Page 38 of Searching for Love

Avery nodded, returning Lucas’s smile with one of her own. “Mom, Dad, this is Lucas,” she said, gesturing toward him. “The owner of the restaurant and my new boss.”

Her father extended a hand toward Lucas, a friendly smile on his face. “Nice to meet you, Lucas. We like what you’ve done to the place so far. Thanks for giving our girl a chance.”

Lucas shook her dad’s hand firmly, his gaze meeting the older men with genuine respect. “It’s my pleasure, sir,” he said, his voice sincere. “Avery’s been a huge asset to me. I’m not sure I’d be this far without her.”

Amber blushed slightly and beamed at the exchange.

“We’re so glad. She couldn’t stop talking about everything you’ve done here. We just had to come see the place for ourselves,” her mother added.

“How about a tour?” Lucas offered. “We just had the rest of the kitchen equipment delivered. Parker and his crew just finished hooking up the gas stoves about half an hour ago.” He motioned towards the door.

“Sounds wonderful.” She took her father’s arm and followed Lucas out the office door.

As they made their way out of the office, her mother turned to Avery with a mischievous twinkle in her eye as she mouthed “He is cute” to her. But then she said. “We’ll have to come back for dinner sometime,” she said, her voice filled with excitement. “I can’t wait to try out the food.”

Avery held in a chuckle and said, “I’ll make sure to save you a table,” as she followed them out of her office.

Lucas chatted about everything they had done in the past few weeks as he led her parents through the quiet empty restaurant and made their way toward the kitchen. Avery followed close behind, her heart brimming with pride as she watched her parents explore the space that she and Lucas had worked so hard to create.

As they stepped into the kitchen, her parents’ eyes widened with wonder at the sight of the gleaming stainless-steel appliances and neatly organized prep stations.

“This place is incredible,” they both marveled.

“What a change from the sandwich shop,” her mother said, touching her arm.

Avery’s eyes ran over the new appliances and she couldn’t agree more. Those spots had been empty earlier that morning, making the space seem undone. Now, everything was finally in place. This was a real kitchen. Ready for staff, ready for food. The restaurant was ready for customers. Almost.

Avery nodded in agreement, her gaze sweeping over the rows of pots and pans hanging from the walls.

“You’ve outdone yourself, Lucas,” her mother said easily.

Lucas stepped forward, gesturing toward the line of gas stoves where Parker and his crew had just finished installing the new stoves. “This is where all the magic will happen,” he said with pride. “We’re still getting everything set up, but we’re getting close. Your daughter has been busy hiring all of the staff to make this place run smoothly.” Lucas’s eyes landed on her and she smiled.

“Only a few more hires to go.” She beamed. Lucas nodded in appreciation.

“It’s clear that you’ve put a lot of thought and effort into this place,” her dad broke in. “So what are you going to call it?”

Avery chuckled as Lucas sighed and glanced at her. “I have a name picked out. But I’d like to keep it a surprise.”

“You do?” she asked, curiously.

Lucas nodded. “Opening day, all will be revealed.” He winked at her.

Her mother chuckled. “I see, you want to keep us all in the dark.”

Lucas laughed. “I’ve got to guarantee this place will be packed on opening day somehow.”

“Smart move.” Her father slapped Lucas on the shoulder and then sobered up. “My guys will be by later this week for your fire inspection.”

“Right.” Lucas cleared his throat. “Parker has informed me he works hand in hand with your crew and swears we’ll be ready.”

Her father nodded. “He’s good at his job. Just as long as you listen to him, we’ll be okay.”

Lucas held out his hand. “I’ll keep out of his way as he hooks up the appliances just as long as he doesn’t tell me how to cook.”

Her father laughed as he shook Lucas’s hand. “We’ll get along great.”

As they continued the tour, Avery watched her parents’ reaction to Lucas closely. It was obvious to her that the three of them were getting along great. With her parents by her side and Lucas leading the way, she knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be.