The Jones Family Candy Store was always busy. It was in a great location, on the corner of a busy street in the city. Thanks to the gentrification in their area they were getting more business than ever. Not that it was needed, their candy was somewhat of a tradition to the local families.
Liam and Killian inherited the business from their grandfather who'd inherited it from his grandfather. The shop had its 80th anniversary during the summer. It was well known by people for the delicious sweets and happy atmosphere. Their store was also a landmark in their community, therefore a well visited tourist stop.
Years of wear and tear on the shop were beginning to take its toll. Killian often thought of the days when he would visit the shop with his mother and brother when he was just a lad. A wave of nostalgia would overwhelm him when he thought about the shop in its glory days. The appeal to the patrons was magnificent. The colorful awning and the candy in the window in front of the shop would first draw you to it, the happy music playing would bring a smile to your face and then the amazing aromas would bring you inside for a closer look.
When he was little his grandfather had electric trains that would run around the shop along with a little carousel that the small children could ride on. He loved racing the trains with his older brother. His grandfather would hold the controller and he would press the buttons. In the rare occasion when they were able to beat Liam he would cheer loudly and hug his grandfather tight. The gentle man always smelled like sugar and cake.
He loved his grandfather and loved the magical shop more than anything. It was their home away from home. While their mother was working, he and Liam would head straight there after school each day to help in the shop. They probably spent more of their day at the shop than at their actual home.
His grandfather was happy to have the boys with him. He used to tell them the special bits that each possessed that reminded him of his son. It seemed to make his grandfather feel better to talk about their father and he was happy to hear about him too. He left all of them too soon.
When his grandfather fell ill, he'd informed the boys of his plan to have them take ownership of the shop. At first he was saddened by this, he'd always thought of the shop and his grandfather together. He protested the request, he told Liam that he'd give him the whole shop because he didn't think he could be there without their grandfather.
Liam tried to make him see reason but in the end it was his grandfather that made him change his mind. He helped him see how his spirit would live through the shop and that he'd always be there with him in his heart. He couldn't deny the man his last wish. He loved him too much so he agreed to continue working there with Liam.
After their grandfather passed it was hard for them both. They would go through their daily routines like always but his grandfather's magical light was missing. It seemed that everything in the shop was dull. The magic it had when he was a kid was suddenly gone.
Killian struggled for a while with the change until one day he was doing inventory in the shop and discovered a hidden little treasure box. Inside was the original journal / recipe book that his Great -Great Grandfather used to start the business. All of his trials and errors were all recorded. Each recipe was outlined in great detail. There were even little notes scattered from his great-grandmother.
He knew most of the recipes by heart but it was nice to see where they originated. He also found a few that hadn't made in a long time. The flavors sounded interesting and he planned to test them out. He thought that maybe what didn't work in the past could work today. He'd have to run the idea by Liam but he thought it could be fun.
He took the book home and read it from cover to cover a few times. He learned a lot in the process, not only about the shop and candy but also his family. In the bottom of the box there were a bunch of loose family photos to go along with it.
There were photos of the exterior of the shop in its glory days, pictures of the setup when it first opened and pictures of his family outside standing proud the day it opened.
His grandfather was just a boy at the time he started coming to the shop, much like he was. His Great- Great Grandfather was also a very stately man but his smile was infectious. He also found quite a few pictures of his father that he never saw. It was after finding those treasures that he reconnected with the store and his family legacy.
He began to smile again and eventually caught himself laughing. His brother, while generally the more studious of the pair, noticed as well. Soon life was going forward and things at their little shop felt like home again.
He began testing recipes and working long nights in their kitchen. He realized quickly why some of the candies were discontinued but he also discovered some delicious hidden gems. Once he'd completed his research he presented the findings to Liam. His brother was ecstatic to hear about all the research he'd done. He also whole heartedly agreed with the new flavor combinations that Killian came up with. They fit perfectly into Liam's plans for the shop's future.
Liam was focused on expansion of the business, finding internet outlets and potentially even another store location. Killian focused on the candy, the customers and making people smile. Both brothers were in agreement that their little shop a makeover. Liam wanted to be able to replicate their layout and Killian wanted to recapture those magical feelings he remembered when he was just a lad.
With Liam's blessing he took over the restoration plans for their store. After looking at all of the old photos he wanted more than anything to restore the shop to its once colorful glory. Once he finalized his portfolio of ideas he presented it to Liam. His brother loved everything he came up with and felt that the new updates would also work out great with their web expansion.
