Upper Crust

Cookie opened the door and groaned, she would have let Pinny magically pick the letters up, but being the first in she just decided to lean down and get them herself and then placed them on the counter. Pinny followed close behind.

“More?”

“More.” Cookie replied a little deadpan. “I’m starting to worry again.”

“Try not to fret honey, business is picking up and we’re bound to start making money soon.” Pinny replied. “We’re not struggling yet.” he said, slipping the envelope open and looking at the amount. “Although this one is rather large…”

The review still hadn’t come out since Five Stars had come back. It was strange because he had written the first one in rather quick order however he seemed to be taking his time on the second. Of course Cookie was already worrying he was taking so long because he was looking into the food they had sold him. Pinny as per usual had tried to relax her, stating he was probably taking his time because he wanted to write the second review well and give the food the proper attention it deserved.

In the meantime, the bills for the business were starting to pile up. Even with the fact that they were developing a small selection of repeat customers the amount they were making was just about covering their running costs for the time being. Neither had started paying themselves a salary yet and paying off the costs for the builders who had done all the work on the bakery was slow going. They were paying it off little by little which was keeping any debt collectors at bay for the time being, but every time they paid some off, a new bill would appear for something else.

“The fact of the matter is we need more customers, I don’t think we’re going to get it until the review comes out.” Pinny said, putting the bill down and coming over to the sofa to sit with Cookie, who was flipping through a magazine to try to take her mind off it.

“I know, but is there nothing else we can do? We’re using the sugar which is probably the biggest draw but it’s not really having as big a pull for customers as I had hoped.” Cookie sighed.

“Give it time, we’ve only been serving the baked goods with the new sugar for a short time. You know sometimes I think you’re a little impatient.” Pinny said, moving a little closer to her to wrap himself around her for reassurance. “Things have a way of falling into place. The review will come out and we’ll have ponies lining up outside the door as far as the eye can see. Just you wait.”

He gave Cookie a small kiss. Hopefully the review would come out soon. Cookie didn’t have as much direct involvement with the finances as Pinny, since he did a little less in the bakery he took it upon himself to manage them. Besides he didn’t want her to worry. The two spent a few hours together discussing more mundane things before heading to bed.

The two got up bright and early, as was the routine and when they were waiting for that first review Pinny would head out shortly before they opened up and the stock was ready to get The Gazette.

“Well?” Cookie asked as she watched him scan it on the counter top of the bakery.

“No...he reviewed some restaurants and a takeaway pizza place. Nothing got five stars. Perhaps it’s that he reviews the same establishments altogether, I noticed when he did us last there were some other bakeries in there too. Although seeing as nothing is earning top marks perhaps it’s better this way…” Pinny replied, putting the paper away.

“That doesn’t explain the takeaway pizza place.” Cookie said back, getting herself ready for the days business. She glanced up at the usual small line today comprised of three ponies waiting. Of course the first one there was Luna Eclipse. She smiled to herself, at least it was nice to have one pony they knew they could depend on every single day. Of course there was more regulars than just her but she was the only one who was that much of a regular. Cookie already had her bag prepared as she squeezed through the door when they opened up.

“Good morning Clipsy. I take it the usual?” Cookie asked.

“Would I have anything else? Oh - is the review out yet?” Clipsy asked Cookie.

“No, we got The Gazette this morning, still nothing.” Pinny said between serving some other customers. “He’s sure taking his sweet time.”

“Ohhhhh, excellent news!” Eclipse excitedly said, opening the bag just to double check all of her order was inside.

“Uh what, excellent news? How do you know that? He hasn’t even written anything from what we can tell.” Pinny asked.

“Ya’ll don’t know much about Five Stars do you?” Eclipse giggled. “If he’s taking his time that’s a good sign. If the review comes out quickly you know it’s going to be middling. If he’s mulling over it, there’s somethin’ about yer food that’s got him thinkin’.” she said. “At least that’s what I’ve heard on the grapevine.”

“Well, that’s good news I suppose. We were getting worried.” Cookie said with a forced smile.

“Ah shucks don’t be! The food here is amazing! Still though a good review means more customers, I liked how quiet this place is.” Eclipse replied.

“Well our mounting bills don’t. We could certainly use a trade boost.” Pinny said, coming over now he had finished dealing with the initial queue of ponies and they had left. It was just the three of them in the store.

“Well I’ll still be here first in line every day! This stuff is just too good to pass up. I’ll be back tomorrow, keep your hooves crossed he releases it soon!” the mare said, once more squeezing her way out and waddling out down the road.

“She gets bigger every day…” Pinny said watching her go.

“Well, that’s our fault.” Cookie replied.

“I know, but I can comment on it can’t I?” he said back. “I mean she’s clearly addicted now.”

“I can handle one pony addict. I just don’t think I could handle a whole line at the door rabid for our specially made goods Pinny.” Cookie said, he could see her starting to worry again.

“Well then that’s when we start to scale it back like we discussed. Hopefully they won’t notice the difference.”

The explanation that Luna Eclipse gave at least was some hope for the two, as the days went on and more bills were pushed through the door they couldn’t wait to see what he’d say. The sugar had helped, but really they needed more ponies like Eclipse, despite what Cookie said. The size of her well...that was just a side effect they’d have to look at dealing with when more ponies got bigger.