?” She bit at her bottom lip, suddenly unsure. Would the locals be enough to keep it in business?
“Bella, this might be a country town but we are close to Sydney and as you know they flock here in droves over the weekends. Besides, I think with the locals you will have enough to keep you busy. It all depends on how many tables you want for a start.”
Right, logistics to work out. “I don’t know, Mama. I’ll have to think about it.” She groaned and held her head in her hands. “I don’t believe I’m doing this, again!” But it feels right somehow.
* * *
Adam looked at the town planner. “Really, that’s all she has to do, put in a bathroom and you’ll give her a license to open?” Awesome.
“Yes. Same as I told Ben earlier when he inquired. Place is perfect for it because it was fitted out to such a high standard when the milking regulations went up. Let me know if you want to go ahead and I can help out with the Development Application and give you the specs for the bathroom.”
“Thanks. That makes things pretty easy as far as I’m concerned.” Thank goodness.
“Happy to help out. Heard the Swill and Grill went down real well too. Shame I couldn’t make it but we had a prior engagement.” He handed over a business card. “Tell Lena I’ll be one of her first customers if and when she opens up.”
Adam whistled as walked out of the council chambers. He’d expected a song and dance over the whole process. Seemed the not so useful milking shed was going to be perfect for everyone. He took his phone out of his pocket and made a call. “Ben, I wonder if you could spare me a few minutes?”
When he hung up the phone, he tucked it into his pocket and walked the short distance to Ben’s office. His secretary showed him inside and offered to make coffee.
“Thanks, that’d be great.” He turned to the lawyer. “Seems we’ve both spoken to the council about the milking shed. Since they seem pretty easy to please, I wonder if you would mind drawing up a lease for me. I want to see Lena gets it as soon as possible.”
“Certainly. What terms were you thinking of?” Ben picked up a pen
