Ryan seemed to place the name. “If I’m not mistaken, he owns a construction company in the area. Is that right?”
Beaming, Rocky stood and shook hands. “It sure is. My brother Reed works with him. I did, too, before I started my graduate program. We’ve all been following your restoration of the Majestic.”
“Is that so?” Ryan said with a flash of interest. “I couldn’t have done it without an excellent team.”
“Rocky just finished his MBA at USC,” Jo said. “He’s been helping me with an expansion plan for Cuppa Jo’s. He’s given me so many good ideas about project management and operations.”
Rocky looked at her, surprised. She gave him a small nod.
“So what brings you to Crown Island?” Ryan asked.
“I’m visiting friends and considering my options before I start work.”
“You haven’t accepted a position yet?”
“No, sir.”
“If you haven’t seen the Majestic renovation yet, come by some time,” Ryan said. “You can ask for me or my general manager, Whitley.”
“I will. Thank you, sir.”
“It’s been good to see you two, but we shouldn’t keep Kaito waiting,” April said. “I’ll come by the diner soon.”
Ryan and April said their goodbyes, and Kaito led them to a table.
After they were out of earshot, Rocky exhaled.
“Thank you for that,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting to meet Ryan Kingston over sake.”
“You were planning to approach him anyway.”
“I was, but I’ve been working up to it, drafting a professional email. This was much better.”
“You’ve earned the introduction.” Jo raised her sake to him. “Besides, I know what it’s like to need someone to give you a shot.”
Rocky tapped her small glass with his. “To be honest, I didn’t plan to take the summer off, but I couldn’t find a position before graduation. The USC network is incredible for entertainment and management consulting, but that’s not what I want. I want to work with people who build things.”
“Like your dad?”
“It can be difficult to work with family. I want to make it on my own. Besides, Reed already has the top position. He wanted it more, so we agreed.”
Kaito interrupted to place a dish between them. “Specialty of the house. Hamachi toro with pineapple puree and candied ginger. There is more to come.”
“This is art,” Rocky said, admiring the presentation.
The sliced fish glistened beside a bright swirl of pineapple puree and flecks of candied ginger. The avocado nigiri came next, each piece brushed with dark tamari.
Jo took a bite.
The hamachi was silky and rich with a burst of tropical sweetness. Cool, creamy avocado nigiri followed, with just a touch of spice.
Kaito brought more small dishes as they finished each.
Rocky poured sake, and they talked easily, moving from Jo’s business plan to Rocky’s work in his father’s business and on his uncle’s research boats.
Jo told him about her early days at the diner when she’d served more bad coffee than good and learned from complaints. He was a good listener and asked follow-up questions rather than steering the conversation back to himself.
They were laughing when Sailor arrived with Maileah.
