Chapter 39 James
James
My mind is racing as I replay everything we discussed and decided during our meeting with the attorneys. It’s a lot to process, but beneath the chaos, one thing feels solid. We have a plan. A damn good one.
I pull into a parking space outside Deb’s Diner and take in the nearly empty lot.
It’s a little before three o’clock, so it’s too late for lunch and too early for dinner.
My gaze drifts to the building’s faded paint and the flickering neon sign overhead.
Several letters have burned out, leaving it to read eb’s Dine.
I don’t know much about neon signs, but that thing either needs fixing or replacing.
Chuckling, I can’t help but think that Georgie probably has an idea for it already. New colors, a different font, a smaller or larger logo, or warmer-toned bulbs.
Inside, Sheila greets me with a smile. “Table for one? Or is Georgie meeting you here before her shift?”
“Just me,” I say.
After the first time I ate here, I’ve been back several times.
While I enjoy the food, I love seeing Georgie floating around the place as she works, gliding from table to table with a huge smile pasted across her face.
Over my visits, I’ve gotten acquainted with Sheila.
If she finds it odd that my wife works full time at Deb’s while I make a good living playing music, she’s never said a word to either of us.
“Actually, I wanted to discuss something with you.”
She blinks, placing a hand on her chest and asks, “Me?”
“I have a business proposition for you, and I hope you’ll hear me out.”
A furrow forms between her brows as she suggests, “Let’s sit down.” Sheila leads me to a corner booth, and I slide onto the bench across from her.
“Georgie loves this place,” I begin. “She loves working here, but I want more for her. So, I’d like you to consider a partnership.” I take a breath. “I want to purchase half of Deb’s. You’d retain majority ownership at fifty-one percent, and the remaining forty-nine percent would go to Georgie.”
We spend a few minutes discussing numbers and the valuation process.
Sheila is the sole owner of both the land and the diner itself, which is a rarity these days.
When I ran my idea by my financial advisor, he wasn’t thrilled since the restaurant industry is fickle, but he felt better about it knowing that even if the restaurant fails, the land could be sold to a developer for a pretty penny.
So, the potential exists to lose some money, but not my entire investment.
Of course, I didn’t tell him I planned to put it in Georgie’s name only. So yes, I’ll lose everything I invest. But what Georgie would gain—stability, independence, something that’s hers—matters far more to me than the money ever could.
“With the influx of cash,” I continue, “you could afford to make repairs, advertise, hire additional staff. Bringing Georgie on as a partner would give you the freedom to step away from the diner when you want to, for vacations or even just to have a scheduled day or two off per week. And it will give Georgie peace of mind. I don’t know how much she’s told you about her childhood, but she didn’t grow up having much stability.
She’s never really had anything permanent to call her own. ”
Sheila sits back in the booth, pulling on her bottom lip. “You’ve obviously given this a lot of thought, James.”
I don’t deny it.
“You’ve given me a lot to think about, too.”
“I know I’ve dumped a lot on your plate all at once, so I don’t want your answer now.
But if you’d consider my offer, I’d appreciate it.
If you decide you’re interested, I can have my lawyers draw up a partnership agreement.
” I hesitate before adding, “For now, I’d rather you not mention any of this to Georgie.
She’d fight me tooth and nail because she’d see it as a handout.
” A smile tugs at my lips. “She much prefers to earn her keep.”
Sheila grins. “Yep, that sounds like Georgie. You know she’s already been helping me rethink and revitalize things around here, right?”
“I do. Seeing how excited she’s been about it is what gave me the idea.”
“It would be your money fronting the partnership, James. How involved would you be in the restaurant?” Sheila tilts her head, studying me. “I know Georgie, but I don’t know you very well. So, jumping into business with you…” she trails off, leaving her statement unfinished.
“That’s fair. I have no desire to be involved other than to support Georgie. If you want my opinion on something, I’ll give it, but otherwise, I’ll leave it to y’all to run Deb’s.”
Holding out her hand, she grins, “Then I think you’ve got yourself a deal.”
After shaking her hand, I stand to leave. “Oh, and Sheila, call in your other waitress to work tonight.”
She cocks her head. “Why? Are you going to take Georgie out to celebrate or something?”
“No, I’d like to hammer everything out with the lawyers before we loop Georgie in on the partnership.
But I think you’ll need all hands on deck tonight.
I’ve invited the rest of the band to Deb’s for an early dinner tonight.
Thought it might be beneficial for Deb’s if some photos of us eating here finally find their way onto social media. ”
After we ate lunch here, Hayes hasn’t stopped talking about how good the Norm burger was, and Rowdy practically licked his plate clean.
Even Josh hasn’t said a single snide comment about Deb’s since, so I know he liked the food, too.
When I texted them earlier asking if they’d like to meet for an early dinner tonight, they all jumped at the offer.
Sheila’s smile grows. “Which might bring in some new customers.”
“That’s the plan, boss.”