Page 22 of The Charming Checklist
“I was ten. I think I’ve done more than the National Spelling Bee championship with my life.”
“I know, dear. I’m just using it as an example of your many achievements. I know you don’t like to brag, but these are things Max should know about you. Max, why don’t you tell us more about yourself?”
Ava expected Max to launch into a dissertation on his career in the navy, followed by his education, degrees and stock portfolio. To her surprise, he didn’t.
Instead, he went into a lengthy discussion on how he and his business partner had saved the Salty Dog from bankruptcy when they’d taken it over last year. He talked about how he’d joined the Chamber of Commerce figuring it was something he should do, and that Ava had been welcoming and encouraging to a new business owner.
“She’s everybody’s cheerleader,” Max finished. “I don’t know what the city would do without her. I know the mayor thinks of Ava as her right-hand woman.”
This was an incredible exaggeration, but Ava sure appreciated it.
“I always thought Ava had a gift of persuasion, which is why I encouraged her to go into law,” Mom continued. “I can see now that the job at the Chamber has been like a stepping-stone. You might be a good fit for politics, Ava.”
Ava nearly spit her water out. And for the first time in the evening, her father perked up. He’d never been fond of lawyers and considered politicians not much better than dirt.
“Katherine, don’t be ridiculous. I won’t havemydaughter making her living by schlepping around begging for votes.”
“I’m talking small-town politics, dear.”
Maybe this might be a good time to remind them all about the coffee shop because she wasn’t throwing her hat into the political arena.
“I’m still planning to start my own business. That’s where my heart is.”
Dad simply closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead like he had a headache coming on. James and Robert consulted their pagers. Angelica played with her diamond-studded necklace.
Mom pursed her lips in her I’ve-about-had-it-with-you look.
“You’ve been planning that for years,” she said. “When is this going to actually happen?”
Four years. She’d come up with the idea after spending a year in Colombia with Nanny Lucia. That gap year? She’d taken itaftergraduating from Princeton. One glorious year of Latin food, roasting coffee beans, music and the carefree life. Then she’d returned to Texas, looked for a job and come up with the idea to start her own coffee shop. She’d specifically researched small towns and found Charming to be very proactive for the small business owner.
“Soon.” Ava tipped her chin. “I have a business plan and now I’ve got the ear of a very savvy businessman who’s helping me address some concerns.”
Beside her, Max draped his arm around her shoulders in a protective stance. He didn’t have to say a word. Mom got the message.
“Max, please talk my daughter out of this foolish idea.”
“It’s not foolish, Mom!” She crossed her arms. “And please don’t put Max in the middle.”
“Not foolish? How about careless? Have you ever heard ofStarbucks? Honey, they’ll squash you like a bug and have fun doing it.”
“Excuse me,” Max said. “Do any of you remember the days before we started paying five dollars for a cup of coffee? No one would have believed in that business model less than me. But most didn’t see the big picture. I believe every business can be successful if there’s a plan in place. A lot of hard work. And Ava works harder than most people.”
“Thank you.” Ava met his eyes, hearing the sincerity in his voice.
“Can we please order now?” Her father said. “The waiter has been circling us like a shark.”
“Dear lord, yes, please,” James said.
“I could eat my left arm,” Robert added.
“Leave it to the men to keep us on a tight food schedule,” Mom said with a laugh.
Attention on Ava lightened during dinner. Max became engaged in conversation with Robert about football, of all things. They seemed to be getting along and sharing a few laughs. James and Dad were discussing aortas, as they expertly cut into their steaks, and Mom and Angelica were talking potty training. Little Eddie appeared ready to conquer potty training ahead of the curve.
“The minute they show any interest at all, take away the diaper. You’ll be glad you did. You might have to go through a few accidents, believe me, but sixteen months isnottoo young. I don’t care what the pediatricians say.”
Her mother, though an ob-gyn, also dispensed child-rearing advice.
