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“I know it’s a little scary. But here’s the thing… you’re a culinary artist who trained in Paris, for heaven’s sake. Add that to your marketing, and watch them show up in droves more than willing to fork over the cash.”
“That sounds so mercenary. I’m not sure I’m comfortable with that.” She looks uncertain. I step closer and take her hand.
“You’ll get used to it. And I promise the people won’t stop coming.” I smile and squeeze her hand.
A crease appears along her forehead as her brows furrow. “You really think so?”
“I know so. I’ve been around the upper crust and socially elite. Make it public that you’re offering a unique VIP affair, and those blue bloods will be chomping at the bit to get in here.”
“I don’t think it’s quite that easy.”
“Of course it isn’t. But I’m here to help. I have contacts in advertising and we’re both creative types. We’ll put our heads together to work with an agency and I know we can do this. Together.”
“Thank you.” She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly.
I know this hasn’t completely stopped her cash flow issues, in fact it hasn’t helped in the short term at all. I had a plan, but I needed to be careful about how I presented it. But now was the time.
“Of course. So listen, I know this is a longer term solution. When I tell you the second part of my plan, please don’t make a snap decision.”
Her expression changes and I can tell she’s on edge. She doesn’t say anything so I keep going.
“I want to invest. You may or may not know, I’ve been really successful. My photography sells well and I’m booked with high level clients for the next three years. So, I have money. And like I said, I want to invest.”
“Um, Landon, that’s really sweet of you… but I can’t take money from you—”
I take my hand from hers and hold it up to stop her. “I didn’t offer to give you money. I know you’d never accept that. I want a partnership position.”
She’s silent and thoughtful, but doesn’t respond.
“I’m not interested in overriding decisions or having a say in the menu or staff. I’d be good at helping you with the business side. That’s it.”
She steps to me and hugs me. “That’s a lovely offer. I promise I’ll think about it. And truly, I do appreciate it.”
“I think it would be a good move for both of us. I hope you’ll say yes, but I know you need to have time to think about it. Ask me any questions you have when they come up.” I smile at her and nod. “I promise this will work out.”
Violet moves her hands up my arms and holds onto me by the shoulders. “You know, I think I love you.”
“IknowI love you.” The declaration just tumbles out of its own accord, and for a nanosecond, I panic. Yet just as fast, that panic passes. I do love her, and maybe it’s not such a terrible prospect for her to hear what I’ve just figured out.
“Wow,” she repeats, staring at me. “Wow.”
“That’s all you have to say?” I tease her, but I realize this could still go either way.
She sits in her office hair, covering her face with her hands. “I can’t believe I let you do that to me in my place of business. Do you think anyone else heard?”
Ah, the change of topic. I could call her on it, but I decide not to.
“Think they all went home.”
But I didn’t turn out to be correct. As we leave her office and scurry down the stairs toward the exit, we catch up with a smirking Brenda.
“Just letting you two finish before locking up,” she says, then bold as you please, looks each of us up and down. “See you Monday.”
Epilogue
Violet
It’s astounding the difference a few minor alterations can make. Following Landon’s advice, I brought up my menu prices, then did some renovations which included cordoning off half the upstairs dining area to create a special room for parties and celebrations.
