Page 41 of Brazen
“You’d believe in me that much?”
“I’ve been waiting for you to come up with the big plan for years, like when you organized the escape at summer camp.”
Our parents had decided one summer to stick us in boys' camp when we were thirteen. The girls were across the lake, and I’d been determined to escape and meet some girls. Kir had recruited a few others to make a team to get across the lake for one glorious night. I’d had the dream, but Kir had done the work, even then.
“Are we witnessing the birth of an airline, and do we all get free perks to fly anytime?” Britney asked.
Kir laughed.
Hope was tense next to me. I pushed my seat back. “Can I talk to Hope?”
Kir said, “Of course.”
Her friends all smiled at her, but we walked away from the table. I needed her on board. Our company was stronger with Kir on board, though.
Hope held her waist. “So, what do you think?”
I sucked in my breath and took her hand. “He’s probably the best idea I can think of as a partner.”
“Did you invite him here to just spring the idea on me again?”
“Not exactly.”
Her face crumpled, but then she blinked and met my gaze. “Can I ask why you think bringing him into the plan is a good idea?”
His being there also meant I wouldn’t distract myself and constantly take her back to the bedroom. I told her, “He’s brilliant at seeing details. When Gerard started his oil business, Kir helped out a lot with forming the details because he could create a full blueprint of what needed to be done and on a schedule. Besides, I trust him, and this way, we all focus on what we’re good at.”
Her expression seemed hollow. I couldn’t explain it, but it was there as she said, “Then I’ll handle advertising.”
My heart twisted. “You’re still in as a partner, Hope.”
Her eyes widened. “I am?”
I kissed her forehead then heard our table cheering. So I hugged her. “I need you both.”
“Okay,” she said, though her face was pinched as she took my hand.
As we returned to the table, I told Kir, “So, I’d love to have you on the team.”
Kir nodded. “I’ll tell Pedar and Warren in the morning. Then I’ll work on getting us the capital funding we’ll need.”
Hope looked at both of us. “Funding?”
Kir nodded. “We’re not using our trust funds.”
“Why not?”
Kir stared at me like I was crazy. “Why take the risk when I can build equity from investors?”
I nodded.
“I’ll get the prospective started," he said.
Her friends all drank. I wasn’t sure what to say. I wasn’t sure what Hope and I even were right now, but I sat back. “Girls, I think Kir needs to relax first.”
Britney said, “We’re waiting for him to take Avril to the dance floor.”
April’s blush was bright red.
