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“Modern?” Lucien cried. “Are you serious? We’re in freaking Savannah in the historic district. This town doesn’t know the meaning of modern. Everyone is doing modern. I want to do classic southern with a stylish edge.”
Gio and Calder exchanged looks for a second, but it was Calder who broke first with a laugh. Gio just shook his head.
“Baby, this place is amazing,” Gio said, walking over to wrap his arm around Lucien’s waist.
Calder quickly joined him on the other side. He leaned up on the tips of his toes, brushing a kiss on his jaw. “Gorgeous. I can’t wait to see what you do with this place. We’ll be here every step of the way to help you with it.”
“You’re both assholes,” Lucien grumbled even as he hungrily kissed Gio and then Calder. If he’d learned anything over the past months, it was that he was nothing, had nothing, without these two men in his life.
“Retirement” from being a Weaver had lasted about two weeks for Lucien. After returning from Sedona, Lucien had been happy to lounge about the house, making love to his mates and catching up on some reading. He’d talked to his parents and reached out to some old friends he hadn’t spoken to in a long time. And then he’d officially become bored.
Lucien didn’t do bored. Couldn’t do bored. He needed something more.
It was when he was wandering around downtown Savannah that it hit him—he needed to start another business. He’d tried a brewery with a friend years ago that had proved to be a bust, but he was still attracted to the idea. He wanted a restaurant and bar that was a hot spot in this beautiful, sleepy town.
The second he’d figured out what he wanted to do, it was like the entire vision dropped into his brain. He wanted a place that was filled with laughter, music, friends, and good food. He wanted to create a place where the group came every week to hang out, catch up, and relax. He needed a place he knew he’d see his family if they ever decided to move out of the big house.
This restaurant would ensure his family was never too far from him.
“So, what are you thinking for the food?” Gio inquired.
“Eclectic southern comfort. Good, old-fashioned cooking, but with a unique twist. Things that are familiar and yet you won’t be able to find them anywhere else in the city,” Lucien replied. “I’ve been chatting with a chef I met while I was living in New Orleans. I pitched her my idea, and she’s already sending me menu options. She’s planning to move to Savannah in a couple of months so she can start getting a feel for the town.”
Calder’s arm tightened around his waist and his eyes widened. “Are you going to be doing tastings of the food before it goes on the menu? You know, I am happy to volunteer to taste any of the ideas.”
Lucien was grinning when he kissed the man’s forehead. “Definitely.”
“What about the style of the furniture?” Gio inquired.
It was a struggle to not laugh at their questions. Their enthusiasm for his crazy project filled his heart to overflowing. He’d never expected to find such wonderful love and support in his life. He’d had plenty of friends and lovers over the years who wrinkled their noses and dismissed his crazy dreams as too much work. Or worse, they were quick to bring up his many failures in life as proof that he should just stop trying.
No, Gio and Calder were right there with him every step of the way, eager to bring his dream to life.
“Actually, I was hoping that you might be able to help with that,” Lucien admitted slowly.
“Of course! Anything you want.”
“I know you’ve got your family business to keep up with, but I was hoping you could give me some advice on furniture,” Lucien hedged a bit. Gio had been insanely busy since they’d returned from Sedona, trying to catch up on work in the family antique restoration shop. “I’d like to pepper this place with pieces that look like antiques that would be from old Savannah. Nothing authentic, naturally. It’s just I love all the antiques you’ve restored for our house, and I’d love to gaze out at this restaurant and have that same feeling of being home.”
Gio’s grin grew and the expression in his eyes softened. “I would love to help you identify some great styles for this place. I know of some places that make amazing replicas.”
“You know…I was trained as a bartender a long time ago,” Calder admitted with a little blush. “I could help design some drinks that matched your menu and the vibe of this place. If you wanted. I mean, unless you’ve got someone else lined up…”
Lucien pulled his sweet Water Weaver and grabbed his lips in a hard kiss. “I would love your help. That sounds amazing!”
