“Oh, I see. Well that does make more sense. But…”
“What?”
“This means that you’re planning to stay? Permanently?”
“Nothing is forever. But yeah, I want to stay a while.”
“What’s a while?”
“I don’t know yet.”
“Akemi, you can’t just start a business and then drop it.”
“I know that.”
“It’s a huge investment of time and money.”
“Mom, it’s just a little coffee shop.”
“If that’s your attitude, I’m not sure this is the best idea for you.”
“There’s nothing wrong with a can-do attitude,” Oakley said.
Thank you!Akemi signed with frustration.
Oakley winked at her.I got you.
She took a deep breath and looked back at Dawn.
“I’ve planned it all out, and I’m going to stay long enough to get it off the ground. I want to stay put for a while, anyway, while Kekoa’s little.”
She got more animated as she talked, her enthusiasm for the project shining through.
“I want to create a coffee shop that’s tailored to new parents. There will be a dedicated play space for toddlers – a soft play room with a gate, so that moms can actually sit down and drink a cup of coffee while it’s still hot. There’s room for a second play space in the back too, and a patio area with tables and chairs.”
“That sounds brilliant,” Anne approved. “And right next to the bookshop, too! It’s a perfect match.”
Dawn still wore a pinched, worried expression. “Do you know how long it takes for most businesses to see any profit at all?”
“I’ll still be working online. I have some brand deals lined up, and ideas for Hawaii content. My viewers liked all the local stuffI was posting last year. Anyway, it’s not just about the money. It’s about building something, connecting with community here, giving local families a place to go.”
“They have plenty of places already.” Dawn gestured at the gorgeous nature surrounding them.
“A place for toddlers,” Akemi emphasized. “I have to watch Kaleo every second at the beach, the parks, everywhere. I wouldn’t even be able to sit and have a conversation if Lorenzo wasn’t here today.”
Down by the river, Kaleo’s father was stacking towers of river rocks for him to knock down.
“It’s a very good idea,” Dawn said – not entirely convincingly. “I’m just asking if you’re willing to stay put long enough to see it through.”
“I am. I want to do this.”
“Well then. I wish you the best of luck. We would certainly like to see more of you.” Dawn patted her knee. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go cool off.”
Akemi watched her go, looking forlorn.
“It’s a great idea,” Anne encouraged her.
“Dad would have been all in,” Oakley said sadly.