Eric
“Do you still think it’s a good idea?”
Marcus’s voice made me jump. I’d been staring at the building so hard that when his voice broke the silence, it made my heart skip a beat. “Um, the restaurant?”
“Yes.” There was the slightest bit of laughter in his voice, even though his face was perfectly blank. He knew what he’d done, and he was enjoying it.
“Enough of a good idea to ask more questions and hear the lawyer and manager out.” I shrugged and reached over to take his hand. “It’s a big deal. I’m not going to downplay that, but it’s the first thing that seemed to feel right to you. With everything else, you knew immediately it wasn’t a good fit.”
He nodded and went back to looking through the windshield at the quiet building. It wouldn’t be open for hours, but we were set to meet Marshall, the estate lawyer, our lawyer, the manager, and the executor of the estate there soon. We’d arrived early because waiting at home was just too frustrating.
I wasn’t sure waiting here was any easier.
Saturdays were usually quiet for us. However, with meetings to go to and finances to sort through, we were going to be busy for a while even if it didn’t work out. The goals for today were fairly simple. Marcus wanted to get a feel for the place, and we both had lists of questions that needed answers before we could figure out the next steps.
“It doesn’t feel wrong, I’ll give you that. I never thought about owning a traditional restaurant, but out of all the business options we’ve come across, this one seemed to have the most promise. I wouldn’t be dependent on a corporation, and it’s something we could do together.” He looked over the building and around the area. “I just don’t want to jump into a business that changes our relationship. Something like this is going to take up a lot of our time, even if it’s well-run by the manager.”
He was right. I nodded and squeezed his hand. “If it goes well, it’s something we could do together. I wouldn’t be working most of the week somewhere else; we’d be together. But it might be too much time together.”
“Time and quality time are very different.” He brought his other hand up and started brushing invisible lint off my shirt.
“Yes, you’re right. So, we put that on the list of things to consider. Making sure there is enough help to give us days off will be important. The business needs to be able to financially support a manager without us having to pay someone out of our own pocket. It’s a business, not our entire life.” I relaxed against the door and rolled the idea around in my head. “If we can’t see a way to make a reasonable schedule work for us so that we have time together at home, then we walk away.”
“Agreed. There’s a lot to consider, but that is the most important thing.” He pulled me close, giving me a quick kiss on the lips.
“We’ll figure it out. So far, the financial part doesn’t seem bad.”
“It seems like it’s priced slightly low. I was expecting the asking price to be higher.” He frowned again and looked over at the business like he was expecting it to talk to him.
I tried not to smile and leaned close to relax against his shoulder. “They might be eager to sell. You remember what the waiter said about the family. The executor of the will was also very clear that he wasn’t going to approve the sale unless it was to the right person. So they need to attract enough people to give him some good prospects.”
There seemed to be some odd stipulations in the will. The family had to be the ones to agree to the sale, but the executor got final approval. It seemed like the previous owner didn’t trust his family not to fight and pick someone out of spite. He’d evidently known his family pretty well.
I wasn’t sure what the executor was looking for in a new owner, but that was one of the reasons for the meeting. Getting to know the man should put us in a better position to understand what was going on. And to convince him that we were the right people, as long as everything worked out.
Marcus snorted and shook his head. “Who knows what that means.”
“We’re not going to jump to conclusions. The lawyer didn’t seem to have a problem with us, so we have no reason to assume the executor will.” Marcus was skeptical that the right person meant a specific lifestyle or belief, but I wasn’t as worried.
“It’s had one owner since the place opened. I’m sure he just wanted someone who would love the place and not change it into a typical chain restaurant or just tear down the business.” I’d been going there for years, and I’d never seen anyone discriminated against or disrespected.
“You’re probably right.” He sighed and stretched in his seat, his back popping.
“You’re finally more stressed than I am.” I shouldn’t have found it funny—but it was. I was usually the worrier, and it was nice to be the steady one for a change. “If this doesn’t work out, you’re going to find something else. There’s no rush.”
