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“That would be really nice of you. I’ll send the names on. So have you set a date for the grand opening? I’m hoping I’ll be able to score a table at the hottest restaurant in Philly,” Bradley joked.
“You absolutely will, and we’re still on track for a midsummer opening. Not putting anything in stone just yet because you know how it is with construction. A lot of times we’re at the mercy of when we can get materials. As for the actual renovations though, the restaurant is amazing!” she said excitedly. “They laid the floor in the main dining area and it’s absolutely stunning. The counters and appliances are going to be installed in the kitchen next week, and Luca has a crew working upstairs to start renovations on my apartment.”
“Luca?”
“Luca Moretti. He’s my contractor,” she replied.
“Oh, that’s right. I recall you being excited about your business partner hiring some prestigious construction firm. Sounds like it’s working out.”
“It is. Luca is so talented. I swear there’s nothing he can’t do, from electrical work, to plumbing, to construction. Conor’s worked with countless construction crew on other projects, but he swears this is the smoothest one, primarily because of Luca.”
“You and Conor are working well together?” Bradley asked. “I still can’t understand why you thought you needed a business partner. I’m worried you might be bringing future trouble on yourself if the two of you don’t see eye to eye on everything. The restaurant should have just been yours. You had more than enough money to open it on your own.”
“Money wasn’t the issue. Conor owns and operates two restaurants as well as a nightclub. It was his experience within the food industry and his brilliant brain that I needed. He’s been right there with me, every step of the way, guiding me so that I don’t make any missteps.”
“Well, I hope it stays that way.”
“I’m not worried,” she lied. Because she was definitely treading a very thin line and one misstep would damage her relationship with Conor. Introducing sex was the ultimate in stupidity, but her body was winning the battle over her brain these days.
“It sounds like you’re working with good people,” Bradley said. “That takes a load off my mind. You’re a kind, trusting person, Harper. I never want to see anyone take advantage of you.”
“Luca and Conor would never do that. They’re the best. They’re really great guys, easy to be with.”
“Be with or work with?”
“Oh, well…both, I guess.”
Bradley fell silent for a moment. “Harper, are you dating one of these men? Because I’m not sure entering a relationship with someone you’re working with, especially your business partner?—”
“I’m not,” Harper interjected. “The three of us hang outside of work sometimes, but that’s just because they’re the only people I know in Philly. Or they were,” she added, recalling the happy hour she’d just shared with the girls.
“Were?”
“I’ve made friends with some of Luca’s relatives, went to happy hour with a bunch of women the night before last. It was a lot of fun.”
“Well, it sounds like you really are settling in fine.” Bradley sounded a bit grumpy, and she worried perhaps things weren’t as great at the agency as he’d alluded.
“I am,” Harper insisted. “In fact, I’m just on my way out to meet Luca and Conor. The crew only works half days on Saturdays, so we’re going on a picnic.”
“You’re living it up these days,” he joked.
“I’m not going to lie, I love the slower pace of life.”
Bradley scoffed. “I know you very well, Harper Branson. I give you another month before you’re climbing the walls, bored out of your mind. You’re too much of a go-getter to spend your time on happy hours and picnics.”
That had been true of the old Harper, but this new version was relaxed and laid-back. “I’m simply taking advantage of the downtime before the restaurant opens because then I’ll be all go go go again.”
“Well, I won’t keep you any longer. Just wanted to touch base and make sure you haven’t forgotten me,” he teased.
Harper laughed. “Never. Text me the names of the new models, and as soon as I have a date for the grand opening, I’ll let you know.”
“Perfect. Talk to you soon,” Bradley said.
“Goodbye.” Harper tossed her phone in her purse and grabbed the picnic basket before heading out, trying to still the butterflies in her stomach that appeared whenever she was about to see her guys.
Her guys?
She grinned, and then thought a very dangerous word.
