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“Is the restaurant losing money?” he asked. “How is the business doing as a whole?”
He’d never asked before because he hadn’t cared. His parents always seemed well off. The business itself was worth millions, he knew that. Whether it was running in the black or not was another story.
“It’s holding its own,” she said. “It gives jobs to the area and another place to eat. The marina can support it in the slower months. I’m hoping whoever buys the marina wants the restaurant, but I have to accept that might not happen.”
The restaurant had been his mother’s idea. He remembered that and how much his father fought against it. But it made sense, and from spring to early fall, people came off the water to get lunch or dinner all the time. There was a small store attached to it along with more items in the marina for people to buy what they might need as they spent time on the water.
“I think it’s more important to be open to any offer and work it the way that is best for you to retire.”
“That is what I’m doing.” A waitress came over and he was introduced. “Ren will be in and out while he is here, but we are going to get some lunch while we talk.”
They placed their orders and when they were alone, he said, “I don’t know what you think I can do here.”
“I want you to walk around the grounds with me. Tell me from an outsider’s perspective what you see that needs to be done. What looks more attractive. If I have to put money into the place to pretty it up I will. Within reason.”
“I can do that,” he said. “I can put some sweat equity into paint and such too.”
“I figured you could,” she said. “But that isn’t why you’re here. I’m sure you’ll tell me more when you’re ready. How was it seeing Zara again?”
He sighed. He appreciated that his mother always gave him the space he needed in life. She might not have wanted to do it, but she knew in the end he’d come to her when he was ready.
“It was fine,” he said.
“Ren, I know you really cared for her.”
“We were eighteen,” he said.
“And that doesn’t mean any less looking back. She is rooted here. You couldn’t get out fast enough. You hurt her.”
“I did,” he said. “And I have to live with that.”
“And yet you left the care of your child in her hands?”
“Max will be fine,” he said. “And it’s the only place that had space.”
“You can give me all the excuses you want, Ren. Like I’ve told you for years. You need to figure it out on your own.”
“And I will,” he said. “Tell me more about the operations here.”
“You can have your way for now,” she said.
Just like she had so much when he was younger.
4
Take A Step
“What’s going on, Zara?” Lily asked. Her sister-in-law was making dinner while her brother was still out working. She knew Zane would be home soon. He was never much later than six.
“Aunt Zara,” Willow yelled. “Do you want to know what I learned in school today?”
“I do,” she said. “But can I talk to Lily for a few minutes first?”
“Okay,” Willow said. “I’m going to draw some accessories to show Aunt Poppy later.”
Willow ran out of the room and Zara turned to Lily. “Wow. Zane must be going nuts. She wants to design like Poppy? I thought she was more interested in the candles and lotions.”
“It’s everything,” Lily said, grinning. “She wants to learn it all. She wants to wear it all. She asked if she can be part of the business when she gets older because her name is a flower too.”