We’d gone over our combined finances the other night after we’d spoken with the lawyer and made the appointment. Marcus had wanted to make sure I was aware of what he had and that he wasn’t being overly optimistic about his finances.
We’d both been pleasantly surprised.
I knew Marcus had a pension because he’d worked for the department for twenty-five years, but I hadn’t understood how much he’d saved. I think it was his way of subconsciously planning for someone in his life because he’d been more than diligent—he’d saved an incredible amount.
There hadn’t been time for me to have a pension or save up a ridiculous pile of cash—the age difference and all—but I’d lived simply since graduating college and didn’t have any debt, so he thought I was doing great. The savings I’d accumulated would also go a long way to help supplement our income if we needed it.
Not that I thought we would.
My paycheck was bigger than he’d expected, so we could live on it if we were careful. I’d pointed out that I was a licensed insurance agent and that I’d been doing it for a while. Then I’d teased him about being an old fart and reminded him that gas didn’t cost a nickel anymore, and I was making a livable wage. Getting him worked up was fun.
He’d gone to great lengths to show me he wasn’t ready to be put out to pasture yet.
The restaurant would change things income-wise but only if it wasn’t bringing in sufficient money in the long run. That was one of the things we needed to go over in the meeting. We weren’t prepared to take on something that was financially a sinking ship.
We weren’t expecting anything fabulous right now because as Nathan had pointed out, they were comping things left and right, and with the problems in the kitchen, food revenues had to be down significantly. However, knowing that things had been in the black for the previous owner before he’d died would make a big difference. The waiter seemed to have been saying that the only thing the place was lacking was good management and less drama.
That, we could provide.
Marcus knew people and had that calm, in-control thing going on, so I knew he’d be great at managing people. I might not have any experience with running a business, but I’d learned a ton about talking a crazy customer down and figuring out what was really the problem in a situation, so I figured that would go a long way in the foodservice industry.
Besides, I was planning on hiding with the paperwork, anyway.
“I understand. I just don’t like being at loose ends.” His gaze flickered between the building and the clock on the dashboard. He still had a couple more days of work, but it was mostly just paperwork and final meetings. He wasn’t assigned to the school anymore, and that seemed to be making his restlessness worse.
He needed something to focus on. Marcus thrived on giving a situation his complete attention and doing the best job he could. Whether that single-mindedness was turned toward me or to a job, he needed something to make him feel productive. He was going to be fun when he really retired. I was going to have my hands full making sure he didn’t go bonkers. Thankfully we had years before we got to that point.
“If it comes down to it, I’m sure you’d be a great stay-at-home daddy.” Laughing as he turned to look at me, the expression on his face made my insides whirl.
“Don’t tempt me.” His eyes sparkled, but the rest of his face was so unresponsive it was hard to tell if he was kidding.
“I think a career is probably a good idea.” The fantasy could be fun, but the reality of him picking that part of his life to really concentrate on was a little intimidating.
Marcus grinned and then leaned over to give me a kiss. “No going overboard. Promise.”
“Sure…I know you, Daddy, you’d—”
A knock on the back window made us both jump. It was the waiter from dinner. Rolling down the window as he smiled, we said hello.
“Sorry if I startled you. I don’t know if you remember me, but I’m Zander. I was asked to come in early and open things up for you.” He was serious but not cold, giving us both long looks. “I understand you’re thinking about purchasing it.”
“It’s a possibility. And yes, we remember you. Thanks for coming in early.” Daddy leaned over and extended his hand. “I’m Marcus, and this is my partner Eric. We appreciate it.”
“It’s not a problem. Come on in. The rest of the bunch should be here soon, but we’ll get the coffee going and I can show you around a little.” He glanced around the empty parking lot. “It’s still a few minutes before they’ll get here.”
Nodding, Marcus glanced at the clock. “I’m not one for being late to anything.”
