"Well Maggie I hope you can help us," Said a voice behind me.
Turning I said, "You must be Ben."
Putting his hand out he said, "I am. But lets get your RV set up before the rain hits. Then if its not raining we can go compare notes."
Lloyd said, "I have to go meet with the men at Sally's cafe. I will see you both later."
As Llyod pulled away in a golf cart Ben chuckled and said, "They are having a meeting about reminiscing about their time in the military. Come on Maggie lets get you all hooked up and I can give you the grand tour. Drive around the back of the garage and you will see I have bricks of where to stop. This way your protected from the wind."
After I parked and put out the slides Ben helped me connect to the sewage and my water line. When everything was set up he said, "Grab your camera and your notebook I will give you a tour while you take pictures and notes. This is your golf cart to use while your here. At night we park them in the garage for charging, we use the golf carts for everything."
Nodding I said, "Perfect. Well why don't we start at the store I have a few buyers who wanted pictures. Is the power on in there?"
"It is," He said. "You want to get that store started?"
"Llyod told me he will dip into his savings to save the town," I said. "That means fund any repairs or supplies. I am hoping the store can make the money so he does not have to dip into his savings."
We pulled up to the store and I took a bunch of pictures. Going in I could see nothing but flowers dress bags and accessories. We went through the main floor and I saw signs for basement and upper floors. Going to the basement I saw totes upon totes of supplies. We opened some totes and I took pictures of shoes and decor. Going upstairs I found all the rooms had racks upon racks of tuxedos, formal wear and more wedding dresses. Taking a lot of pictures I sighed and said, "Thank God I have buyers lining up for appointments. By Friday I will be booked solid."
"You are doing appointments over the weekend?" He asked.
"Yes and no," I said. "The appointments are until I have everything priced and ready to go. Once that happens then they are paying full price or a discounted price for resale."
Going back through the main floor I said, "This room will be the room I need to clear first."
Ben asked, "Why?"
"Do you see how those windows in the room are shaded?" I said. "I can do displays and hang items in here to start the store. I posted that we will not give away items for pennies on the dollar but will be glad to give a good rate. Then after we get the store organized the fun begins as the storage can be the basement and those top two floors can be put back to being apartments for rent."
We sat talking as I opened some bags of dresses and took more pictures. We were about to go to the graveyard when Lloyd walked in and said, "I am glad I found you. I set up an account with funds for the town revitalization."
Both Ben and I went to argue and Lloyd held up his hand, "I took what you both said into account and I put only $10000 in the account. That should be enough to get started. Now Maggie I know you have receipts for the supplies you got already. When you sell some of this bridal take back what you paid in supplies and add the receipts to the register box. When you and Ben go to get supplies for the town or pay a vendor you can use the account. Here is the card for the account. Between both of you I am sure you will save this town. Maggie sales of all items are to get deposited into the account. Before you make the deposit fill out the form next to the register. Starting amount, total cash sales as we do not take cards or checks. However if the buyer is buying a lot we can do a wire transfer but the merchandise does not leave the store until we verify the transfers and they sign a bill of sale. I am sure you know how to handle that. This is the managers card for the bank she will be able to assist the buyer for the transfers. She knows starting now you may need assistance with the transfers for verification and starting the process."
Ben and I nodded as we said, "Alright."
He looked up and said, "Remember the meeting for the Graveyard is tomorrow at ten in the morning in the Graveyard. Maggie you know how to do the PR and Ben you know what we need. I will get them quiet and you get them ready to go. I will see you both later I am a bit tired and I need a nap."
Ben and I walked outside and Ben handed me a key saying, " A key to your castle Miss. Only you and I have one. To be honest we are the ones with the keys to everything but Sally's Cafe."
"You shouldn't have," I giggled.
Walking to the Graveyard I walked through and took a large amount of pictures. Then Ben and I walked through and made notes. From painting the fence to doing lawn and grave maintenance. After we got everything we needed we headed over to Sally's and grabbed some coffee while we went over the plan. The original article bein released would be about the graveyards and the community wanting to restore it. Then the second article will have pictures of the work being done on the graveyard. The third would be a article with the completed work and telling everyone how they can visit the town and explore all it has to offer.
"Once the graveyard is done we will then start on up and coming changes coming to the town and what's next," I said. "I think we can also hire someone to take care of the Graveyard even if its part time after this. That way it does not go into disrepair. To offset the costs we can do a donation box where people can drop cash or even coins at the gates. You can word it not necessary but greatly appreciated. We can also install some benches for people to sit and the graveyard gates can be closed at night to stop people from trying to go in during the night and possibly vandalize it. All things we can arrange after its done."
Sally sat down and said, "So the graveyard is right near me so I am guessing I will get busy huh?"
"Will that be a bad thing?" I asked.
"Not at all," She said. "I would love to buy a house or lease an apartment eventually and the extra goods would be great. Besides if we get busy the take out window can finally be used."
Yawning I said, "I am so sorry. I love my RV life but the traveling gets me."
Ben laughed and said, "Well lets get you home so you can answer your text and set up the appointments as your phone has been dinging all day."
Laughing I said, "Sounds good. Also just in case are there any active and open motels?"
"No," He said. "Most have to be cleaned out and redone. Nearest hotel is outside the tunnel."
"Good to know," I said. Looking at the building next to the store I asked, "Is that a old boarding house?"
Ben chuckled as we got into the golf cart as he said, "Oh we have a lot of work ahead of us."
When we got back Ben showed me the key box and how to hang the charging cord. I said good night and went into the picnic basket cooler and pulled out a sandwich and salad. Starting to eat I started sending replies to the text messages and emails about people coming into shop. After I set the rules for the sales I made appointments starting at one in the afternoon the next day. Tired from the day of travel I locked up and shut the curtains for the night. Laying in bed I wrote an article about coming to mount home and how much I am enjoying it and look forward to helping with its revitalization.
Falling asleep I woke up in the middle of the night to the storm outside. Opening the curtains to the front of the RV I sat in the chair filming the storm as it rolled by. When the storm passed it was already six in the morning. Making myself breakfast I packed up my laptop, camera and picnic basket into a golf cart and headed into town. Setting an alarm I went into the store to start getting the first part of the store cleared so I could price things. That is when I discovered the walls were moveable walls that converted into displays and racks.
