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I blush, even though he says those words to me every day. “What sort of food do we order in a place like this?” I ask, turning my attention to the menu.
“Steak, obviously,” he tells me, signalling for the waiter to return and placing our orders. “Two glasses of water as well,” he adds, giving me a knowing smile.
Since Mum died, I haven’t touched a drop of alcohol. I’m not sure if knowing she and Nate are both gone makes me feel at ease, or if I just got tired of the same routine, but I looked at Ivy that night and decided from that day on, I was never going to drink again. I have no need too. I’m not hiding anymore.
“You can drink,” I tell him.
“I want to keep a clear head,” he says, “cos we need to talk.”
Dread fills me. He’s brought me here to soften the blow he’s about to deliver, because whenever anyone sits me down to talk, it’s never for anything good.
“Just hit me with it quick,” I say, retracting my hand.
He frowns. “Relax.”
I take a breath. “Okay, I’m ready.”
He smiles, and it confuses me. I’ve been waiting for him to tell me to leave the clubhouse. The social workers have been happy with Ivy’s care and are on the verge of helping us put together a parenting plan so we can share access. The thought of moving out of the clubhouse breaks my heart because it means not having full access to our daughter. “Why do you always assume the worst?”
I fiddle with my napkin, avoiding his eyes. “Because good things never happen to me.”
He grabs my hand again. “Look at me, Luna.” I don’t, and he gives my hand a gentle squeeze. “Please.”
I raise my eyes, and he’s smiling. “It’s not bad. In fact, it’s a business proposition.”
“Oh?” It’s not what I was expecting.
“I’ll be honest, I didn’t think the bread thing would work in The Bar, but you know yourself that business is booming and I think that’s down to your hard work.” I blush under his praise. “I want to make it permanent.”
I gasp. “Really?”
“I know you had ideas about setting up on your own, and if that’s what you want, I get it. But I like how we work things, and my profits are through the roof right now, so I’d like you to stay.”
“Wow,” I whisper, a million thoughts racing through my mind. “I mean, it’s a great idea. I love working there?—”
“You don’t work for me,” he reminds me. “You run that kitchen, you keep the profits. This is your business and that should become official.”
“What do you mean?”
“Set it up in your name. A business name. Pay your taxes, rent the space, whatever it takes to make your own name because I know that’s important to you.”
“I don’t even know how to do any of that,” I mutter.
“Cash will help with your books. He’ll help you set up everything.”
“My own business?” I repeat, a smile forming.
“You’ll be able to support Ivy properly, do all the things you want.”
“Are you sure?” I ask. “You’ve already done so much for me.”
“Lu, I’m serious when I say this is a business opportunity for me too. I’m bringing this to you as a businessman, not a friend.”
His clear friend-zone makes me sit a little straighter. I love him, there’s no denying it, and even though he’s hurt me more than I’ve ever been hurt before, I can’t help my heart wanting him. But he’s right—I’ve worked hard to make the bread become a good part of his business, even creating flavours to suit certain beers. I’m good at what I do and I know I can make a business work.
I smile. “I’ll be a businesswoman,” I say, and he grins.
“Is that a yes?”