“A good trait for someone who’s looking to own a business.” Zander stepped back from the car and waited while Marcus rolled up the window and turned off the car.
“You ready, Baby?”
“Yes, but do you think he heard me?”
“I know you want me to say no, but I’m actually hoping he did.” Daddy gave me a tender look, and I knew he didn’t like making me nervous. “I’d prefer to know up front if our relationship would be a problem for the employees. We’re not planning on going over the top, but there’s really only so much we’re going to be able to hide. Eventually, one of us will slip and say something that will stand out.”
I hated it when he was right about things like that. I sighed and gave him a frown. “Just because you’re right doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
He reached out and ran a hand over my head, trying to soothe away my worries. “I know. One step at a time.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Not wanting to dawdle and let myself get as worked up as Daddy was—especially when he had a point—I reached for the door. We climbed out and started heading for the restaurant with the waiter leading the way.
I’d expected the waiter to let us in and wander off to do whatever he was supposed to be doing, but I had a feeling entertaining us was top on his to-do list, as well as getting to know the prospective owners to pass on any information to the rest of the employees. Being able to give everyone a heads-up if we were nuts or mean was probably one of his top priorities.
After giving us a quick tour where he turned on lights and started turning things on in the kitchen, we settled at a table toward the back of the room to wait. “I’m going to get some coffee started. Can I get you guys some?”
He glanced between us as he walked back toward the bar. “Soft drink?”
“Coffee’s fine. Eric?”
Caffeine on a Saturday felt weird, but I liked it and drank it during the week, so I nodded. “Yes, thanks.”
Zander started buzzing around a beverage station near the bar. Once the coffee was going, the rich smell started to fill the empty room. He began taking down more chairs and just generally moving around the place, getting it set up for the day. I couldn’t decide if he was one of those people who didn’t like sitting still or if the meeting made him uncomfortable.
Both?
“So before the official meeting takes place and you get the boring stuff, there’s some informal information you need.” His voice was firm and confident, but the pace of his movement increased.
Both.
Something about the way he said it made me…nervous. It was like a blind date going from fine to weird in one sentence. Giving Daddy a side glance, I raised my eyebrows and cocked my head in Zander’s direction.
He could deal with weird. I wasn’t going to.
Daddy just smoothed over a grin and leaned back in his chair. “Shoot. I’m curious about the business and the employees. Knowing just the numbers and spreadsheet side of things isn’t enough.”
Zander nodded, clearly deciding something important, and walked over to the coffeemaker. “The chef quit after there was a blowup about the way he treated one of his kitchen staff. They’re unofficially seeing each other, but everyone knows to ignore the elephant in the room until they work it out.”
Pausing his story for a moment, he filled three mugs and brought them over with some assorted creamers and things to the table. Passing the steaming coffee out, Zander settled down and started to talk again as he doctored his own with so much sugar and creamer it made my stomach hurt. “Well, one of the more conservative members of the family happened to walk in on a private moment after hours and got quite upset. He said some things that both men found offensive, and the situation got out of hand.”
Marcus seemed to be able to read between the lines better than I could because he was nodding and trying not to smile. I got that they’d probably been having sex or something, but I had a feeling I was missing something important.
“Frank, the chef, is a bit fiery and neither of them would back down. When the other…when his lover was threatened with being fired, the chef quit. I can’t say I blame him, personally.” Zander shrugged and leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of his coffee, more confident now that he could see Marcus wasn’t shocked. “Their relationship is a bit passionate, and the chef is…He’s dedicated and produces top-quality food, but he isn’t the easiest person to work with.
“The chef expected an apology and some groveling, but I think the family thought it would be easier to find a replacement than it has been because they made it clear that wasn’t an option. We’re a small establishment that’s in the middle of a rocky transition. There isn’t a reputable chef in about a hundred miles who will quit their job on something that might work or might go under. I think that if new owners can step in and assure Frank that his lover won’t be fired and they’re okay with letting him run the kitchen how he used to, then he’d come back.” Zander smirked a little. “And promising him you’d knock before coming in after hours would be a big help too.”