Making room in the main store I went to the basement and brought up boxes of decor, Fabric, lace, accessories, dresses and bridalwear. As I pulled more from the stock room I heard the door open and Ben and Lloyd came in. Lloyd said, "My dear how long have you been up?"
"The storm woke me so I got ready for my day and headed here as I have appointments for 1, 4 and 7 tonight." I said. "Today is going to be very busy. Ben I did swing by the bank and the have a night drop. Could you come by around nine tonight to follow me to the bank?"
He nodded and said, "Sure can. Then I can make sure you get home alright."
"Good," I said. "That way I can give you your one percent and I can take my two percent home tonight and place it in my safe."
My alarm went off and we walked over to the Graveyard. I took some pictures while people came in. Then Lloyd introduced me and said, "Maggie here seems to have a way with words and even after posting how she was visiting the town people want to know why there is no hotels. Would you believe with one vague post Maggie has already started to help us. After this meeting she is going to start converting the first store so we can afford to turn this town around. Maggie could you come up and tell us what your plan is."
Standing up from the chair Ben has had me sit on I introduced myself and told the town the first stages of the plan. How we would be doing volunteer hours for anyone who needs them. Also how if everything goes right this would be opening jobs for everyone in town. I explained how the resale store would be for items found in buildings abandoned and the hope for a positive future. My alarm went off and Ben said, "Now Maggie has to meet with the first bridal buyer soon so what I have here is a list for people to volunteer on. Volunteers will be doing it as a group after work while I work on the big construction and repairs during the day. That being said if you want to volunteer outside the group time notate it on the form. Maggie and I will get back to you within the next few days to arrange everything. Maggie said she will start calling while her buyers are looking through everything. But we hope the first volunteer session will be Saturday Evening."
When he finished talking he said, "I will swing by with the list. Go for your first appointment and I will bring more boxes up after I do my walk and do a full review of what needs to be done. Then we can order everything and I can pick it up tomorrow."
Walking back to the store I saw a woman waiting at the doors. I smiled and said, "Kelsey?"
She gave a big smile and said, "I sure am. Maggie first let me say I love your blog and I am glad you are finding a purpose being in this town its is so beautiful."
"That it is," I said. "So lets go over the rules. Everything except any newly priced items is open for fair pricing. You can buy it in lots or all at once. We will not be nickel and diming. Even though I said cash only the local bank will verify wire transfers till 5:55pm tonight if you go over the amount of cash you brought with you."
"Oh thank heavens you will do lots," She said. "As for wire transfers I do tend to stick with cash and I have a lot to spend. Now I understand you will be pricing things but give a girl a chance to go through everything and I have that SUV there I am wanting to fill."
Opening the doors I said, "Well you can shop anywhere you want and browse. I am going to get working on the counters and register set up the way I want. I am so picky sometimes."
She laughed and I started to work on the front of the store where I wanted to place the counters and displays. She called me over after thirty minutes and said, "Maggie your store will kill me today. Excuse my use of one of your displays. I wish I knew who made these because girl they are amazing. Everything on this display I want. Nothing name brand and there is 60 pieces. I was thinking $200."
"Sounds good," I said taking the cash. "Do you need bags?"
"No," She said. "I always bring my store bags with me. I will run these to my SUV and continue on. Just do me a favor please give me a 15 min heads up. I know I am good till 330 but I want to see some of those wedding dresses."
When she came back in she said, "When is your next open appointment?"
"Friday at noon," I said.
"Please give me the appointment," She said. "Now I am going to start searching through the dresses. I am setting an hour timer."
As she went through dresses I continued with the main sales set up and display. I cleaned all the displays and set ups I used and started putting the sales supplies under the counter. Kelsey came up to me handing me a box and said, "Thankfully for you I am ungodly honest. The box was sealed. I opened it hoping to find a wedding Tierra. The date on the package is 1970 and it was in the bottom of a dress bag. But as for dresses I want these ten already. They are low end brands and mid to high end as well. I was going to offer you ten grand for these ten. I will be able to sell them for much more. These bags are just dresses nothing else."
"Deal," I said. She handed me the money and I added it to the drawer.
She said, "I found this box of jewelry display near the dresses. I am guessing you will need that. The cartier costume runs 300 to 1000 new back then. Those pieces may be worth a fortune. I want first dibs when I finish putting these dresses away."
I took the black display board out and placed a few pieces of jewelry on it. When Kelsey came in she said, "I want a lot of those pieces but I will not screw you either. Lets see if there are duplicates."
We sorted the whole box and I opened my laptop to start checking prices. We saw the price for the butterfly barrettes as new and she bought all of them. When her fifteen minute timer went off she had bought every item we had priced so far. She took her bag of Cartier and left saying she would see me on Saturday.
While I waited for the next buyer I priced the remaining Cartier items. Locking them in the case next to the register. I heard a knock at the door. I opened it and said, "Melody?"
"Yes," She said.
"Please come in," I said. "So lets go over the rules. Everything except any newly priced items is open for fair pricing. You can buy it in lots or all at once. We will not be nickel and diming. Even though I said cash only the local bank will verify wire transfers till 5:55pm tonight if you go over the amount of cash you brought with you."
"I was told things would be sold cheap," She said.
"No you were not," I said. "I am the person who arranged the meeting. I can show you the messages and emails where you were told it would sell for a decent rate but not cheap. If you want to waste my time and yours I have no problem with going back in to price product. I just finished pricing the 1970's Cartier."
Melody said, "Wait. No wasting time I would like to look at the stuff you have."
Nodding I said, "Alright you have until 645pm. I have a new buyer at 7pm."
She came in and looked in the display case. She said, "Well shit you were right that is vintage Cartier. Okay I see this shelf unit may I place what I want on it and we will discuss a price?"
"Your more than welcome to," I said. "I am getting a rack ready and I am grabbing a stack of vintage dresses. You can look through them before I price them and put them out. Its formal wear not wedding items."
