David gave a polite smile. "I'm sorry to do this, but I own the property opposite your store."
"Oh, you bought Heritage Slices?" Vee asked. Her tone was polite enough, but her eyes were already measuring him.
"Uh, yes," David said, giving a modest little smile. "I… uh… might need your help."
Vee stared at him. Tony looked up from the counter. "You want me to help you?" Vee asked slowly. "We are competitors."
David laughed quickly and lifted both hands. "Oh no, no, no. I know nothing about pizzas. It's just a café," he said. "Coffee, tea, parfaits, ice cream, youghurt, that kind of thing."
"So what do you want?"
"I'm new around here," David said. "Don't really know anyone yet, so I was thinking we could have some sort of arrangement."
"What arrangement?"
"If my customers need slices of pizza to go with their drinks, you could have them delivered. It's just a short walk. I would rather support a neighbour than start making terrible pizza myself."
