2019-06-22 - Interviews

Fancy that, an interview.

Genevieve sets up a tray with tea and nibbles on one of the recently constructed glass counters. Inside the cases are labeled mason jars full of different types of marijuana, translucent boxes that hold labeled joints, and various other paraphernalia. She checks her watch, and then her phone, unlocking the front door to the shop so that when the reporter arrives they don't have to do that awkward song and dance to get settled. She glances around, trying to see her shop through someone else's eyes, steps behind the counter to move a few things around and then settles, letting out a sigh. "Well I'm either going to fuck this up completely or it's going to go swimmingly. Let us hope for the latter." She picks up one of the teacups and slowly pours herself some tea.

Being a polite soul, Jessica still knocks on the door before letting herself in. "Hey, you must be Genevieve. I'm Jessica. Thanks for agreeing to this." Her eyes wander the shelves with a mixture of curiosity and concern - she may not be used to drugs. Other than caffeine. Her satchel bag is swung onto the counter so she can take out her notepad and then her phone. "Okay to record the conversation? Just to make sure I don't get something wrong." She will offer her hand in greeting once she has sorted herself out. "I bet people can't wait until you open."

"Hi Jessica, it's nice to meet you." Her words have a slight twinge of accent, delivered in a honey-soaked voice. "I don't have a problem with you recording this." She responds, taking the reporter's hand to shake it firmly. "I'm Genevieve Dupuis, you can call me Eve if you'd like." She gestures to the bean bags she has set up in the corner, moving toward one with her cup of tea. "I set out some tea and cookies. The cookies aren't edibles, I wouldn't do that during an interview, though it might be interesting." She settles down on the bean bag, tucking her legs up until she's comfortable. "I think people will enjoy the things I'll be selling here, that's the hope."

"I'm pretty sure they'll enjoy your things a lot" Jessica smirks as she follows her hostess to the bean bags. "Eve then. Feel free to call me Jess if you like. I love your accent. French? From France or Canada?" A pause. "Or somewhere else entirely" she adds with a smile. It seems she is used to bean bags, getting herself comfortable, notebook on her lap, before looking over the cookies. "They're not edible? Is the tea drinkable?" A tease in her tone before she begins. "So, Eve, why don't you tell me a little about your background?"

"I was born in the United States, but both of my parents emigrated here from France. Ours was a French speaking household unless we had guests." Genevieve flashes Jessica a grin and nods, taking a sip of her tea before she sets it aside. "Oh no no, honey. The cookies aren't product, is what I'm saying. I'm not trying to get you high off your ass during the interview." There is a twinkle in her eye, her hands settling in her lap as she aims to attempt to behave. "Oh, background. I am not from Gray Harbor, though I did visit once ten years ago, I found the place charming enough to return." She fidgets as she speaks, her eyes on the woman sitting across from her. "I have a degree in agribusiness management, I've always been a little fascinated with flowers and growing, and I figured that this would be a good business venture for me."

Jessica looks relieved that the cookies are real - she will happily take one now. Nodding along to Eve's words as she bites into it. An amused smile about getting high, which causes a bit of cookie crumble from her lips, but she tries to pick up as many as she can. "Ten years ago?" A little tilt of her head as she studies the other woman. "When you were ten?" If Eve is older than that, she has great genes - maybe weed smoking is the answer? "You went from flowers to marijuana? Careful, people will start saying that roses are a gateway drug now. Is this your first business venture? And why not a florist rather than..." A wave of her hand at the jars.

"I visited here when I was eighteen." Genevieve looks amused at the thought of her only being eighteen still, winking at Jessica before she picks up a cookie of her own. "I've grown flowers since I was old enough to play in the dirt, and while it's a fulfilling business, there is already a florist in town. Carmen gave me a job when I first rolled into town, I would do her a massive disservice to open a competing business a few roads down. No, I read up on the laws concerning growing and selling marijuana, and I feel this will be a very lucrative venture to get into." She glances at the jars, before her gaze moves back to Jessica. "Have you ever.." She glances toward the case, an eyebrow quirked slightly.