Melody started to go through the boxes of decor and accessories. I saw she placed the items on different parts of the racks. When she saw me looking she said, "High end on the back, medium on the side and lower end on the front."
Smiling I said, "Let me know when your ready to cash out and you can start over."
"Wait people can do it in batches?" She said.
"Of course," I said. "It makes it easier to keep track on what you have and what you can still spend."
"Well hell," She said. "Lets price this up then so I can load up and them move to the dresses."
We settled on the price and she paid. She borrowed my hand truck to bring her totes out to her car. When she came back inside she said, "Alright. I would like to take your next available appointment. Then I am going to check out the dresses."
While she was looking Ben came in and asked, "How are things were going?"
I brought the sales screen up on the register and he started coughing as he said, "But there was barely a dent in the product."
Melody laughed and said, "We are trying to dent this but there is so much."
We all laughed and Ben said, "This is my list of volunteers. I arranged them around the sales you have on the list."
"Ben," I said. "I told you I would help you."
He laughed and said, "With what your doing here you are. This is the list of supplies we will need."
"Well why don't you use my laptop and add to the cart," I said. "We can place the order now so you can go get it in the morning."
He sat down as I continued to price items. When Melody's timer went off she said, "Alright lets price these babies."
We settled on the price for all the gowns she had. She paid the cash and Ben helped her carry everything out. She called out to me, "See you tomorrow night."
Laughing I logged the sales in the register. I took my supply receipt and cashed that out. When Ben came in asked, "If I order more supplies can you pick them up for me?"
"Sure," He said. "Walmart?"
"No," I said. "Costco."
"That won't be a problem," He said. "Its insane how much the wedding stuff sold for."
"I know," I said. My phone rang and I saw it was my next buyer. "Evening Carol are you alright?"
"Maggie sweetheart I am going to have to cancel tonight," She said.
"Carol you never flake is everything alright?" I asked.
"My sitter was in a car accident," She said.
"Oh no is she alright," I asked.
"Thankfully yes," She said. "My husband is off tomorrow do you have anything open I live about an hour away."
"I have appointments at 12 3 5 7 how early can you be here," I asked.
"I can be here by 8am at the latest," She said. "Are you sure?"
"I sure am," I said. "After we hang up I will pull more and get ready to head home. Call me if anything changes."
She said, "Maggie I love you. See you in the morning."
Ben looked at me and asked, "Everything alright?"
"Yeah Carol is a woman I have known for years," I said. "Her sitter was in a car accident so I am gonna come here early and let her shop. She is a whale in the shopping world which means she will have a cargo van to fill. I need to get more boxes from the basement."
"Finish your order and do the banking," He said. "How much do you want from the basement?"
"I need 10 boxes or totes from the basement and maybe three to four formal racks from upstairs," I said.
"I got it," He said. "My order is ready to purchase if you want to fill in the banking stuff."
I finished his order and printed out two order confirmations. Finishing mine I printed out two receipts. Grabbing the banking register I filled out the original deposit by Llyod and the two online purchases. Counting the register I filled out the form. and printed the sales put in and supplies taken out. Then I inputted the cash withdraw of 1 and 2 percent off the total profit amount. Adding those amounts to the form I counted out the deposit for the evening and putting it in a deposit bag with the amount. Ben brought the last rack down and he said, "How did we do?"
I said, "Closing the register now and you will see the final receipt."
As the register closed and the final receipt printed I added it to the envelope and put the deposit amounts in the ledger. Showing Ben the ledger I said, "Even after all the supplies we ordered and our cash outs that is what is in the account."
He looked around the store and said, "We can actually do this can't we?"
"Yes we can," I said. Picking up my laptop, purse and picnic basket.
Ben took the keys and said, "We can get my cart after the bank."
We went to the bank and dropped the deposit. After we deposited the money we grabbed the second cart and headed home. When we there we plugged in the carts and I said to Ben, "Here are the forms for the orders. I put your name as the person picking up the store supply order. Unless Carol cancels on me I will be heading to the store between 630 and 7 am."
Going into the RV I placed my profit in the safe. After I cleaned out my electronic picnic basket I filled it with more items and I plugged it in so it was ready when I was ready for the night. Heating up a pasta meal I had in the fridge I sat at the table working on the new blog post introducing Mount Hope and the start to revitalizing the historic cemetery. When I couldn't type anymore I locked up and went to bed.
********************************************************************
When I woke up the next morning I checked my phone and saw a message from Carol saying she will see me around seven. Rolling over I said, "Carol your so lucky your a good friend."
Getting my picnic basket and bag I headed to the store. Going in I starting my day. Ben walked in a few minutes later and handed me a coffee and some cream and sugar. He said, "I didn't know how you liked it so I guessed."
"Your a saint," I said. "I was going to get some once Carol got here."
As I said that there was a knock at the door. Standing there was Carol. When I opened it she pulled me into a hug. She said, "Oh how I have missed you. I am sorry I didn't visit but I would have killed Andrew."
"It's alright I will be here a while and we can meet up like we used to," I said. "Carol this is Ben he is my cohort in the town revitalization."
"Nice to meet you Ben," She said. Digging into her bag she handed me a box. "I know tomorrow will be difficult for you. Do not open it till you absolutely need it."
Ben gave Carol a look and I said, "Thank you Carol. Oh are you still doing flower arrangements I saw a bunch of flowers in the basement I can get them for you. A lot if them are vintage. Start looking as well."
I will later learn when I headed to the basement Carol pulled Ben aside, "Listen I know you just met her but tomorrow will be rough on her as it was the day she lost her baby. Don't ask for specifics but one day that ex of her and the who he is with will get their due. Watch her for me tomorrow I have an event or I would be here volunteering. If you go to her blog there is a post about what happened."
He nodded and said, "I knew I looked over her blog when Larry told me he was begging her to come here. I have something planned for her. Don't worry I will make sure she is okay. This town already loves her and we protect our own."
"Good," She said. "Now knowing Maggie she is either crying or trying to bring me those flowers. Go help her before I do have to come help handle the sales. She is a witch when she can't do what she needs to do. Also here is my card if she ever needs me you call me right away and I will make my husband take the baby so I can help her."