I had to laugh. “When the kitchen’s a rockin’ don’t come a knockin’?”
He grinned but paused before he nodded. “Oh yes, the sounds are…memorable.”
“I’m assuming any spankings and such were consensual?” Marcus’s words were even, and it sounded like he’d asked about the weather.
My mouth might have dropped open.
Zander laughed. “Yes.”
“I realized why you seemed familiar. I think we have some mutual friends in common, Ben and Conner?”
I probably looked like a cartoon character, but I wasn’t expecting it. I probably should have. Zander gave Marcus an appraising look before responding, “I thought so. I haven’t seen them lately, but I’ve heard about their new business venture.”
“It’s going well, from what I hear.” Marcus was starting to sound more like a Dom or Daddy. I knew he had too many questions to leave things unanswered and vague, but I wasn’t going to pretend to be comfortable.
Daddy took another sip of his coffee. “I wouldn’t interfere with someone else’s relationship as long as it was consensual and away from customers. Employees who are open-minded are important. I’m looking for a new career, but having something that works for my relationship is key.”
I would give myself hell later for not being able to speak up, but it was overwhelming. I hadn’t expected the conversation to head that direction. Yeah, I’d feel like a wimp later, but I was going to stay quiet until I knew what I should say.
Zander responded, “I think this is a very open environment. The previous owner was with his partner for almost thirty years, and he wanted a place that was inclusive but still comfortable for everyone. It’s given the business a family feel, but one that brings in people of all types. I don’t think you’d have any lifestyle issues, although, after a while, some employees will get curious and ask questions. You’ll find that there are several other employees who are acquainted with Ben and Conner as well.”
Great. Everyone was going to know about us right away.
At least nobody would be shocked. And we wouldn’t have to tell anyone or hide too much. I knew that should make me feel better, but I was starting to feel like I’d taken my worries back from Marcus, because he was looking much calmer and I felt like crawling under the table.
“That eases some of my concerns. There are still a lot of issues that need to be reviewed, financials and the like. And there seems to be some questions about what kind of buyer they’re looking for. I’ve gotten some odd, conflicting information from the estate's lawyer.”
“Because the estate's lawyers are very vanilla and were terribly uncomfortable with some of the stipulations in the will.” Zander looked over at the clock and started to stand. “Everyone else should be here any second. Do either of you want any more coffee? I should make a new pot before they arrive.”
“Please and thanks.” Daddy looked over at me, and I just shook my head. More caffeine was probably not what I needed. He smiled and reached out to put one hand over mine before turning to focus on Zander. “Just me. How do you know so much about the business?”
The waiter shrugged and started walking over to the coffeemaker. “I’ve worked here for several years so that’s helped, but you’re also looking at the assistant manager.” Zander sighed and looked like he was trying to push his emotions away. “Walter was going to start looking for new owners in the next year or so, but he died unexpectedly. He’d been sick—cancer—but the doctors thought he might be able to beat it.”
Marcus didn’t seem surprised to learn that Zander was more than just a waiter. It made sense. He’d known too much about the business and the owners to just be an employee. “I’m sorry to hear that. It’s hard losing a friend, especially when it’s unexpected.”
“Thank you.” His emotions were firmly packed away again. “I think he would have liked you. I hope we can answer all your questions about the business.”
“This is just a first step; I’ve still got meetings with the bank and there’s a lot to go over. And even then, there’s the executor to consider. If he doesn’t approve the sale, none of that matters.” Marcus shrugged and glanced over at the front of the restaurant as a group of men and women in suits piled in.
“I wouldn’t worry about that.” Zander walked back over to the table with more mugs and containers of creamer and sugar.
“Why’s that?” Marcus frowned at him.
Zander just stuck out his hand. “Alexander Randolph, assistant manager and executor extraordinaire. Nice to meet you.”