Liam immediately organized some meetings with potential designers who could help them take on this task. Killian would handle the in store design and Liam would focus on the web launch. They wanted to have the job complete in time for the holidays so that they could launch their site and be ready for their big rush. That meant they had about 6 weeks to get the projects complete.
Liam arranged all of the designer interviews. They would each interview designers and then coordinate both so that the launches would coincide once they'd each chosen a candidate.
Killian put up a notice at the front register so that their patrons would know that they would be open during the project but that things might be in a bit of disarray.
One of their regular customers Mrs. Nolan visited them once a week to pick up chocolate for her famous hot cocoa. While she was in the shop she noticed the sign and inquired about the project. When he told her that they were planning to interview candidates she suggested that he meet with her daughter Emma. She was a creative consultant and according to her an amazing decorator.
Mrs. Nolan was a nice and an upstanding member of their little community. He could hardly say no to her so he added Emma to the potential list of candidates that Liam already provided him. He also had the Magnificent Seven contractors lined up when the design was finalized. They were old family friends but more importantly they promised to do the job right and fast. That was all he needed to hire them. Now he just had to get his designs ready.
He gathered all the photos, clippings and his ideas into a portfolio to use with each designer candidate. The one that could promise to make his vision come true would be the one he chose.
The first of the candidates was a man named Jefferson Hatter. He was somewhat of an eccentric with a flair for color. He liked him but their conversation was so scattered that he wasn't sure he would be able to work closely with him. He kept him on the list but he didn't think he would be his first choice.
The second candidate was a very polished gentleman named Arthur. While he was very organized he was also very cold. His plans were to modernize the shop instead of restore it even though he'd shown him his vision. After trying to focus Arthur back to his own vision several times he realized the man was not likely going to be the right candidate so he just let him talk for the duration of the meeting. The final project that Arthur proposed was 250% over the budget he planned to spend. He shook his hand as a professional and told him he'd be in touch when he made his selection but he knew it would be unlikely that he'd select him.
He met with two other candidates who just didn't seem like a good fit and was beginning to give up hope. They had a tight deadline and the recommendations Liam provided were just not working out. He had one more meeting scheduled for that afternoon with the Nolan's daughter. If she didn't work out he was going to consider contacting Jefferson. If anything he would be entertained. He decided to take a quick break before his last interview.
"Liam, I'm heading down to Granny's to grab a sandwich, would you like anything?" He called.
"No, no. I'll be right out. Just need another moment" Grumbled Liam.
He really needed to get that man out of his office. He was always worried about the store financials and now with this web project it would be even worse. He may not see him until the launch. Liam's candidate interviews for the web project were going just about as well as his were which wasn't saying much.
"Ok brother. Go on. I'll take care of the shop while you are gone, just don't' be too long. I've got to get back to work. These interviews are taking longer than I thought they would." Said Liam.
"I won't. I have another interview in about an hour, the Nolan's daughter."
Liam's eyes went wide. "Really? I didn't know Emma was a designer."
"You know her?" he asked.
"Aye, she came in a few times with her mother but that was years ago. I haven't seen her in quite a while. Her mother does talk about her quite a lot though. She's a very proud mama." Explained Liam.
"How do you think she got me to give her an interview?" he grinned.
"Well you be nice to the lass, after all the Nolan's are good customers of ours. If she isn't right, make sure you let her down easy." Instructed Liam.
With one foot out the door he turned back. "Of course brother. Now let me run. Granny hates when we are late as you know."
Liam shook his head with eyes wide." Aye, best get moving or you'll get a stern talking to."
He was late for his order and Granny was not pleased but he was able to get out of the lecture by smiling brightly. She could never resist his smile. Granny had also been a dear friend of their grandfather so she did cut him some slack at times.
He rushed back to the shop half eaten sandwich in one hand and the other half dangling in the bag. Liam was at the counter talking on the phone when he arrived. The shop was nearly empty with just a few patrons looking around.
He slid behind the counter and tapped his brother on the shoulder. Liam turned around and acknowledged he'd returned with a nod then disappeared into his office once again. Killian shook his head and leaned back against the wall to survey the store.
He took another bite of Granny's delicious meatloaf sandwich. That woman was a life saver. He wished he knew how to cook the same way he knew how to make candy. He probably ate at Granny's more than he'd like to ever tell anyone but the woman could cook.