Looking up as I tried getting the boxes up the stairs Ben said, "Carol knows you well she said you were trying to get these boxes up in one go. She ran out to her Cargo Van and was bringing totes in."
Ben helped me bring all the vintage flowers up and Carol started sorting them into three totes. When she had filled all the toes she said, "Three grand sound good?"
Nodding I said, "Sure thing while I put this in the register do you want to check out the rack right there they are 1950's formal wear that I am going to price."
She went over the the rack and pulled a pile of dresses and said, "The rest is yours. I would suggest pricing the rest at sixty five a piece for what I left that would be a good price. I will be going through more of the formal racks now but for vintage I would say sixty five."
Ban came over and asked. "She knows her stuff?"
Laughing I said, "Carol is the best in the industry. The event she is going to tomorrow is the Washington DC Bridal fair. She holds the top seat four years running."
When she went through the formal wear racks and told me what I should price each rack she said, "How about five grand for all of these that I took. They are more mid higher tier."
Placing out my hand she counted the cash and placed the it in it. Ben asked, "would like him to place everything in her cargo van before I go to meet the volunteers."
She tossed him the keys and started going through the back wall of wedding gowns. When he loaded the totes he brought back the keys and asked me, "Will you have a chance to come take pictures before your next client?"
Carol laughed and said, "She sure can she knows she can trust me."
An hour later I said, "Alright Carol lets cash these out and you can load them while I go get those pictures."
She said, "I like Ben I could see you traveling or staying here. That is all I am going to say. I am offering you thirty grand for the dresses I have so far. I can make a good profit with that price. Those are the thirty two laying on the floor stacked. You said you have a wire transfer option right?"
I nodded and she started the wire transfer and when I called the bank and confirmed the transfer she started loading them as I walked to the graveyard. Getting to the Graveyard I took pictures of everyone working and Ben came up and said, "How is it going?"
I said, "We have enough funds to remodel the entire top floor of the this building and a few more after I sale of wedding dresses from her. She is loading what she bought now and still has close to two hours to go. After todays sales I think we will be on a good track for the items upstairs to start coming down from the upper floors and up from the basement she brought 32 dresses for thirty grand via a confirmed wire transfer."
"Shit," He said. "Alright after the session today I will come by and bring some of the men's suits and more of the dress racks down."
"Take your time," I said. "I don't know these newer buyers and I am not sure how well they will play out."
Going back in Carol was sitting on a crate while going through a bunch of wedding shoes. She smiled and said, "I wish I wasn't going to the show tomorrow because I could spend so much time in here. Do you have men's suits and tuxes?"
"Let's cash out what you have and oh do we," I said.
She paid cash for all her shoes and took them to her van. When she came back in I said, "You have a little over an hour and lets go upstairs."
I took her to the second floor where all the men's ware I knew of was and she said, "If you don't hear from me in an hour send a search party."
Chuckling I went downstairs and continued to price the dresses Carol went through placing them on the cleared racks. Moving boxes and crates around I made a small wall blocking the racks with the exception of a small walkway. Finding more shoes I went up and asked Carol what the price should be and she said $40 as those are vintage. She had a pile of suites and said, "Five grand for the suits?"
Putting my hand out she put them in a few empty boxes and started bringing them to her car. When she came back in her fifteen minute timer went off and she started to look through the accessories boxes placing what she wanted on the counter. As her final timer went off she paid and handed me the cash. She said, "If you need me call and I will be glad to help."
Hugging her I said, "I missed you."
"Same here," She said. "Once you are more settled we will meet up for dinner."
She left and I ate a quick lunch before my noon appointment arrived. Ben came in and said, "Wow Carol did make a dent on the back wall."
Laughing I said, "Yes and on the wall upstairs with the men's suits as well. I think i am going to bring down some suits and more wedding dresses from upstairs after I eat. Then more boxes from upstairs. Carol gave me some good pricing techniques so once more come down I am going to start using them on the flowers she did not buy and some of the accessories."
"Eat I will bring them down," He said. "Then when I am done I am going to head home to eat. The next round of volunteers meet up at three. Also earlier when you were with Carol upstairs I brought all your supplies in and placed them behind the counter. I did not want to put them in the wrong spot. Also could we use a washer and dryer in the store. The Davidsons have a set as they just upgraded."
"Sure offer them a good price and I did see a hook up in the basement," I said. "We will need them when we start going through old homes and apartments of we can salvage anything. It is also a plus we have a sink down there as well. Once we finish bringing all the stock up from the basement we will need to give it a good clean and I am saving the large crates as shelving and the more sturdy boxes for storage."
"Well how about this," He said. "I will load the back wall with dresses and suits. Then I will bring up more crates and boxes and make room around the hook up for the washer and dryer. The Davidsons were going to donate them and I was going to get them but they have a new baby I will offer them one fifty. Can you cash that out for me from the register?"
"Sure can," I said going to the register. Notating it in the register log and register.
I handed Ben the cash and he said, "I have to bring it on from up here so let me get the stock for you and then I will meet the Davidsons. Maggie I know your gung ho and everything but you need to set realistic business hours. So after next week please do not make any appointments after five."
"I thought about that Ben and after Friday last appointment is for five," I said. "Starting this weekend they are mine as well. Unless we are working with volunteers. However I made a deal with Carol on Saturday morning she is coming and filling a small U-haul of whatever I have not priced or sold. I may have to cancel the following weeks appointments if the buyers buy me out."
There was a knock at the door and I answered, "Don?"
He gave me a smile and said, "You know it girl! First let me say I have followed your blog for ages and love you. I also am a huge fan of your books so I may need a autograph or six as my partner will kill me if I do not bring him home a autographed copy."
"Well done we can not have your life in danger," I said. "So what are you looking for specifically."
"Men's suit and tuxes," He said. "I am a wedding planner the LGBTQ community and we do a lot of men's wear."
"Hold on," I said. Yelling up the stairs, "Ben leave the men's suits there."
He popped his head out of he basement door and said, "Alright I was making room for the washer and dryer. Should we leave everything where it is today?"
