Page 118 of The Other Guy

“What’s that?”

“Well, your case is a little more unique because the bar’s not in financial trouble, but he’d go into run-down restaurants and re-work them so they were functioning again.”

“No shit?”

“No shit. He helped rebuild a lot of places in Michigan.”

“I think you have some of that same talent.”

I don’t tell him that it was before I even met my dad, but he has taught me a thing or two over the years and I know what works and what doesn’t. What Kyle’s had going on seems to work, but that doesn’t mean that a change can’t help give the business a little push.

He clamps a hand on my shoulder. “You’re a good man, Jack. Thank you for your help. It’s not that my customers seem unhappy, but I’d like to offer something a little more than what I am now. Shake it up a little.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but are you sure you want to do that now?”

“You mean because I’m an old man?”

I raise my hands in the air in surrender. “Don’t put words in my mouth.”

Chuckling, he explains, “I’m in good health. I don’t have plans to retire soon, but now Sierra’s here and I’m sure you’ve figured out that she’s the sole beneficiary in my will. Anything I have goes to her when I pass on. I’d like her to have something she would be proud to run, if she chooses to keep it. If she decides she wants to sell it, I want that to be easy for her to do. Updating makes sense.”

“Wow. I didn’t realize that.”

“Not sure she even knows. I need to probably tell her.”

“Are you sure she wants The Landing?”

“No clue. That’s why I said if she wants to sell, she can. I just want her happy. That’s all.”

“She’s got great parents, Kyle. But you? You’re pretty incredible. I’m glad she’s had you all these years.”

He seems to get a little choked up at that and excuses himself to go do some inventory. I decide to eat some of that “boring bar food” he’s been talking about and order myself a beer to wash down the loaded nachos and buffalo chicken tenders.

I watch part of a game on the TV hanging in the corner and shoot off a text to Sierra.

Me: I’m still at Kyle’s. Just ordered some food and a beer. You want to come join me?

Sierra: How can a girl resist that offer?

Me: That was my hope.

Sierra: Be there in ten. I’m anxious to hear how today went.

Me: Drive safe.

Sierra: I’ll take all the chances I can.

“Here ya go, Jack. I’ll be out with the food shortly.” The waitress, I think her name is April, places the ice cold beer on the coaster in front of me.

“Thanks. Sierra’s on her way. Can I add some of the fried mushrooms, too?”

“Absolutely.”

“Appreciate it. She loves them. April, right?”

She smiles big. “That’s right. Good memory.”

“I try. You’ve come into my gym before, haven’t you?” I take a long drink of my beer. It’s a little citrusy and the hops flavor is perfect.

---