Page 65 of The Dating Prohibition
Kendra’s smile grew wider.I want that.Her gaze focused on BJ.
He smiled warmly at Gloria, though his expression quieted as he caught Kendra’s eye.
She refocused, clearing her throat. “That’s an amazing plan. Is there a bucket list location that you are really hoping tohit?”
“You know, we’ve been to various parts of Northern and Southern Africa, but we have plenty more to visit—I reallywant to go to Ghana, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. I also want to go to Lagos. So to me, those locations would be the shining glory of our trips, but we also have a strong desire to visit different parts of Asia for an extended amount of time.
“I haven’t spent a ton of time in Europe, but I’ve always wanted to see Ireland and visit some of the lesser-known islandsin Greece.”
“Ugh,” Kendra said and clutched her heart. “I’m so jealous of what you’re about to do. You’re going to be living the dream!”
“Thank you, dear. So, do you have any questions about the place?”
“I’m just kind of curious about some of the upkeep, what the permit system looks like since I’m not from here. I know thatit’s probably very different from what we have in DC, but also, I want a sense of, you know, what you find to be a reasonableprice because I do need to see if it’s actually within my budget. I simply can’t imagine that you’re really selling this placefor the price that Auntie Mack mentioned.”
“Well, I’m sure she told you that it’s not yet on the market. And so I have it at that number, which is specifically set foryou if you decide that this is something that you would like to purchase. If it does end up going on the market instead, we’llof course increase the price to market value because we know people have been clamoring for it even when we weren’t willingto sell.
“We know we can get more than what we’re asking for, but for the right person with the right plan, we want to make it accessible. Even though we don’t have kids of our own, we believe in generational wealth, and even at this discounted price, we’re making a great profit, and with our other investments it’ll be enough to fund our adventures from here on out.” Gloria’s face was warm, the lines around her eyes crinkled. “I’veknown your aunt for a long time and she’s good stock. And so if you come from this stock, I know you are too.”
From the corner of Kendra’s eye, she saw BJ nodding in agreement. She blushed deeply as she glanced in his direction.
He wasn’t smiling, but he did look proud of her.
“Well, thank you. I appreciate that. Auntie Mack is everything that I’ve always wanted to be—she is strong and brilliant andbrave. And she is one hundred percent her own person. She’s never shied away from going after the things that she wanted andso she’s been a great example for me.”
“Oh, sweetie.” Auntie Mack wrapped her arms around her niece’s middle. “You are like a second daughter to me and I’m so proudof you for going after this dream that you’ve had for so long.”
“I took some detours to get to this place, and I almost gave up on it completely at one time, but it really feels possiblenow.”
“It’s not just possible, baby. It’s coming.”
“I receive that.” Kendra nodded.
“Well, let’s sit down and talk through some particulars and see what’s what?” Gloria offered.
“Yes, let’s. But to be transparent, I do need some time to think because the one thing holding me back is a potential locationin DC that is also at this price point. The biggest advantage of being there is that I’d be near other family members whoare also restaurant owners and we’d be able to kind of collaborate on things from time to time. Having that support systemwould probably make things easier for me.”
“I completely understand, dear. We’re not in a huge rush. Ideally, we’d love to know something within the next four to six weeks. But if you find that you need more time and you’re still really serious about it, we could consider giving you more time before we go public. Here, let’s sit.” Gloria gestured toward a large family-style table in the center of the room, whichKendra imagined replacing with barstools, though she was tempted to have one giant table within the bar area that would allow people to mix and mingle.
So many ideas came to mind, and she found herself excitedly scribbling down notes as Gloria described different parts of thebusiness model she and her husband had forged over the course of decades.
Following their visit to the property, Kendra and BJ took Auntie Mack to dinner at a beautiful Southern-style location withvines wrapped around wooden beams and warm lighting.
“This food is so good.” Kendra swayed in her seat, her eyes closed as she savored a bite of blackened red drum. “So good,”she repeated, shaking her head.
Auntie Mack laughed, her voice ringing and feminine. “You know, BJ, she has always had this kind of relationship with food.”
“Oh, I know,” he replied, grinning. “She used to make Logan and me treats when we would get home from school. I’d come overto study with him and hang out and as a snack she would make these sandwiches that were so elaborate in terms of their presentation—shewould even cut off the crusts.”
“Oh lord.” Kendra hung her head, a deep blush crawling up her skin.
“So, what do you think, sweetheart? About the property. Do you think it’s something that you would want?”
“I do. Honestly, I’m really in love with it. I think it’s perfect—it’s just not in DC.”
“Could you see yourself living in Charleston?” BJ asked, scooping a spoonful of red beans and rice into his mouth.
“I could. You know, like, it’s vastly different, but there’s something about this place. It’s got a nice vibe. I could seemyself living here.”