"Of course I have" Jessica replies with a trace of indignation at the very idea that she hadn't. "But I've never tried weed or drugs of any kind. Wait, you're twenty-eight? Wow, haven't I had a hard life" she laughs. "Ah, I know of Carmen. Didn't she arrive about ten years ago? Retorical question. Can I assume that you are a user of your own product? Not worried you might use all your stock before you sell any?" she teases lightly. "When do you think you will be open?"

Genevieve looks confused, but she covers it by simply smiling over at Jessica. "I mean, my Mère would certainly say that I have excellent genes, she looks like she's still in her thirties." She shakes her head at the question about product, taking a nibble from her cookie. "I don't smoke weed actually, or partake in edibles. I don't really have anything against anyone who does, I'd just rather have a shot of tequila rather than a joint." She considers for a moment before she adds. "I do test edibles and gummies though, to make sure they taste okay. So.. I guess I do partake occasionally." She picks up her tea cup and sips. "I hope to open around eight in the morning, this Thursday."

"Who wouldn't prefer tequila?" Jessica takes another bite of her cookie but waits to swallow before talking again. "These are very nice. Did you bake them? What about your employees? Will you be hiring people who use your product? Wait, did you say gummies?" A shake of her head at herself. "I am so out of touch sometimes. How strong are edibles, Eve? You can get high off one? One gummy bear?" A little giggle at the opening time. "That's very precise. Hopefully not too early for your customers. Sorry, that was me propogating a stereotype of pot smokers being lazy. Your business could do away with many of those cliches...or have you found them to be accurate?"

"Tequila and I became very good friends while I was at college." Genevieve nods, aiming a smile at Jessica. "I did bake those, and I won't have any employees at first, I need to get settled in and make sure I'll have enough money to pay the bills." She sets her tea aside and suppresses her grin. "If you have a low tolerance to marijuana, you can get high off of one gummy. I always include an informative and handy little instruction booklet that gives information with my new customers. I want them to be informed about what they're putting into their bodies." She brushes back her hair, looking thoughtful. "I've seen many types of people who use cannabis, so I don't think there are any accurate stereotypes. People are people."

"I don't think money will be an issue for you after you open. You might be desperate for the help with all the business you will get around here." Jessica frowns for a moment, lost in thought at the strange town that she lives in. Her glimmer shining bright for a blink. So many of the townspeople here could use the peace that Eve's products may bring. Back to business. "Sorry. Do you have one of those booklets I could take with me? Nice to see that you're keeping your customers so informed." Jessica has a sip of tea; very nice. "Your baking a tea-making skills are exemplary. If the marijuana doesn't work, you could do worse than think of a cafe. Or combine the two here. Umm...unless that's what you intended all along. You're right, people are people. No need to try and stick everyone into one group. If only others thought the same way."

Genevieve gets to her feet, padding over to the counter. She picks up a booklet and walks back to Jessica, holding it out. "Part of this business is also education. It's important for people to know what they're putting in their bodies. This is just like getting aspirin for a headache. You have to be aware of the limits." She retakes her seat, sitting indian style as she picks up her own tea cup. "I don't think I could handle a cafe. I was a waitress while I was in college, and you really do see the worst of people in the food service industry." She wrinkles her nose and sips at her tea. "Do you like working as a reporter? I had a friend who was going to school for journalism. She loved talking to people, making things personal."