"Yes," I said. "I am taking Don upstairs to get him started."
Motioning for Don to follow me. When we got upstairs he said, "Maggie your gonna make me cry. I may not have brought enough cash."
"No worries for large orders we can do a wire transfer," I said. "The owners rule is no merch leaves the store until we confirm the transfer."
"I am so glad I bought the company van today," He said. "I have until 245 right?"
"Yes and if you want to do this in batches we can as well," I said. "I will be downstairs working on merch I am pricing for the store launch."
He turned to the suits and said, "Oh babies I am going to adopt you all."
Going downstairs I chuckled. Putting all of my supplies away I started to work on bouquets of the vintage flowers. Wrapping them to keep the dust off of them, I priced them and added them into a stack of crates I made into a display. Fort five minutes later Don popped his head around the corner and said, "Maggie I have my first batch ready. Do you have the bank information?"
Grabbing the information I went back upstairs and he said, "This is a gold mine. I found colored suits and tux's. They have not made these colors since the 1960's. These piles here are forty suits and I want to offer you forty five thousand for them."
I handed him the bank information and said, "Deal." I found some empty boxes and started laying the suits in for him. The bank manager called me and said the transfer was completed.
I handed Don the bill of sale and he signed. Helping him carry the suits downstairs he said, "Besides weddings I do events so once your store is really up and running I will be coming back a lot to see what you have. I am happy your helping this town and you never know I may have to rent or lease an apartment for a weekend retreat for me and Bill once some become available. The town gives a old town and peaceful vibe. That graveyard though is something we love history and can't wait to see it restored."
Stopping at the register I added the sale to it and placed the receipt in the drawer. When he came inside he asked, "What is in the basement?"
"From what we saw so far decor and accessories," I said. "We have slowly been moving things upstairs but if you want to look your more than welcome to."
"Nah," He said. "I have seen one to many scary movies. I think I am gonna check out your second floor vintage clothing if you don't mind. Then I will end my search down here."
"Of course," I said. "I will be down here pricing things while you search."
For the rest of his time Don came down with stacks of dresses and we would settle on a cash price and he would load them in his van. When he came to the bottom floor to shop for his remaining time we talked about the plans for the town, my blog and books. When he did his last sale I reminded him to get his books and signed each of them. He gave me a hug and said, "Thank you Maggie. Keep my phone number and I will be seeing you soon enough."
When he left Ben came back with the washer and dryer saying, "I am going to get these downstairs and bring more up. I do not want to hook them up until we make sure the water line and dryer vent are cleaned and good to go. We do not need a flood or fire in the store."
When my three o'clock appointment arrived she said, "Hello Maggie I am Marlene, I do not want to waste my or your time. Did you happen to see vintage lace, material and decor."
Smiling I asked, "Do you have aversions to basements?"
"Not at all," She said.
I led her downstairs and said, "I think this is where the previous owner did a majority of the alterations. This whole wall and these crates in the middle are full."
She pulled out the first roll of material and said, "Oh my business partner will be so happy. We have people wanting custom gowns and this is hard to come by. I will be honest with you to get this its normally three thousand a roll. I will offer you two thousand a roll if you can do a check or a wire transfer."
"We do accept wire transfers," I said. "Per the owner nothing leaves the building until the transfer clears and we confirm it."
Nodding she said, "Smart. Okay do you have a few boxes and can you help me bring it upstairs once we agree on a price and start the transfers. My van broke down and my husband has the SUV. I need to see what we can fit in my car."
"If you would like we can do it in batches," I said. "Let me call my bank contact to let her know we will be doing a few transfers and we can stack everything and you can browse the vintage dresses while you wait."
"Thank you," She said. I grabbed a few boxes and she pulled the first ten rolls of material from the box. She kept complimenting the material and when she chose twenty rolls we carried them upstairs along with a box of assorted ribbon. I created a bill of sale and we agreed on a price for the ribbon. Handing her the wire transfer information she processed the transfer and said, "While I wait I will see what you have up here. I have cash for up here."
Fifteen minutes later the bank called and the manager said, "I am in the wrong line of work. The transfer has completed and your good to go."
I told Marlene the transfer went through having her sign the bill of sale and she paid cash for a dozen pairs of vintage shoes. After we loaded everything in her trunk and back seat of the car she came in and shopped the wedding decor upstairs. When her timer went off she paid for the decor she selected and said, "Thank you Maggie. You are amazing I will be watching your blog."
Looking at my phone I realized my five o'clock was late. I was about to call her when she showed up at the door with a teenager who looked angry. I opened it and she said, "Maggie I am so sorry I am late. My dear son got into trouble at school and was angry when I said he had to come with me. I am Sue."
"Hi Sue," I said. "You do have until seven. Are you looking for anything in particular?"
"No," She said. "I will browse and see if there is anything here I can buy. My husband Bill has an appointment on Friday morning with you."
Looking at her I said, "Browse and enjoy."
Her son looked around and said, "It looks like its a crap show here."
"Nathaniel!" She said. "That's enough."
I said, "Your right. So why did you get in trouble?"
"Mom and Dad were talking last night about moving to this town if it came back to life," He said. "Dad was born here."
Smiling I said, "You don't want to move here."
"Nah," he said. "I am happy where we live I can go fishing whenever I want."
"Marlene have fun browsing we will be back in a few," I said. "Come on kid."
"Where are we going?" He asked.
"Your really mad about fishing?" I asked as we got in the golf cart.
"Yes," He said. "Why?"
Driving down the road I took him to the pier and showed him the water. I asked, "Would this be bad to fish in? Listen I get it I moved a lot as a kid and I gave up a lot but can you see yourself fishing here?"
"I was a ass," He said.
"No your a kid who wants to do something he enjoys," I said. "Why don't you go talk to some of the fisherman while I go check on your mom."
"Really?" He asked.
"Hey Lloyd," I called out. Walking over to Llyod and a few of the other men.
He looked up and said, "Maggie who do we have here?"
"This is Nathaniel and he loves fishing," I said. "His Mama is one of our buyers. Can he hang with you and maybe fish while she shops?"
