Page 96 of Fake It Till We Fall
“So you’re saying…”
“What I’m saying, Grayson, is that as long as you have some financing lined up, and a solid plan, the way you say you do…”
I nodded. “I do.”
“I have no doubt.” He pushed himself slowly to his feet. “Then I’d say I’m sure we can work something out.”
“What about Homeworks?”
“What about them?” He shrugged. “I haven’t signed anything yet. I’m sure they’ll find some other small town with a store they can get their franchise hands on. But it won’t be mine. What do you say?” He held out his hand.
I stared at it for a second before clasping it in my own and pulling the older man in for a hug.
He was shaking his head when he pulled away. “Like I said, I always hoped you’d be the one to take over things. I guess you just needed a little push.”
A shaky laugh escaped me. “That seems to be a theme in my life lately.”
For the first time, Ollie grinned. “Good. Then consider this your official push. Why don’t we sit down tomorrow and look at the details?”
My shoulders sagged, relief rushing through me so fast my knees almost buckled. “Thank you, Ollie. You won’t regret this.”
Ollie picked up his coffee and bag of snacks and, with a wink, said, “Something tells me I won’t.”
Chapter 26
Harper
By the time I made it downstairs to the kitchen, Kevin was already hard at work.
“Do you ever rest?” I joined him at the stove to see what smelled so good. “You do know we’re closed today, right?”
My new head chef laughed and offered me a spoon to taste the delicious soup he was stirring. “I know, but I woke up with an idea for a roasted vegetable soup that I think will be perfect for a lunch special this week. It’s supposed to be a chilly one.”
I took the spoon and dipped it into the soup, blowing on it gently before putting it to my lips. My eyes squeezed shut as the flavors hit my tongue. “This is amazing, Kevin. We’re definitely making this a special.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
“I love it.” I tossed the spoon into the sink and assessed the kitchen I’d grown up working in. It was hard to believe that I’d come full circle after so many years. It felt right.
“Last night was a huge success,” I said after a moment. “I don’t think Willa’s Whisk has ever pulled off a feast like that.”
“It was pretty incredible,” Kevin agreed. “Everyone I talked to afterward told me how much they enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next event.”
I wasn’t surprised; I’d received the same feedback. And even if I hadn’t, I experienced it. What we’d done in the restaurant had been fantastic. It felt good to be creative in the kitchen again.
“We’ll definitely have to start brainstorming about the next one.”
Kevin pointed his ladle in my direction. “So, you haven’t changed your mind? You’re staying?”
“Of course she’s staying.” Grandma burst through the doors to join us. Now that I knew she wasn’t sick at all, she looked even younger and healthier than ever. “And I can’t wait to see what she does with this place. Are you sure you’re up for the challenge of working for her, Kevin?”
“Am I up for it?” Kevin laughed. “I welcome it.”
“You’re probably sick of all my old fuddy-duddy recipes.” Grandma waved an arm in his direction.
“Not at all, Willa.” Kevin wrapped an arm around her shoulders and squeezed gently. “You know I love the classics. But this granddaughter of yours, she’s something special. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with.”
“She certainly is special.” Grandma smiled warmly at me. “And the first thing she’ll need to come up with is a name for the place.”