Jessica takes the booklet with a smile of thanks, looking it over quickly before slipping it into a pocket. "Did you write the booklet yourself? I admire your thoughtfulness. Let's hope that people read it." A knowing nod about the dangers of the food service industry. Even family food vans don't escape the wrath of customers. The cookie is finished off as Jessica debates taking another; she's meant to be getting fit but they're so tasty. The cookie wins and she bites into another. "Yes" she nods about working as a reporter. "I don't know if it's about meeting people for me. I've never been any good at meeting people. I was the wallflower that the other wallflowers thought was too shy. But what I am interested in is the truth. Educating people to make the right decisions. Bringing the dark into the light. Making sure that those alrady in the light are not forgotten by a fascination with the dark. Careful, I'll start giving a lecture in a minute" she laughs apologetically. "You're all alone then? No boyfriend or girlfriend? Your parents behind your career choice?"

Genevieve grins and shakes her head at Jessica. "It's available on the state website, I just printed out a few dozen copies and added my own cover, that's all." She leans back in her beanbag chair, eyes on Jessica. There is a slight smile when the woman picks up another cookie. "You seem to have grown out of the wallflower stage, oui?" She makes a face, aiming a wry smile at the reporter when she starts talking about the light and the dark. "Oh, I've heard a few since I arrived again. People are very quick to tell you to be careful of certain things." She shrugs, her fingers tapping on the sides of her cup. "I'm not completely alone, no. I'm seeing someone in town. He was here earlier, but he's at home right now, working." She clears her throat and sighs, her eyes drifting down to the light brown liquid that's left in her tea cup. "I haven't really told my parents what I'm going to be doing, I don't think they would like it very much. I told them I'm working in my own greenhouse, which is mostly correct. I have one on the roof." She shrugs and sets her cup aside. "I'll tell them soon, perhaps they won't be upset by it."

"Should I hold off publishing this article until you tell them?" Jessica asks with a raised brow. "It will be online. Not hard to find. And I'm glad you've found someone who will support you through this hectic time. A local? Umm...feel free to tell me to mind my own business at any time." A sudden laugh at the idea of her no longer being a wallflower. "You haven't seen me at a dance lately. Probably because I never go. Definitely still a wallflower when needed. Just a wallflower that watches the world with a keen eye these days." Another bite of the cookie. "Did you get permission from the state website to use their information? Would hate to see you closed down over a copyright technicality." She looks upward in the direction of the roof. "Is the where you grow your produce or do you have somewhere else?"

"Noo, it's fine. My Mère isn't online very much, my Papa is, and he might find it, but then I won't have to tell him." Genevieve laughs at the prospect of telling a reporter to mind her own business, her cheeks a little pink at the mention of her significant other. She checks her phone and shrugs a shoulder, grinning back at Jessica. "Oh, the state regulates things pretty rigidly. They want their growers and sellers to educate the public. I believe it's policy to have the information out where it can be easily accessed." She nods, brushing her hair back, pointing toward the door on the east side of the building. "This stairwell leads upstairs to my apartment, and then up to the roof, yes. I do grow my product up there, it's all locked up so people can't just wander off with it." There is a brief headtilt, her eyes still on the door. "Would you like to see the greenhouse?"

"I hope it's a big greenhouse. How long do the plants take to mature and how much of them do you use?" Jessica gestures to the room around them. "Must take a few plants to stock this place and you would need a permanent supply to keep it stocked. Though, if you ever do expand into additional growing areas, try not to go too deep into the forest." A friendly smile to go with the 'warning'. "I'd love to see the greenhouse" she nods before nodding in the direction of Eve's phone. "Though if you have something you need to do..."

"It's not big no, just big enough to fit in a nice little corner of my roof. I can grow three to five plants up there, my own strains. They take about three to four months to mature." Genevieve gets to her feet, leading Jessica toward the door. "Oh, that was the first thing that I was told when I arrived. However, the local that I mentioned takes frequent walks and he keeps me safe from bears.. and things." She dusts her hands off, pulling the door open so Jessica can pass through first. "Right up here, and no.. " She dismisses the phone with a little wave and a laugh. "Just exchanging good nights with someone, no big deal."

"At least this person who protects you in the woods isn't a British guy I met out there. Be careful of him." Jessica slips through the door with a nod of thanks. "That doesn't really sound like enough to keep your shop supplied. Will you be importing from other growers? Could be a local economic driver and employer." She heads on up the stairs. "Have you had any issues with criminals, Eve? They might think that you're taking away their business. Keep going up?"