Lloyd smiled and said, "I happen to have extra bait and a rod. Come on son lets get you casted."
Leaving Nathaniel with Llyod I went back to the shop. Walking in Marlene asked, "Where is Nathaniel?"
"With the owner of the town fishing," I said. "Did he tell you why he got in trouble?"
"No," She sighed. "Its been going on since we made the appointment for here."
"He was upset because he over heard you and bill talking about possibly moving here when the town comes back to life," I said. "I asked him if it would be bad and he said yes because he couldn't fish."
She groaned and said, "We thought about coming back here if the town builds up. I did not think he heard us talking. But you took him fishing?"
"Well I was going to talk to him but when he said fishing I figured I would show him he would no be giving that up," I said. "I wish I had a camera for the look on his face when the bay come into view. You can pick him up when your done."
"Thank you," She said. "Well while you were gone I found this pile of decorations. Will you take two hundred?"
"Sure," I said taking the money she loaded the decorations and went to look at the dresses. She shopped till her timer went off and she purchased a pile of wedding dresses.
As she loaded them we heard, "Mom look what I caught."
Ben and him were parking behind her. "I won't bring it home but I had to show you."
Laughing Ben said, "You got quite a fisherman here. This is a Atlantic Haddock. He gave Nathaniel here a fight but he got it in all by himself."
She asked, "Is there a way to buy ice here? We have a cooler in the trunk you can brig it home to show your dad."
"Do you think I can come here with Dad Friday since I am off school?" He asked. "I know Dad does not have an appointment till noon but I can fish while he shops."
"We can talk to Dad when we get home and I think we need to have a family meeting," She said.
Ben said, "There is a gas station on the other side of the tunnel. The fish will hold in the cooler till you get through."
He placed the fish in the cooler and we said our goodbyes. We went back inside and he said, "He told us why he got in trouble the men talked to him and behaving and then he caught that fish."
"I think he will be fine," I said. "One more sale and then its bedtime tomorrow I have three buyers at 9 1 and 4."
Ben said, "I will be back around nine then. Do we need to bring more up?"
"We can do that in the morning," I said. "Unless you want to come early."
He said, "I will see you around eight thirty and I will move more to the main floor."
"Alright," I said. "See you then."
As he left the last buyer of the day came to the door and said, "Hello Maggie I am Sheila."
"Hello Sheila," Are you looking for anything in particular?"
"No I am not thankfully," She said. "I am gonna start with the wedding dresses and go from there. Cash only right?"
"Yes," I said. "It is to late for wire transfers."
She walked in and saw the Cartier in the display case. She asked, "Are those pieces up for negotiation."
"No once they are priced they are sold as priced," I said.
"Okay," She said. "I have cash to spend but I am picky to be honest for my boutique."
"That is fine," I said. "I am going to price these three racks while you shop so if you want to look at them first your welcome to."
"Do you hold the items or can I shop as I go?" She asked.
"Most have been shopping as they go," I said. "Makes it easier with space in your car or money."
She looked through the racks and found quite a few pieces. After we settled on a price she took them into her car and started looking at the dresses. She brought a few piles and when she finished with her shopping time she thanked me and left. Looking at the clock I realized Ben was not here. I did the closing duties and got our envelopes and deposit bag ready. I called his number and it went to voicemail.
Calling Lloyd he answered and said, "Maggie is everything alright?"
"I'm not sure," I said. "Ben was supposed to be here at eight thirty but I have not seen him since he left after dropping Nathaniel off. Is he home?"
He said, "Let me check are you going to the bank?"
"Yes," I said. "We did a lot of wired transfers today so its minimal cash after our take. I am more worried about him. If he is not home call me I will drive around and look for him."
Hanging up I locked up and went to the bank and my phone rang. Llyod said, "I found him. The town Doctor is on his way now."
"What happened?" I asked.
"Ben has a lung issue and he passed out," He said. "The doctor is here I will see you when you get home."
Heading home I saw the Doctor coming from Lloyds house. Going in Lloyd caught me and said, "He is sleeping my maid is sitting with him. Let's go to your RV and talk."
Going into the RV I asked, "What kind of lung issue?"
"The reason I raised Ben was because his parents died in a house fire," He said. "His room was in the basement and he was saved due to the foundation of the house. The fire department found his window and were able to get the door to the basement open and save him. However he had to be resuscitated due to all the smoke. He has had issues ever since growing up. The smoke damaged his lungs but he survived. I have had him to many doctors they said if it gets worse he may have to have the scar tissue removed. It would be safe to say he will be out of commission tomorrow."
"Alright," I said. "If you or he need anything call me."
I started making dinner and it was Carol. Picking up I said, "Are you cancelling on me on Saturday?"
"No not at all," She said. "I had a question though. Will we be able to do wire transfers on Saturday?"
"I am not sure I see hours for Saturday and am not sure," I said. "Let me call the bank in the morning and I will call you tomorrow."
***************************************************************
The following morning I called the bank manager and asked her if she could do wire transfers on Saturday as a special exception. She asked, "Are you expecting a lot of sales?"
"Yes," I said. "From a whale. Have you ever heard of Innocent and Naughty weddings?"
"I sure have," She said. "My sister used their services for her wedding."
"The owner Carol is a longtime friend," I said. "Her and her assistant will be coming first thing on Saturday and buying a lot of stock in the store. She is bringing a twenty foot U-Haul to fill. I am expecting a few hundred thousand in transfers."
"Wow that is insane Maggie," She said. "I will arrange it all for you for Saturday. How late do you need me here? Should I expect any other weekends?"
"No," I said. "I have a few big buyers coming in the next two days and she may be buying me out as of Saturday. To be honest I do not know how late she will be here."
"Alright then I will plan on catching up on all of my paperwork on Saturday and get everything we been putting off done that day so I will be in the bank," She said.
"Thank you May I am sure I will speak with you later," I said.
Calling Carol I looked at the clock and when she picked up I said, "Hey Carol I have a buyer showing any minute. Bring a lot of cash for the cheaper sales but we can do wire transfers for the big items."
"Oh good," She said. "My assistant and I plan on buying you out if we can while you price some of the items. Do not expect much or anything left when we are done. Except for what you price."
