Page 94 of Body Shot

“Yeah,” I agree. “I mean, I get the intent. But it’s a problem for us because our drinks aren’t cheap. It makes the ratio of food to alcohol difficult.”

“That’s true,” Danny agrees. “Rather than base it on food sales versus liquor sales in dollars, it should be based on theamountof alcohol we’re selling. We can lobby for change, but it’s not going to happen overnight.”

“Right.” I sigh. “Okay, so we need to sell more food. I had dinner at the Sandbar a while back with Hayden. She was raving about the fresh chips and salsas. They were really good. Not stuff out of a jug.” I look at Sid. “You up for trying some new things?”

“Sure.” Sid looks wary. “But the chef at that restaurant has won all kinds of awards. I’m not that kind of chef.”

“Yeah, we know.” I have my doubts about Sid’s abilities too, but Cade, Marco, and I have talked and agreed we should give him a shot.

“I can come up with some ideas,” Sid says.

“We need to think about what our customers expect,” Danny says. “The food needs to fit with our concept. The same quality, selection, and service we put into serving drinks should be put into serving bar food.”

“Not Buffalo-style chicken wings,” Cade says dryly.

“But maybe some kind of wings. A little more Mexican.”

Sid makes a face. “Chipotle wings?”

“Hey, that’s not bad.” Marco nods. “Put a little twist on the usual bar food.”

“We can charge more for the food too,” Danny says. “Our clientele knows this isn’t a cheap watering hole. They expect quality tequila and other drinks. So they expect that in the food too.”

“Will we need to add equipment to the kitchen?” I ask. I have the money to do whatever we need to, but I don’t want to say that. The guys are a little touchy about how much I contribute, since they can’t match it.

“I don’t think so,” Sid says. He sweeps a hand across his forehead and gulps. Great. He’s terrified. Well, we have to give this a shot.

We spend more time talking about budgets and different marketing ideas. When we finish up, I glance at my watch.

“Got a date?” Marco asks.

“It’s not a date. I’m picking up dinner and meeting Hayden at her place.” I stand.

Cade smirks. “Yeah, you’ve gone past dating, and have settled into domesticity.”

“Fuck that, we have not. We’re just having fun.”

“Uh-huh. You’ve been seeing a lot of her. You can’t deny this is different for you.”

No, I can’t. I shrug. “Yeah. So what? Hayden’s different.”

“You mean that in a good way, right?” Marco frowns.

“Fuck, yeah.”

“Okay, good, ’cause I was gonna have to punch you if you insulted her.”

I eye my buddy. “You’re defending her?”

“I like her.”

I narrow my eyes. “What does that mean?”

Marco laughs and slaps my shoulder. “You’re fucking jealous! This is hilarious.”

“It really is.” Cade grins. “Don’t get your dick in a knot.”

“I really don’t like you thinking about my dick.”

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