Genevieve makes a face behind Jessica's back. British guy? Be careful of him? Sounds odd. "I'll be careful of anyone with a British accent." She promises, climbing the steps slowly. "I'll be importing from other growers, I can't make vape pens. I'm not good at making bath bombs, so those kind of things will come from others." She gestures for her to continue up, making way past the landing. "I haven't had any issues, but I haven't been open yet, and I've only been in town for a bit yet. I hope I don't have any problems with them. I'm just trying to live my life, just like anyone else is."

"Unfortunately, the criminal element are not very 'live and let live', more 'give and we let you live'. Be careful, Eve. And if you do have any troubles, call me as well as the police, okay?" Jessica soon finds herself atop the roof, catching her breath a little. "I really need to get in shape. I've taken up jogging but twisted my ankle when I met that British guy. And I work with a guy who has muscles on muscles. I guess he inspires me to get off my ass. Bath bombs? With weed in them? I hope people don't drown using those things." A gesture towards the greenhouse. "Please, lead the way."

"The police were already here once, most unhelpful. If I call again I hope I get someone who isn't quite so gruff and grumpy." Genevieve is not out of breath when they walk out onto the roof, she reaches over to pat Jessica on the shoulder. "Leave your number though, and I'll call you if something happens. Hopefully though, they leave me be. Marijuana is legal in Washington so.. it's not as if I'm taking away from something or... I hope that's the case." She blinks and giggles softly. "You've a bodyguard? That .. is interesting." She nods and raises her brows as she grins at the reporter. "Bath bombs, soaking salts, there are a lot of different things most wouldn't realize that you can purchase in a dispensary." She turns and walks to the greenhouse, pulling out a key to unlock it. She opens the door and stands aside so Jessica can look inside. "You'll see here on the shelves, I have these five cannabis plants. There are some aloe that I use in my tinctures and creams. The plants on the bottom are things I grow for myself, mostly flowers that can be made into teas."

"Bodyguard?" Jessica laughs and shakes her head. "No, he's another reporter. Kevin. A firm believer in conspiracy theories." A frown about the police response. "You want to give me their name? They were hassling you, or just didn't give a damn about you?" A business card is produced to hand over to Eve. "Call me anytime of the day and night. Serious." She takes out her phone to take a couple of pictures of the greenhouse - more pics will be taken of the store before she leaves. "Tea as well? I'd be interested in that."

"Oh, I see." Genevieve nods as this Kevin is described, her cheeks getting pink at the mention of the police presence. "De La Vega, I think his name was. He climbed up my fire escape and was quite brusque. He wouldn't tell me why he was here, seemed very..groused about the whole thing." She takes the card, stuffs it in her pocket and folds her arms loosely over her chest. "I like making tea blends, there are some very interesting recipes out there. Delicate blends that most people wouldn't think of." She stands back, letting Jessica take the pictures. "I'll call if something happens, it never hurts to make more friends, oui?"

"No, it doesn't" Jessica smiles about the friends comment. "De La Vega." That name is now memorised and will be investigated. "If he has no reason to be on your premises, Eve, then you ask him to leave. And if he doesn't leave, you call the police to drag off one of their own. Or you call me and I will make so much noise that he will be lucky to still have a job in the morning. Speaking of leaving, I should get going too. Write up the article and let you get back to getting this place ready." She offers her hand once more. "Good luck, Eve. I hope your grand opening is a great success."

Genevieve steps forward to take Jessica's hand, shaking it again. She leads the woman back down wto the first floor, accompanying her to the door. "I'll keep that in mind should he come back to check on things here, without a reason.. though I'm not sure if I would be able to suss that out." She holds open the door, a wry grin on her face. "Thank you for stopping by, Jessica, I look forward to seeing the article. You've been very kind!"