"Well I will be thankful," I said. "I cannot wait to get the store fully set up and start the boarding house next door."
"You have not changed Maggie," She said. "Take it easy today. But I would think about the hotel first. That way people besides workers have a place to stay. That way I can come stay there and visit for the weekend."
"Alright I will hold you to it," I said. Hanging up I got ready for the buyer to arrive. Thankful to Carol if she can buy the remaining items out this Saturday. I want to get on a better schedule once the store is up do I can work on the blog more and start back to writing.
There was a knock at the door and when I answered I asked, "Julia?"
"I am Sarah her partner," She said. "Julia sent me as she fell last night and broke her ankle."
"Oh no," I said. "Well come in and let me go over some things with you."
"Thank you," She said.
"So we will accept wire transfers on larger sales," I said. "Please be aware the merch can not leave the store until it clears and the bill of sale is signed. Also feel free to do it in batches you have until 12:45 to shop all three floors and the basement. You will be finding now there is a large amount of spots open due to previous buyers. I will be pricing and getting the store ready so we can start turning the upper floors back into apartments. Also in the basement and the floors the only things not for sale are crates, shelves and the washer and dryer. Also the items priced here on the floor with the colored tags are priced as marked."
"Sounds good," She said. "So I will start upstairs and work my way down to the basement. Where will I be able to find you?"
"I am going to be pulling a box at a time from the basement," I said. "A lot of decor and accessories."
"No worries I will check in soon," She said. "So me a favor though if i do not come down check on me in thirty minutes I get so involved and I am limited on space in my SUV."
"I will set a thirty minute timer now," I said.
Going downstairs I grabbed a new box of flowers and brought them up to start pricing. The door to the store opened and Ben walked in. I said, "Why are you not at home resting?"
"Because we have work to do," He said. "I had volunteers meeting me at nine to work in the graveyard. Do not worry Lloyd already gave me the once over and I will take it easy. He told me that I have you to thank as I passed out in the garage."
"I am just happy your okay," I said. "When you didn't show I got worried. Speaking of this is yours from yesterday."
He looked inside and said, "Damn. I will eventually have enough for a boat the way things are selling."
"Well if you get a boat I request to be a passenger," I said. "I miss going on the water."
"You will be my first passenger," He said. "Also do you have plans after work?"
"No," I said. "Why?"
"We need to go somewhere," He said. "It is a surprise."
"Alright," I said. "I can't wait."
"Good if you get a few minutes we have more volunteers this morning if you want to take pictures for the blog," He said.
"Alright," I said. "After my buyers first timer goes off I will come over."
Julia's timer was about to go off when she came down and said, "Can you come up and we can work on a price?"
Following her up I saw she had piles of dressed and suits. She said, "I would like to offer you twenty thousand for these. They are lower end brands and most are from the eighties they do not sell well in the market but I am hoping I can jazz them up."
"Deal," I said. "Did you need to do a wire transfer or will this be cash?"
"For this one a wire transfer," She said following me downstairs. "You have the information I can send it and look around down here while we wait. After it goes through I will load what I have so far."
"Okay," I said. "After everything clears I will let you shop and start another timer for you. I will be going to the graveyard to take some pictures and come right back."
"Sounds good," She said. "Alright I did the transfer. Now we wait."
Looking at the case she said, "Vintage Cartier? Man those are a treasure I may buy a few before I leave. Priced as marked right."
"Yes we found those the first day tucked behind the wedding dresses," I said.
My phone rang and it was May she said, "Hey your good to go and I arranged for Saturday so Carol can shop and buy you out."
"Thank you May," I said. "Speak with you soon I am sure."
"Julia your good to go," I said. "I am opening the door so you can load the first batch. I will be back in a few minutes."
Walking over to the graveyard I started to take pictures and greeting the volunteers. Seeing Ben sitting in his golf cart I snapped a picture and realized how handsome he looked. Slapping myself mentally I thought, do not make this complicated.
He looked up and said, "Hey you made it."
"I did and I am glad your sitting I was thinking I was going to have to tie you to a chair," I said.
He laughed and said, "I would not put that past you. Did you get all the pictures you need?"
"I sure did," I said. "I am getting back to the store I should be done between six and seven tonight."
"Great," He said. "I will pop in and move boxes for you later."
"We are fine without you moving boxes," I said. "Rest or else."
Heading back to the store I met Julia downstairs and she had a few boxes of shoes and accessories. Settling a price I rang it in and she said, "I am going to brave he basement."
Laughing I said, "Good luck."
Picking up a crate of shoes I started pricing them until Julia cane up with bolts of the cloth. She asked, "Have vendors been buying this?"
"Yes," I said. "They bought for $2000 a roll. Which was a good price as I looked and saw what you shops pay."
She smiled and said, "I am bringing up all I can find and I see there is a bit. I will do the $2000 a roll."
When she brought up all the cloth she said, "Let me check out some of those wedding dresses."
She continued to shop the wedding dresses and when she was ready with a pile of cloth, dresses and shoes we completed a bill of sale. While we waited for the wire transfer to be completed she said, "Depending on what room I have left I may have to search some of these boxes in here. I wish I had the work van but we had to get the transmission replaced."
May called and said, "Your good to go."
Hanging up I said, "Well if you sign here you can load and see what type of room you have left."
She came back and said, "Well I guess you get a bit of a sales break Maggie my SUV is stuffed. Thank you again."
I waved and locked the door behind her. Realizing I had some time I made room on the racks and I went upstairs to carry some of the items down hanging them on the empty racks. I realized the top floor was emptying quite quickly and brought down some of the clothing racks that were empty to use downstairs. By the time my alarm for the one o'clock buyer went off the whole top floor apartment was condensed down to the main living room and bedroom.
When the buyer showed up and knocked at the door I opened it and he came in with a older boy. I said, "John?"
"Hey Maggie its great to meet you," He said. "I was gonna cancel but my Grandson offered to be my muscle today. I will be sticking to what you have down here."
"May I ask what happened," I asked.
"I took my husky for a walk and he saw a rabbit," He said. "I fell and broke my leg two days ago."
