AllFreeNovel
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I wish a lot of things, but we don’t always get what we wish for.
The restaurant is ready to open in no time at all. At first, I considered a big launch that would take months to plan and advertise. But it turns out I don’t need a lot of advertising for word to spread like wildfire—it’s one of the perks of being famous already.
I just had to tell the right people, and they made it happen for me.
It’s been three weeks since the whole showdown at Natalie’s house, and I can’t believe I’ve come this far.
The restaurant is ready. The menu and specials for the evening are set, and the waiters are dressed to the nines and eager to take on the crowd that has collected outside.
“Ready?” I asked my seating hostess and Mia nods.
When I open the doors and step out, I smile. Cameras flash all around me. They’ll appear online in fifteen minutes, and the world will know everything about End Zone.
The name is cheesy as fuck. When I thought of it, it was ridiculous. But I bounced it off against my designer, who told me people eat shit like that up.
And he’s not wrong. The moment I made the name public, people went crazy.
I clear my throat and the crowds fall silent to listen to me speak.
“Thank you for coming to my opening tonight,” I say with a smile. “I’ll keep it short; I know you’re all hungry.”
They laugh, and I look around at the eager faces.
“It means a lot to me that you’re here to support me on the next step of my journey. I’ve dreamed of doing this since I was a kid. My life took an unexpected and awesome detour when I was drafted for the team, and it’s thanks to all my fans that I can stand here today and say…bon appetit!”
They clap. More photos are taken.
When I open the doors, the first customers stream in. Mia has her hands full getting everyone arranged at tables. But in no time, the dining room is filled, the couches have celebrities and notable figures reclining in them, and the waiters run around to fill orders.
In the bar, my bartenders entertain by flipping bottles and the music is upbeat.
Everything is perfect.
Except…it isn’t.
When I look out over the dining room, I don’t see a single frown. Everyone is having a good time. The menu is great, and I checked on the food as the plates came out—it’s fantastic.
But my mom isn’t here to celebrate it with me. She’s not even conscious. I told her all about the opening when I went to see her earlier today, but I don’t know how much she can hear. I don’t know if she’ll ever see the inside of this place.
And Natalie isn’t here, either. I ache for her. I wish I could share this with her. When the decorator came up with incredible designs that were both modern and homey, I wanted to show her the concepts. When it was finalized, I wanted to show her the final product.
And now, I want her to relish in this success with me.
Fuck, I hate how things ended between us.
I hate that I don’t have anyone to share this with.
A woman comes up to me. She’s well put-together, with her hair twisted into a classic chignon and she carries herself with a quiet confidence.
“Can I talk to you in private?” she asks.
I frown. “Is something wrong? The food, the service?”
She shakes her head. “No, the restaurant is perfect.”
I don’t know what she wants.
“I won’t take a lot of your time. I know you’re busy. The truth is…if I don’t do it now, I won’t do it. Ever.”
