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His parents had set him up for life without even knowing they were doing it.
He just hoped to hell that his parents were looking down on him and were proud of what he’d made of himself.
“I’m sure they are thrilled if they are watching, and you know if there is a way for that, it’s happening,” Brian said, almost as if he were reading Cal’s thoughts. “They both would have loved everything you’re doing. How is your grandfather?”
“He’s great,” he said. “He doesn’t slow down much either.”
“Still working at the liquor store?” Brian asked.
“Always. I told him he didn’t need to, but he said he can’t stand sitting home and daytime TV sucks. He enjoys it and it gives him something to do.”
He made sure his grandfather didn’t do anything more than sit on his stool, watch the TV playing in the corner and wait on customers as they checked out. Or maybe walked them around and gave them recommendations.
His grandfather worked whatever shifts he wanted and enjoyed it. Cal couldn’t ask for much more than that from his only remaining family in the area.
“Good for him,” Brian said. “So, the pub?”
“I’m meeting with a guy that has a small pub in Clifton Park. He’s been brewing his own beer for a year or so and selling it at the pub. He wants to expand and start bottling and doing kegs. Keeping it local for now in terms of distribution. He needs money for that next step. He buys his liquor from me, so we’ve known each other for years. I think it’s worth looking into.”
“You must keep your accountant very busy,” Brian said, grinning.
“And then some. First step is understanding what Neil, the owner, is looking to do and if I agree with the approach. I’m going to want some of his pub and he might not agree to that.”
“Ahh,” Brian said. “Good move.”
“I know the pub is cash-flow positive. I need some of that stake.”
Cal might only have a two-year degree, but that was by choice. He had a business mind and he was putting it to use. Two more years of school wasn’t going to change the goals he had in life and he was just ready to get moving on it.
“You know what you’re doing,” Brian said. “Oh, hey, Mia. Come in here.” Cal turned his head to see an attractive brunette walk forward. She had a briefcase in her hand. His eyes landed on her black pumps, then moved up her legs to the black skirt, blue button-down shirt tucked in, and a black jacket over it, unbuttoned and landing at her waist. “Cal Perkins, this is Mia Finley. She’s my newest attorney in the office.”
Mia walked forward. “Nice to meet you,” she said.
“You too,” he said. “Finley. Hmmm, that name sounds familiar. Any relation to Caden?”
Her lips moved in a huge smile. “That would be my brother. How do you know him? Or are you one of his clients, in which case, no need to tell me that.”
“I don’t live that far from him. Everyone kind of knows everyone else in Paradise Place.”
“Actually,” Brian said, “if you’re good with it, Cal, I’ll have Mia handle your house closing. I’d like her to get up to speed with your businesses. This way you’ve got access to both of us if something comes up last minute.”
He kept his smile in place. He’d have no problem spending time with the sexy attorney. “Works for me,” he said.
“Good,” Brian said.
Cal stood up. “And I know you’re both busy, so I’ll let you get to work. I’ve got to hit the road to make my meeting anyway.”
“I’m sure you’ll let me know how it works out,” Brian said.
“Of course,” he said and walked to his truck.
He noticed the BMW not far away and wondered if that was Mia’s car. It suited her.
Not him. He was who he was and even though Mia caught his eye, he was a pretty simple man.
Fancy women didn’t get him. They wanted him for what he had but then it wore off fast.
His life wasn’t about rubbing elbows with the rich in suits, but more about the working man who was humble and understood the value of hard work to get where they were.