"Oh no," I said. "Well feel free to go through everything down here. You can buy in lots and if the price is more than the cash you have we can do a wire transfer."
He chuckled and said, "Well I have plenty of cash but I see some things I know are going to tick the amount up. Are the items priced opened for negotiation?"
"No everything behind this crate wall is marked as is," I said. "Please feel free to sit on the crates as you browse."
"Come on Benji lets see what we can do for Grams store," He said. Turning to me he said, "I brought our cargo van so we should be able to fill it. Oh Benji go grab those totes for me please there are ten of them."
"Sure thing Grandpa," He said running to the Cargo Van parked outside the store.
He opened the first box and said, "Oh Maggie your gonna kill the wallet today. Once he gets back we will see what I am going to get."
Benji came in with the totes and lids and he said, "Okay boy do you have the notebook and paper. We are gonna be organized here. Label the first page tote 1."
They worked together and added all the items to the tote as he notated what was in there. When he finished the first totes he cashed out and Benji brought the tote to the van. He moved to the first rack of suits and when he finished filling the second tote he said, "Maggie I want to save the cash I am going to fill three totes full and cash out. Items stay here til the transfer is completed right?"
"That is correct," I said. He wrote down more and continued to hand items to his helper. When he was done sorting the three totes we settled on a price and started the transfer. When It was complete he went back to looking through the boxes and made a new list.
"I have to ask what is in the list," I said.
"Oh its to keep track of what we have but also pricing," He said. "Low medium and high tier items. Then I had to the boss lady when I get home and she knows what to look for in the totes."
"That is very organized." I said.
John hobbled over to the dresses and I said, "John sit on the crates make it easier and have Benji bring you the dress bags. "I hate to see you in pain."
He said, "That is a good idea. Benji Grab me the first ten Dresses and lets see what we can find."
When he finished going through the main wall of dresses he had had picked a lot out and said, "Alright Maggie this is what we have and what I am offering you."
"That seems fair," I said. "Let's get the wire transfer started."
When the wire transfer completed Benji carried all the dresses to the van and came back saying, "Grandpa there is very little room left after you got the dresses. We can fit one full tote and the remaining that are empty without squishing the dress bags."
HE sighed and said, "To be honest Benji I am exhausted. I think we have cleared out enough for Maggie."
"I hope you feel better soon John," I said.
"Is there a place around here to eat?" He asked.
"Sure is," I said. "Sally's Cafe right across the road."
"Thank you," He said. "Benji let's go get the totes in the van and grab some lunch. Then we can bring this all to Grams and let her tell us what she thinks.
Smiling I let them out and locked the door. Heading upstairs I brought down wedding dresses and started to fill the back wall again. When I filled the back wall I went outside and looked around. Ben came up and said, "the buyer left early?"
"Yes they filled their van and went to sally's to eat," I said. "Do you have a key to the boarding house?"
"I do," He said. "Want to explore?"
"Yes I do," I said. "I think the boarding house should be one of the first things to go in besides the store. That way if we have to hire workers it can be a small hotel instead of a boarding house."
He nodded and said, "That may be smart. How are sales going today?"
Chuckling I said, "Well if we keep to a budget. We have enough for the upstairs apartments to be remodeled and the boarding house. This will include refurnishing the rooms with beds, dressers and basics. Unless we can salvage some of the furniture in there. If we can than that would be even better."
Ben opened the door and we walked in seeing the main desk. The desk had a door behind it and we found a small living quarters for the manager. Looking in the first row of rooms we saw some items left behind and furniture that would have to be thrown out and some that could be salvaged. In some rooms we saw piles of items and some a suitcase and some clothes. Ben said, "I think it would be smarter to rip out the carpet and lay flooring. The rooms look like they need a good cleaning and small repairs we may be lucky."
We continued to explore and found that there was a room with a lot of furniture. Looking at Ben I said, "This is a jackpot. But hold on I need to look in the drawers."
Shifting a dresser I said, "Oh my these drawers are loaded. Well we will see what we can salvage after we get the store and its apartments done."
He smiled and said, "Well we have plenty of time. But are you done for the day?"
"I was going to bring more stock up from the basement," I said. "What do you have in mind?"
Ben gave a smile and said, "We are going out. I will pick you up in an hour or so."
I sighed and said, "Ben. I am not so sure."
"We are going out as friends nothing more," He said.
Relenting I said, "Okay I will see you in an hour."
Going inside I went to the top floor apartment and started bringing boxes and items down. When Ben arrived back to get me I had cleared more than half the apartment. He had a picnic basket and said, "Come on Maggie time to get out of here, drop the deposit and head out."
Grabbing the paperwork I completed, I handed Ben his percentage and placed mine in my bag. Grabbing the deposit I went out to join Ben and he said, "Larry dropped me off so we could use your cart. I will drive."
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Mount hope Maine - 600/5000 residents.
Bridal store a k-12 school, post office, two gas stations, 3 diners, a community center, a theatre, 16 -6 acre farms, a massive graveyard, a fishing pier that holds fifteen shops. a mobile community that had 18 trailers and hook ups for 8 RV's, 176 homes, 8 apartment complexes, sheriff station/fire department/bank, 36 stores, twenty five cabins in our park along the water and the original mayors estate and four motels with fifty rooms each. Gardens, 2 hostels. library, gym, clinic, dentist, craft store, boarding house, vfw, Hardware store. 2 gas stations, community center
$378000- Revitalize the town
The original article bein released would be about the graveyards and the community wanting to restore it. Then the second article will have pictures of the work being done on the graveyard. The third would be a article with the completed work and telling everyone how they can visit the town and explore all it has to offer.
Maggie Montclair- Main Checking- 2,985,786 Blog/Writing Freelance/book Account- 21,991 Cash- $257,621
check the blog create a new post freelance editing my newest books working on more stories pictures to blog and social media
Next- End of June Maine- Lloyd stans brother mount hope
Mr. Mathews
Dan and Kay- friends
Saint Augustine- Emma and Stan
May- Banker
Buyers/friends: Carol, Don/Bill, Marlene/bill/nathaniel
