Chapter 17 #2
“I’m with you when you’re right. However, I needed to prove to myself that I could do this without too much assistance from my family. Every move I make is compared to Starling or my parents. I have to set myself apart from them.”
Opal shook her head and chuckled. “Opening a restaurant and wine bar in a small town with an emerging food scene is ballsy. That’s right out of the Gold handbook.”
“It is, but I’ve managed to make most decisions without their counsel. The only way I will gain their respect is if I prove that I can do this off merit.”
“But you know they’re itching to help with something.” Opal’s eyes met mine.
“I know.” I picked up a red dot and placed it over table one. Tilting my head to the side, I marked off all the tables we’d assigned for the first serving time, then eyed the chart.
It was true that my parents were waiting for me to ask for help.
Out of pure stubbornness and determination, I’d worked on my business plan, applied for loans, and bought this building without their guidance.
I was immensely grateful to my parents. They gave me my first job and allowed me to dabble in every facet of the business.
When I expressed interest in becoming a sommelier, they paid for my stay in Italy, where I worked at a vineyard.
For each exam, they covered my travel, which I never took for granted.
They were pivotal in the groundwork for my career.
However, I had to create and maintain connections, and I bust my ass, making sure my work ethic was second to none.
Starling had proven himself as their protege and heir to their restaurant group, The Gold Standard.
All eyes were on me, especially with Raven doing her own thing.
I wasn’t so naive to think their influence hadn’t played a role in some way.
I couldn’t rely on my parents and brother’s reputations to carry my career.
“I mean, filming the soft opening is their way of helping.” Carmen’s observation made my stomach roll. The thought crossed my mind more than once. I didn’t dwell on the notion because there were other pressing matters. Decoding their intentions wasn’t one at the moment.
“The exposure won’t hurt us.” Opal was cool, calm, and collected because she was a reality TV vet.
“I agree,” Carmen said.
“I’m not all the way on board with it, but I trust you guys will have my back and make sure B his eyes filled with tears. This was the exact reason I wanted this moment in private. Holding my breath, I held back tears.
“We couldn’t be prouder,” my mom said, rubbing my other arm. I swiped away the tear that betrayed me by falling.
“Your mom told me not to say it, but I’m going to anyway.”
Here it goes, the critiques and criticism.
My stomach tightened as I waited for the other shoe to drop. I looked at my mom for help. She was too busy glaring at my dad, which only worsened the knots twisting in my stomach.
“I felt slighted when you left us out of your plans. We have all the connections and resources you could ever need.” My dad stood confidently; spine straight, shoulders back with his hands in his pockets, juxtaposing the disappointment in his eyes.
“But after seeing how everything came together, I couldn’t have executed this vision. ”
“Which is what I told him,” Mom added.
His smile was coy as he nodded. “She did. I guess the adage is true about a mother knowing best.”