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Jack deflated. As though he’d never used a cash register before. Or dealt with customer complaints. But he knew Cole was only trying to be helpful and supportive, and was more than thankful.
As Jack swiped the cloth over the wood surface, Neil stormed into the building.
“I need signatures. And I need them fast.” Neil loped to the bar and took a stool on the opposite side. “I have the contracts for the purchase of the land. There have been no changes since we discussed them last, so all I need is your signature.”
Neil spread out seven copies of the contract. One for each of them, the seller, and the appropriate lawyers. This purchase was a big deal for the family. The biggest endeavor the Madewood name had ever been attached to. Neil had plans to turn an old farm into the biggest, most eclectic culinary experience in the country. Once complete, the Madewood Farm would house indoor and outdoor dining facilities complete with event space, a gourmet food store, apple and berry picking when in season, and a family picnic area. It figured that Neil would be the one to dream up the idea, make the move, finalize the plan, and run with it. Just as his stature was big and overbearing, so were his ideas.
“Me first.” Cole grabbed a pen from his pants pocket, armed and ready to sign in all the right places. “I have to get back to the kitchen.”
“Jack?” Neil held out the contracts Cole had finished with.
He nodded and set to work.
“I finally have a meeting scheduled with Carson Kelly to discuss the design and construction,” Neil said. Carson Kelly was the most prominent architect in the city. “Damn old man was impossible to get an appointment with.”
“Didn’t he do that complex?” Cole asked. “The one with the—”
“Lake in the middle?” Neil nodded. “Yes, he did.”
Neil would only go for the best. Jack wasn’t the least bit surprised he’d pick someone just as over-the-top in terms of vision.
“If everything goes as planned we should be set to break ground as soon as it thaws next spring.”
“Jack!”
All three brothers turned their attention to Devon, who walked across the dining area toward the front door with a bevy of female employees.
“We usually hit up some bars after our shifts are over.” Devon’s voice carried across the room. “You should join us.”
“No thanks, man.” Jack held up his hands. “Maybe another time.”
He had a beautiful woman who’d be waiting for him tomorrow evening.
When Jack returned his attention to his brothers they were eyeing each other curiously. “What?”
They mumbled, “Nothing,” in unison.
Neil handed over the rest of the documents that Cole had finished with.
“Listen, Jack…” Here it came. Neil’s famous lecture lead-in.
Jack crossed his arms over his chest in defense, ready to take whatever insults Neil hurled at him.
“I know you’re going to take off.”
He nodded. “I have a few things to take care of first…” Like having sex with a beautiful woman. “…but I have to get back to Chicago and relieve J.R. I’ll help you out as much as I can until I leave.”
“What things do you have to take care of, Club Rat?” Neil had given him that nickname when he turned twenty-one. It wasn’t a coincidence that Jack opened his first restaurant-bar hybrid shortly after.
“That’s my cue to leave.” Cole shoved his pen back in his pocket and pointed to Jack just before he turned and walked away, successfully avoiding the confrontation.
“I own restaurants. Not clubs,” Jack corrected. If he had a nickel for every time he had to correct one of them he’d be able to foster every child in the system. “And I have things. Like packing up Mom’s house.” He puffed out his chest. “I hired Sterling to help me.”
“Hey, Cole? Did you hear this?” Neil yelled, just in time to stop Cole from disappearing into the kitchen. “Jack’s packing up Mom’s things.”
Cole laughed and walked back to the bar. “Like picking out the stuff you want to take with you when you leave?”
“No, asshole.”
