Page 84 of Brewing Up My Fresh Start
Every muscle in my body goes cold. “David Norris called you?”
“David Norris, founder of Norris Coffee Enterprises. Says he’s expanding to coastal North Carolina and heard through industry contacts that we’ve developed an innovative approach to community partnerships.” Scott’s voice carries an edge I’ve never heard before. “Grayson, this man knows details we haven’t made public.”
I’m out of bed, pacing. “What kind of details?”
“Grant applications. Historic preservation strategies. Community development models. He mentioned collaborative frameworks and sustainable tourism integration—terminology that’s only in our internal documents and the research Michelle’s been sharing with us.”
The research Michelle shared with me. The trust she placed in our partnership after protecting herself from exactly this kind of vulnerability. The innovative solutions we developed together that could now be weaponized against everything she’s built.
“Did he say why he was calling you instead of contacting Michelle directly?”
“He said he preferred to discuss expansion opportunities with development partners before approaching local business owners about potential collaboration.” Scott pauses, and papers rustle. “Translation: he wants to steal our model and undercut both of us before we can establish market presence.”
My chest tightens with panic mixed with rage. “Scott, this man destroyed Michelle’s first business. Stole her recipes, her business plan, her financial backing. She hasn’t trusted anyone romantically because of what he did.”
“Which makes his sudden interest in our project particularly concerning. Grayson, if he’s targeting Twin Waves because of Michelle’s involvement, we need to consider the implications for our timeline and investor relationships.”
Investor relationships. Professional concerns that should be secondary to protecting the woman I’m falling in love with, but suddenly feel dangerous.
“What kind of implications?”
“The kind where a well-funded competitor uses insider information to launch a parallel project, steal our community partnerships, and potentially sabotage our development before we can establish ourselves.” Scott’s voice turns grimmer. “NorrisCoffee Enterprises has deep pockets and a track record of aggressive expansion tactics.”
I stop pacing, the full horror of the situation crashing over me. By working with Michelle, by encouraging her to share her research, by building professional intimacy alongside personal connection, I’ve potentially given David Norris exactly what he needs to destroy her all over again.
And if he succeeds, I’ll have become the reason she gets betrayed twice.
“There’s more,” Scott continues. “I did some quick research after his call. Norris’ expansion model involves identifying successful local businesses, studying their operations, then moving into the same markets with superior funding and corporate efficiency.”
“You think he’s planning to target Michelle specifically.”
“I think he’s planning to target our entire project, and Michelle’s involvement makes her the obvious vulnerability. If he can replicate her community development approach with better resources...” Scott trails off, but I understand the implication.
Michelle loses everything. Again. Because she trusted me.
“The investors are already nervous about timeline delays and community opposition,” Scott says carefully. “If Norris creates additional competition or regulatory complications, we could lose backing entirely.”
“So what are you suggesting?”
“I’m suggesting we need to protect our interests. Which might mean reducing Michelle’s visible involvement in the project until we can establish stronger legal and financial protections.”
Reducing Michelle’s involvement. Cutting her out of the collaboration we’ve built together, the partnership that’s becomethe foundation for everything meaningful in my professional and personal life.
“You want me to push her away to protect the project.”
“I want us to make smart business decisions that don’t expose either of you to unnecessary risk. If Norris is hunting for vulnerabilities, Michelle’s current role makes her a target.”
The logic is sound and completely devastating. Protecting Michelle means ending our professional partnership. Protecting our development means sacrificing the collaboration that made it worth pursuing in the first place.
“I need to think about this.”
“Don’t think too long. Norris mentioned he’s planning a site visit to Twin Waves next week to assess local market conditions.” Scott’s voice softens slightly. “Grayson, I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but sometimes protecting a loved one means making choices they won’t understand.”
After hanging up, I stare at the ceiling for hours, running calculations that all lead to the same devastating conclusion: loving Michelle might mean losing her to keep her safe.
By morning, I’ve made the decision that will either save my relationship or destroy it completely.
Me: Can we meet at your place before you open? Need to discuss project timeline changes.