He noticed a pair of young lads hanging out by the loose candies. They were debating over whether gummy worms or gummy sharks would win in a fight. He smiled and thought gummy sharks for sure would win.
He was just about to interject with his opinion when a beautiful blonde vision stepped out from behind the rack of old time candies. Her hair was nearly translucent under the sunlight streaming in the front window and she had eyes that shimmered like emeralds. She seemed to float around the shop and he couldn't take his eyes off of her.
He put his sandwich back into the bag, wiped his hands clean and checked his mouth in the side window for any remnants of ketchup. He had to talk to her. It was rate to encounter anyone that beautiful in their little town.
He was just about to approach her when he turned to find her standing at the counter smiling. He blinked at her perfection. She was even more beautiful up close. "Um, can I help you?" he stammered.
She extended her hand. "Hi I'm Emma Nolan. You're Killian right? I'm here for an interview. I know I'm a bit early. I hope its ok. I noticed you were eating lunch. I can come back."
He took her hand and shook it firmly." No, No. I mean, yes I'm Killian and no it's not a problem you are here early. Just grabbing a quick bite. "
She smiled biting her lip. "I told your brother I was here. I guess he forgot to mention it. "
He looked over at Liam's office door which was firmly shut. He wanted to curse him up and down for this one. "No, he was on the phone when I came in. I'm sorry about that."
"Oh, don't mention it. I'm here early so, like I said I can wait. I know how good Granny's meatloaf is."
He laughed and tucked his bag under the counter. "That it is. Let me check in with my brother. He'll need to mind the store while we meet. I'll be right back."
"Oh, ok sure. I'll just be over there listening to the gummy debate. My guess is gummy shark would win." She said smiling.
He nodded, still feeling a little flustered and rushed back to talk with Liam. He pushed open the door without knocking and closed it behind him. Liam sat at his desk grinning like the cheeky bastard he was.
"Liam, you knew! You knew she was here but you didn't tell me. You let me scarf down that meatloaf in front of her. Did you even have a phone call?"
Liam laughed." She looks much different than I remember. She's grown into quite the lady. If I had to guess, I'd say she's your type aye?"
"Brother, she's here for a professional interview. Of course she's my type, I nearly asked the woman out, had my best lines ready and everything."
"Well, at least you had the good sense to hold back. Seriously you need to work on those lines too. The woman may have walked out in a fit of laughter."
"We don't have time to debate my lines. Can you please come watch the front until Scarlett gets here? I don't want to keep Ms. Nolan waiting." He emphasized.
"Of course, when is Wil due anyway? Hopefully he bothers to show up today." Said Liam sternly.
"If he knows what's good for him he will." Said Killian.
"One more strike and he's out. I only hired him as a favor to Robin."
"I know brother. He's a good guy, I'll keep watch over him. He needs the job and I've already warned him."
"Good, now let's not keep Ms. Nolan waiting." Grinned Liam.
He shook his head and composed himself. He needed to remember, this was a professional meeting.
"Ms. Nolan, I'm sorry about that. I hope you can forgive me." Plead Liam.
"Of course. And please both of you, call me Emma."
"Emma, follow me." Said Killian.
He led her to his office and gave Liam a look suggesting he be on his best behavior. Liam gave him his cheekiest grin. He vowed he would get his brother back for this one.
"Please, Emma, sit down." He said nervously.
"Thank you."
He sat across from her and watched as she prepared herself for the meeting. She seemed organized like Arthur and he liked that. He also couldn't help but notice the soft peach color of her sweater against her skin. He caught himself staring before she noticed and bit his lip to pull himself back to the task at hand.
"So, Mr. Jones where would you like to start?"
"Ah, I have a portfolio of ideas that I'd like to show you and please call me Killian." He said grinning.
"Great Killian, that's more than most of my clients have to start."
He opened the folder, showed her the photos and explained his ideas. She was thoughtful and kind. She listened to his ideas and provided input rather than tried to force her own ideas on him. She also had a good relationship with M7 as they were long time family friends which was also preferable to him.
Their meeting hour flew by quickly. They were working so well together that he didn't realize the time until they were interrupted by Wil.
"Oy, Killian. Liam said I need to remind you that he has a meeting as well."
"Scarlett, don't you bother to knock?" said Killian as he watched Wil roll his eyes.
"It's ok we were just wrapping up." Said Emma gathering her things.
"Just doing what the boss asked." Said Wil saluting as he ducked back out.
