AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Let me enjoy some more of this pasta and then I want you to grab that chocolate.”
A breath of air swoops from my mouth and I close my eyes for a beat. Getting myself under control, I snag the tongs and drop a small mound of noodles on her plate and push out of my chair.
“Eat. I’ll clean off the table.” I grab as many dishes as I can, taking them into the kitchen at the sound of her husky giggles. She better be done with her love affair with the alfredo when I’m done putting this stuff in containers or we will both be eating after I strip her out of her clothes and lay her out on the table.
* * *
The crowd of restaurateurs and a number of others who work in the food and beverage industry clap as Michelle, the president of the Midwest chapters of the National Restaurant Association, thanks me for my presentation and addresses the audience as I walk off the small stage.
As far as conferences go, this was a small-sized event. The annual, national trade show was back in March. Because of the success of RRG as a whole, the Reed men—my father, my brother Stanley, and I—are often invited to speak or join panels at these association events. While I don’t want these events and travel to consume my life, I attend about four a year. Which is about the same for my brother. Stan got married about a year ago and I’m guessing his wife, Emily, is wanting to start a family soon. He used to attend more events but has dropped that amount substantially since the wedding.
I walk through the small hall behind the stage, hoping my date for the weekend will be outside in the lobby waiting for me. While she didn’t have or need a ticket to attend today, the organizer allowed her to stand in the back of the banquet hall and listen to my talk and short Q & A session. Catching her eye a few times, her proud grin hyped me up.
Speaking about how I’ve created a near zero waste policy in my restaurants is something I’m passionate about. Give me a stage, a mic, and a crowd eager to learn more and I’ll talk for hours. Add a sexy woman who hangs on every word I say, who I know is only there for me, and my adrenaline is through the roof.
Pulling my phone out of the pocket of my slacks, I see I have a text from Stan.
Stan:
You’ve always been a showboat little brother.
Me
Does that mean you enjoyed my talk.
meh
You’re jello. You know I’m going to get the TedTalk before you.
I don’t think so.
I didn’t know you were going to be here.
This is my stomping ground. Think I would let another Reed to come try to take over?
You can try.
You still here?
In the lobby.
I pocket my phone. A grin on my face. Stan and I have a healthy competition. While I’ve exceeded at the sustainability aspects of the business, Stan really shines when it comes to technology and training. When we were working together briefly for my father in New York, we were unstoppable. But the plan was always for us to split up and take over other areas of the States. I push through the door that opens into the lobby, the banquet room doors still closed since there was one more speaker after me before the final day was over.
Immediately, I zero in on the gorgeous woman who’s standing near a small group of chairs, flipping through a program or pamphlet of some sort. Then I hear my name, Stan walking toward me with a shit-eating grin on his face.
I incline my head to acknowledge him, continuing my path to Layla. His brow hitches and follows my line of sight. A knowing grin takes place.
“Layla,” I say and she looks up from what she was reading.
“My goodness, Cole. You were fantastic,” she says, rising and kissing me on the cheek after I come to stand in front of her.
“Thank you. Hey, I want you to meet my brother,” I tell her as Stan joins us.
Her eyes widen quickly, but she plasters on her “I’m a cool cumber” smile for the man next to me.
“I’m the older, more successful Reed brother,” he jokes, holding out his hand to shake hers.
She takes it. “Stanley, I’ve heard so much about you.”
