The morning after Leo updated his website, he was in the garage headquarters, reviewing the new orders with his father. Frank was quickly proving to be an invaluable asset. He had organized the entire space with the efficiency of a man who had spent a lifetime on construction sites. Everything had a place, and the workflow for packing was smooth and fast.
Leo brought in a small crate from the "sourcing room"—aka the master bathroom—and placed it on the stainless-steel workbench. Inside, nestled in soft grass he'd gathered from the Sanctum, were the first vegetables and strawberries available for sale.
Frank stopped taping a box and came over. He peered into the crate, his bushy eyebrows rising. "My God, son. Look at those tomatoes. They look like something out of a painting." He picked up a carrot, weighing it in his calloused hand. It was flawless, glowing with a healthy, vibrant orange. "And no dirt. How do you get them so clean?"
A flicker of paternal worry crossed his face, replacing the admiration. He looked around the pristine garage, then at his son, who looked healthier and happier than he'd ever seen him.
"Leo," he began, his voice lowering slightly. "You can tell me to mind my own business. But... where are you really getting all of this? This water, these vegetables... they're not normal. I've been on this earth for sixty-two years. Carrots don't look like this."
Leo looked at his dad. He saw genuine concern in his eyes, not accusation. He wanted to tell him. God, he wanted to share his impossible secret. But how could he? Hey Dad, I found a magic elf forest in my bathroom, and now I'm thinking of starting an interdimensional chicken farm. He couldn't do it. Not yet.
So he smiled, a playful and mysterious glint in his eye. He walked over to the door leading into the main house and gestured for his dad to follow. He led him to the master bathroom.
"The source is in here, Dad," Leo said seriously.
He placed his hand on the doorknob.
"You're... showing me the bathroom?" Frank asked, bewildered. Before Leo could open it, Frank broke into a laugh, swatting his son playfully on the back of the head. "Alright, you little punk. Keep your trade secrets." He was smiling, shaking his head. "As long as it's legal and no one's getting hurt, I guess it's your business."
Leo smiled back, relieved. "Don't worry, Dad. It's all good."
They went back to the garage. "By the way, son," Frank said, gesturing to the printout of the latest orders. "Your first customer, that Kyle Jensen fella from California? He bought again. A lot of water, and... well, look here. One of everything."
Leo's face lit up. "He bought the produce? Already?" He felt a huge surge of gratitude for this unknown, adventurous customer. Kyle was not just a customer; he was a pioneer, bravely testing every new, ludicrously priced item Leo put up for sale. He had to be rewarded.
"Dad," Leo said decisively. "Pack his order. But double the vegetables. Two carrots, two tomatoes, two lettuces. And instead of three strawberries, give him a full dozen."
Frank whistled. "Son, that's over two hundred dollars worth of magic vegetables you're just giving away."
"He's worth it. He's my most important customer," Leo said. "And put a note in there. Tell him it's a gift. For being the first person to believe in the brand."
As Frank got to work packing the order with a proud shake of his head, Leo knew what his next call had to be. He pulled out Evelyn Hayes's business card. He needed to manage his other major client. He had a new, even more exclusive product line, and she needed to be the first to know.
He dialed the number.
"Evelyn Hayes speaking."
"Evelyn, hi, it's Leo from Clarity."
"Leo! A pleasure to hear from you. Is everything alright with our daily pickup?" her voice was warm and professional.
"Everything is perfect," Leo assured her. "I'm actually calling for another reason. The source that provides the water... it also provides other things. Produce. Vegetables and fruits with... similarly unique properties. The first harvest just came in."
He could hear the intrigued silence on the other end of the line.
"I see," she said slowly. "Are you planning on selling this produce?"
"I am," Leo confirmed. "But before I launch it publicly, I'd like to provide you and your grandfather with some samples. No charge, of course. As a thank-you for your business. I'd love to get your... feedback."
He heard her take a sharp breath. "Leo, that's incredibly generous. We would be absolutely delighted. When can we expect them?"
"I can have a sample basket ready with your water courier tomorrow morning," he said smoothly.
"Wonderful. Leo," she said, her voice dropping slightly, "my grandfather's doctors are... baffled. His energy levels are higher than they've been in a decade. If your vegetables are even half as effective as your water, you may have another very dedicated customer on your hands."