Killian scratched nervously behind his ear. "Sorry about that."
"Don't worry about it. I have to get going anyway. I'm due to pick up my mother in 30 minutes. She's running a charity benefit tonight for the local library."
He nodded. "Well, Ms. N.. Emma. I'd like to offer you the job."
She looked up smiling. "Really?"
"Yes, I think you have captured what I'm looking for and I think we would work well together."
"Great. I'll draw up the papers and have my assistant drop them by tomorrow. "
He tried to hide the look of disappointment on his face when he thought about someone else coming besides her. "Ok, great."
Emma extended her hand. "Great."
He took her hand, softly this time and gave it a gentle squeeze. She looked up and caught his gaze. "Great."
"Let me show you out."
"Oh you don't have to." She said turning and nearly knocking over the coat rack behind her.
He tried not to laugh and hoped that was a sign that she was shaken a bit from him as well. "See you soon."
"I'll send over the papers for you to sign tomorrow. Thank you Killian."
He waved as she walked out of the shop. "I'm in trouble."
Liam came up behind him and clapped him hard on the shoulder. "I'd say that is an understatement Little Brother."
He shook his head and elbowed his brother in the side.
"Oof. What was that for?" asked Liam sounding winded.
Killian pointed at him shaking his finger. "You know."
Liam laughed. "I finished up your sandwich."
"What? If you wanted something you should have told me. I was looking forward to that." Whined Killian.
"You know I can't resist Granny's." grinned Liam.
The chime of the door rang and pulled Killian's attention to the door. His eyes went wide and he smiled. For the second time today it appeared as if an angel had walked into their shop. Liam was grinning and he noticed the ketchup at the corner of his mouth. "Brother, I believe your candidate is here." He smiled.
Liam turned and nearly bumped into the woman behind him. "Uh, I'm sorry Miss."
The beautiful braided blonde smiled. "Oh, it's no problem. Can you direct me to Liam Jones?"
"I'm Liam Jones." He said.
"Hi, I'm Elsa Arendelle. I believe we have an appointment."
He watched leaning back as Liam was caught with his words. As much as Emma was his type, Elsa was Liam's.
"Yes, right this way. I've been waiting for you."
"Good, I'm on a tight schedule."
Liam trailed behind Elsa passing a glance of disbelief towards his brother. Killian shrugged and grinned. Scarlett joined him behind the counter and they both managed to stifle their laughs until Liam shut the door.
"Looks like I'm not the only one in trouble." Said Killian.
"I'll say. When's me blonde coming in?" asked Wil.
Killian bopped him on the side of the head. "How about ya just keep your mind on the inventory tonight?"
"Aye Aye Captain." Said Wil mocking him with a salute before disappearing to the back.
Killian couldn't help but let his thoughts trail back to Emma. He was thoroughly impressed. She was smart, funny, beautiful and seemingly perfect. He couldn't wait to get started on the project.
After what seemed like hours Liam emerged from his office grinning like a wolf next to Elsa. It wasn't only him though. She seemed to be a bit smitten herself. He stood back and watched as his brother escorted her out.
"Well Brother? I take it she got the job?"
"As a matter of fact she did. Turns out she knows Emma as well. They've worked together on other projects similar to ours." He said grinning.
"Is that so? And what's going on between the pair of you?"
Liam sighed. "Well nothing yet, but I'm hopeful."
"She seemed interested in you as well from what I saw."
"Really? You think so?" asked Liam.
Killian laughed. "I'm trying to figure out when my brother was replaced with a 16 year old girl."
Liam pushed him roughly. "Well, we need to cancel inventory tonight."
"What? Why? I've already got Scarlett in back working on it."
Liam pulled two tickets from his pocket. "Elsa sold me a couple of tickets to a charity ball tonight."
Killian grabbed them. "Let me see those. This is the same event that Emma mentioned to me earlier. Her mother is running it."
Liam nodded. "Aye, I figured that would catch your attention. So inventory is cancelled yeah?"
Killian scratched behind his ear. "I suppose so, since you've already paid for the tickets."
Liam grabbed him and put him in a head lock ruffling his hair. "Good, go home and get into your best suit little brother. I've got mine in my office. I'll finish up with Scarlett and close up the shop. "
"Are you sure?"
"You are going to need all the help you can get, especially if you try out those so called lines on her." Mocked Liam.
Killian shook his head. "Fine Brother, I'll see you there. "
