Chapter 11 #3
“Everyone on the team contributes to the success of Ray’s. Why shouldn’t I reward them for their dedication and loyalty? Without them, all of this means nothing.”
He grunted while tapping his cigarette butt on the table. I could tell a million thoughts raced in his mind. “What did Helen say?”
“She likes the idea.”
“Okay. Let me think about it and get back to you in a week.”
I nodded. “Okay.”
He held out his hand, sealing his promise to consider the proposal. I knew all that meant was he would call my mother.
“I’m gonna take this on the patio,” he said, holding up the cigarette. “You’re doing a good job, boy,” were his parting words before leaving the room.
Once he was gone, Summer pushed out a breath. “He is something else,” she groused. “You think he’s going to agree to it?”
“Mama is waiting for his call any day now. She knows what to say to get him to agree.”
Summer smirked. “Do you know what she says to him?”
“Nope, and don’t care either. I just want him back in Jersey and out of my hair as soon as possible.”
“I know that’s right,” she said with a laugh.
We gathered the papers from the table, then Summer put them into a file folder.
I tucked the floor-plan under my arm before walking to my office.
After placing the documents in the appropriate cabinets, I checked my phone for missed calls and texts.
Robyn had texted me about ten minutes ago, seeing if I was available to meet up with her.
Since returning home, we’d been drowning in our work.
I had this meeting with my uncle looming over my head.
Robyn jumped right into training her staff and preparing to open.
The mini press tour she had after passing her sommelier exam was more demanding than she let on.
Our calls were short and texts were infrequent.
I knew it was only a matter of time before one of us changed that.
NADIR:
Where did you want to meet?
ROBYN:
There’s an ice cream truck at the park today…
NADIR:
32 FLAVORZ. I know the owner, Peaches.
ROBYN:
Are there really 32 flavors?
I smiled while typing my response.
NADIR:
Only one way to find out.
After trying several of Peaches’s selections, we settled on a half dozen scoop tray of Robyn’s favorites. We sat on a bench nearby and observed people as they passed. Robyn lay her head on my shoulder and sighed.
“I might have bitten off more than I can chew,” she said.
“Six scoops of ice cream is greedy.”
She laughed. “I’m talking about the opening. There’s so much going wrong.”
While she listed her issues, I thought of possible solutions.
From delayed shipments to misprints of the menu, she was experiencing just about every issue first time restaurant owners encountered.
I understood how frustrating it could be to have so many things happening at once, especially with the soft opening just around the corner.
“Hit up Khalil and see if you can use his printer for the menus. He sometimes uses a high gloss paper for special editions of the Roseville Gazette. For the soft opening, focus on sitting guests at tables. The bar can be a place for people to mingle. How many barstools do you have now?”
“I only have eight. I’m waiting for six more. Like, why would they allow me to order fourteen if they’re backordered?”
I shook my head, wondering about the same thing. “Place as many stools as you can in the front of the bar and leave an opening on the side closest to the tasting room. The wait staff can use it as a space for bar orders. What else?”
Robyn hummed while eating another spoonful of ice cream. “My farm contact hasn’t responded to any of my emails since sending a counteroffer.”
“We’ll visit The Fruit Stand tomorrow and see if you can work with them.”
“You have all the solutions, huh?”
I laughed. “I try.”
“You know what else I need?”
My groin tightened. “What’s that?”
“A movie night. You busy tonight?”
I shook my head. “Not at all. I was thinking about heading home early today. The meeting I had with my uncle was enough work for the day.”
Robyn grinned. “Okay. Meet me at my house at seven.”
We stood at the same time, facing each other.
“It’s a date,” I said.
“It’s a movie night,” Robyn stressed.
She bit her bottom lip, fighting the urge to smile. I took a step closer then scooped her into a hug.
“I’ll see you later, G.” I kissed her cheek.
Our eyes met; the softness in her eyes hit me in the groin. My Goldie was so oblivious to her power over me. The moment she realized it; I’d be no good.
Reluctantly, I let her go.
“See you later.” Robyn waved while backing away.
My chest tightened from the sultry look in her eyes.
When she turned around, I began walking in the opposite direction.
I shook my head, hating how easily she affected me.
The hold she had on me was torturous, especially since I couldn’t go all out like I wanted.
No matter how much I enjoyed being her person, I had to remember what was on the line.
With that in mind, I shut down my burgeoning feelings for her.