Page 9 of The Dating Prohibition
A twinge of something stirred in Kendra’s chest, and she looked down at the table, clearing her throat. She took a sip ofwater before turning toward her uncle. Her breathing shallowed as she waited, her hands fidgeting under the table until Lanireached out and held them.
Uncle Ronnie steepled his fingertips, his elbows resting on the table. “Well, it does sound like an interesting concept,”he started. “I’m just worried that with such limited seating, you won’t garner enough revenue to turn a profit. The bar conceptis interesting and could be successful, but I think the supper club would be a drain. Would you consider opening just thebar?”
Kendra’s heart dropped. “I really don’t want to do that. I think the concepts go hand in hand, and the exclusivity of thedining experience can help drive the cost and eventually justify adding a second seating. In my mind, we’d start smaller andbuild. My research shows me that pop-up-style restaurants can be profitable because there’s less overhead and because of thefrequency of the menu changes.”
“Do you have numbers to show me?” Ronnie’s face was all business.
Her mouth went slack as her eyes darted around the table for help. “I didn’t know we were going to have this conversation today! I have everything at home, but I just didn’t anticipate that we’d be talking about this before the launch. I could run home and get it to walk you through everything.” Her eyes pleaded.
Her uncle turned to Logan. “What do you think of the proposal? I’m assuming you’ve seen it?”
Logan sat back in his chair. “I haven’t, but Kendra knows her stuff. She’s always been one to overprepare. You know data isher thing, so she’d never skimp on research.”
I hate that they talk about me like I’m not here. But at least Logan has my back...The silence that followed was loud and had everyone squirming in their seats. “Seriously, I can just run home right quick.”
Ronnie pressed his lips together and shook his head. “Sorry, kiddo, it doesn’t seem to me that there’s enough fully formedfor me to consider this. But keep putting together your business plan with as much of the financial projections as you can,the price points for your drinks, your tasting menu, any wine pairings, and be really honest about your projected overheadand anticipated patronage. It’s completely possible that you’ll be able to get a bank business loan.”
Kendra’s shoulders slumped, and she tried to keep her emotions from broadcasting over her face. She already had all of thosepieces together, but he was acting like she was unprepared simply because she hadn’t planned to bogart her brother’s prelaunchdinner to talk about her own venture.I just need a chance.“I understand. I’ll try that route.”
BJ tilted his head, studying her face before he mouthed,Okay?She bit her lip and nodded, but she knew he saw right through her brave face.
Shonda patted Kendra’s leg and rose from the table to goback to the kitchen and check on the cooking staff with the Porters, Lani, and Auntie Al in tow. Uncle Ronnie followed BJ to peruse the bottles he had been unboxing.
Logan reached over and squeezed her shoulder. “I’ll help you with your plan. Let’s go over it together,” he offered quietly.“There’s something to this concept that makes me think it’s gonna work.”
She looked at him for a long moment. “Thank you, brother,” she whispered. They stood, and she wrapped her arms around theside of his waist. “You’re the best.”
“Come on. Show me some of the other potential drinks we can steal from you for our specials tomorrow,” he teased, laughingmischievously.
“You got it. There are a couple that are less sweet that I think you’d approve of,” she said, following him around the bar.“And I made a few different simple syrups for us to test out.”
He smiled wryly. “Always prepared.”
“I try, anyway.” She exhaled her frustration, closing her eyes to center herself.
“Hey, it’s going to work out.” Her brother nudged her.
Kendra’s eyes rounded as she looked at her brother, her gaze blurring from the moisture threatening to fall. “But what ifit doesn’t?” she whispered. Footsteps nearing caught her attention, and she glanced quickly to see who was approaching. BJ.He probably wants to check on me.God, I don’t want him to see me like this.She turned toward her brother, who signaled that they needed a minute.
Logan paused for a beat. “Hey...” His face softened.
“What if I can’t do this?” she breathed.
He squeezed her arm so she’d look him in the eye. “Nope, we don’t do that. You know better than that, Keke. There’s nocan’tjust like there’s no giving up. You can and you will. It only takes one yes. Don’t give up on your dream.”
She nodded, tossing her head back and waving her hands to will her tears not to fall. “You’re right.” She held back a sob.“I know you’re right.”
Logan handed her a cocktail napkin. “When are you gonna learn, sis? I’m always right.” He gave her his playful, tight-lippedsmile as she took in a deep breath and relaxed.
She rolled her eyes at him. “You know sometimes you really can be insufferable.”
“That’s the cross I bear as an older brother,” he chuckled. “Now, let’s see about these cocktails.”
Chapter 3
The following evening, the first guests began to arrive at the restaurant, each of them exploring the features of the establishmentand marveling at the selections made for fixtures and decor. Shonda welcomed people at the door and introduced herself, whileLani played hostess, checking in the guests and then guiding them to their reserved tables.
“Hi there, welcome to PALATE,” Kendra greeted guests taking seats at the bar. She was clad in all black, the requested uniformfor everyone working with the team, and was behind the bar to make specialty cocktails while Logan handled wine pours andtheir standard house cocktails. “How are y’all doing tonight?”
